Former Randwick rugby union fullback Ken Thornett came from Leeds on loan.

He played seven matches; Parramatta won six and drew the other.

That's 13 competition points. Parramatta qualified for the semi-finals on 20 points, meaning they gained just seven from an available 22 without Thornett.

Without him, they lost their semi-final to Western Suburbs 6-0.

Jarryd Hayne hasn't come from the clouds, Leeds or anywhere else.

The Eels fullback was already an Origin and international player when Parramatta were three points from the bottom 10 weeks ago.

It just seems like a Hayne never seen before has just joined the club.

Now Hayne is more than in the clouds; he's a superstar up in the stratosphere.

No superlative seems too great, no act of sorcery beyond him.

Like every sport, rugby league needs stars and they don't shine brighter than Hayne.

Not even Thornett in that first, magical cameo.

But Parramatta haven't just made this Sunday's grand final on Hayne's brilliance, though that has been indispensable.

They've made it as a team feeding on confidence and self-belief and because lesser stars have reached heights they didn't seem capable of.

Players like Joe Gulavao, who had his best game of the season in last Friday night's 22-12 win over the Bulldogs.

Like half Jeff Robson, rewarded with man-of-the-match recognition last Friday.

Like Todd Lowrie, who has been among the Eels best for weeks.

The tragedy is that some of these lesser stars will have to shine elsewhere after Sunday because of salary-cap restrictions.

The tragedy will be if captain Nathan Cayless's hamstring injury prevents him from playing in the grand final.

It won't be tragic if Parramatta lose on Sunday.

They've already triumphed in this most memorable of late-season surges.

Wise heads have told the players to enjoy the week. So should Eels fans savour it.

THE SCOREBOARD: NSW Cup: Bulls 40 Wenty 14

Cricket: Hawkesbury 203 P'matta 124