The WWII migrant journey behind Smith's rapid rise

Ryley Smith has had some pretty challenging days on the rugby league field throughout the past 12 months. 

The rebuilding process led by Parramatta coach Jason Ryles has had some highs, but also plenty of lows as the Eels slowly laid the foundation for future success. 

Tough at times, sure, but Smith has a unique sense of perspective when it comes to facing adversity. 

The 23-year-old's grandfather emigrated from Malta to Australia with his family during World War Two in search of a safer, brighter future.

It was a journey riddled with danger, but one that ultimately paved the way for Smith to be where he is today.

So when the emerging hooker thinks about challenges on the field, he immediately turns to his grandfather for inspiration. 

"My grandfather was born in Malta and he migrated over here in World War Two," Smith said.

"He was very young so he doesn't have too many memories of it but it's cool to pick his brain and hopefully I can take him back to Malta one day. 

"I'm always asking what it was like, it was obviously very scary for him to come over here by boat. He raised my family to be the way we are today and I'm very happy he did."

Smith will be back on the field this weekend when the Eels host St George Illawarra in a Multicultural Round clash at CommBank Stadium. 

The match doubles as Parramatta's first home game of the year and the club will give out 20,000 Eels flags to fans at the ground. 

Parramatta will also have a number of cultural activations as the NRL celebrates a diverse playing pool made up of players representing 66 nations. 

"It's cool to have so many different cultures at our club," Smith said. "We talk about being one club, Parramatta Proud. That's bringing all of our cultures together and learning about everyone's different culture. 

"Everyone has a story, good, bad or indifferent. We're just trying to learn about everyone as an individual and use that as a strength to connect us more."

The Eels enter Sunday's match full of confidence after a shock win over Brisbane at Suncorp Stadium last week. 

The clash comes almost a year since Parramatta edged the Dragons in golden point to register their first victory of the Ryles era. 

Plenty has changed since then, with significant roster turnover as the coach looks to reshape the team in his vision. 

After a slow start, the rebuild has gathered pace and the Eels are eyeing a top-eight finish this season.

Smith has felt the change on a daily basis and is confident Ryles has the club on the right track. 

"We're a lot more connected as a group and we're clear on our roles within the team," Smith said. "If we go out there on Sunday and for the rest of the season and nail our role, we'll win a lot more games than lose. 

"The coaching staff, especially Rylesie, have instilled that connection in us. We've done a lot of work finding out what every individual's like and their habits, then trying to use that to build us. 

"We've created a strong culture and we're all connected within the group, the staff and even out to the admin staff. Everyone in the building is one club aiming for the one goal of winning a premiership."