Harsh words from Arthur get Brown back on track

Parramatta may have won four of their past five games but rookie playmaker Dylan Brown has still been feeling the pressure from Brad Arthur.

Brown spent more than three months on the sidelines earlier in the season to address a back complaint. There were fears the 18-year-old's season may have been over with as his body continued to develop.

Despite his return in June coinciding with the Eels finding a purple patch of form, Brown's own game has been mixed since returning to the paddock, particularly at a time Arthur has decided to demote five-eighth Jaeman Salmon to reserve grade.

His individual performance against the Dragons on Sunday included a scintillating try.

"The boys were blowing up because I never looked to give it to them but when I made the break I couldn't see anyone but Normy and thought I would have a go at stepping him," Brown told NRL.com of his four-pointer.

"It felt good to get into some space. BA said to me a few weeks ago I had to pick up my game because I came back from the injury a bit rusty and I've felt that way as well.

"He gave me a few harsh words that have kept me grounded. You're never guaranteed a spot and when some of the boys who aren't playing are training well it does make you worried.

"He's always helping me week-to-week with what I could do."

Brown made no secret that concerns over his back continue. Further consultation is expected when Parramatta's season comes to an end.

It marks a different storyline for the Eels prodigy compared to earlier in the season when his future at the club was in the headlines and he was at the forefront of a media storm.

"I'm focusing a lot on trying to get my back right now," Brown said.

"When the pre-season comes around hopefully I can get a few scans and see how it's improving and let the other stuff sort itself out at the right time.

"It's getting a bit sore, it always is after games. It's almost the opposite of getting better but it's about bearing the pain and trying to get back to being comfortable. I go home and wake up the next morning, go to recovery and have physio and it goes back to normal.

"It's a rest management thing. I've got to put a lot of heat on it and see the physio's almost every day to manage it."