GOOD NEWS OVER PARRAMATTA EELS
WHEN TWO STARS FIND ONE HEARTBEAT — Mackenzie McGrath ✦ Daejarn Asi
Two athletes. One rhythm. A connection that glows like starlight in motion — a beautiful truth that in a world where champions are forged on fields of sweat and glory, the sweetest victories often unfold in the quiet moments: shared smiles, whispered dreams, and two hearts choosing each other again and again. This is the tender, glowing story of Mackenzie McGrath and Daejarn Asi, whose love shines just as brightly as their remarkable sporting brilliance — and for Parramatta Eels fans, it’s a story that will forever be tied to their club’s recent journey.
Daejarn Asi’s time in blue and gold (2023-2024) marked him as a player of incredible heart and versatility, leaving an indelible mark on the Eels despite his 2025 move to the Super League. Stepping up when key players fell to injury, he made 24 NRL appearances — a significant contribution that proved his value to the squad. His breakthrough moment came in Round 6, 2024, when he scored his first Eels try and kicked his first goal in a thrilling win against the Cowboys, sending Parramatta fans into a frenzy. Beyond the top grade, he gained valuable experience in the NSW Cup and showcased his talent on the international stage: representing Samoa in 2023 and lining up for the Māori All-Stars, adding global depth to his growing reputation as a fearless playmaker.
Mackenzie McGrath, meanwhile, has established herself as a true all-rounder with her sights set on the AFLW. As an Australian Rules footballer, she was named All-Australian at the 2019 School Sports Australia carnival (as reported by the Geelong Advertiser) and helped lead Victoria to a gold medal at the national schoolgirls’ carnival in Tasmania, earning a spot in her team’s best players three times in just five games. Her athletic prowess spans multiple codes: as a pitcher for Fordham, she claimed A-10 Pitcher of the Week honors and led her team in ERA and strikeouts, while in high school basketball, she ranked in Division 3A for 3-pointers made and starred for Newbury Park’s varsity side.
For Parramatta Eels supporters, Asi’s time at the club will always be intertwined with the joy of this power couple’s love story — a reminder that even as careers take new paths, the connections forged along the way remain a cherished part of the club’s fabric, shining as bright as any on-field triumph.
