Fresh from re-signing winger Semi Radradra, the Parramatta Eels have further boosted their playing stocks by retaining boom forward Manu Ma’u until the end of 2017.

Ma’u has been a revelation since making his NRL debut in round one this year, and has a promising future as one of the game’s most-destructive edge ball runners.

It’s been a major life turnaround for 25-year-old Ma’u, a former Auckland gang member who was sentenced to three years in jail for his part in a vicious brawl in 2007.

However, Ma’u has been nothing but a positive influence on the Eels who have turned around their fortunes in 2014 and forced their way into the NRL top four.

Ma’u and fellow young forward Kenny Edwards have re-signed for a further three seasons.

Try-scoring machine Radradra agreed to a four-year contract extension earlier in the week.

“Manu and Kenny have both brought a hard-working attitude to their training, and they are very tough competitors on the field,” said Parramatta coach Brad Arthur.

Young outside back Vai Toutai also signed a two-year contract extension.

Meanwhile, Cronulla have backed young five-eighth Fa’amanu Brown, by giving him a two-year contract extension.

Brown will debut for the Sharks this weekend against St George Illawarra.