Taming the BA beast: Moses, Gutho instil zen in Eels coach

Parramatta coach Brad Arthur is a more tranquil beast in his coach's box this season thanks to the patience of Mitchell Moses and Clint Gutherson on the paddock.

The Eels' 20-14 defeat of a gritty Newcastle outfit has them sitting two points outside the top four after last year's wooden spoon write-off, with Moses and Gutherson starring once more at Bankwest Stadium.

The playmaking pair combined for two first half tries before a Knights fightback to lead 14-8, Moses in particular then guiding Parramatta to another win during a tense final 10 minutes.

Arthur said he was far more at peace as an onlooker in 2019 as a result of the pair's development, the passionate coach happy to put his faith in the rising playmakers.

"The guys have probably instilled a bit more calmness in me," Arthur said.

"I know that I can rely on them now. I knew they were going to roll the sleeves up and stick to the plan.

"In the past we've probably been in a hurry to get a result.

"I think Mitch and Gutho at the moment are playing with a real level of composure and that fills me with calmness as well, knowing that they're just going to stick at it for the 80 minutes.

"Sometimes it might not be good enough. But we'll give ourselves a real good chance."

The Eels have now won five of their past six games and face the down-and-out Titans next Friday.

While the victory over Newcastle draws them level with fifth-placed Manly on 26 points, just two behind the Roosters, Raiders and Rabbitohs, Arthur was blunt when quizzed on his team's top-four credentials.

"No we've still got a bit of work to do," he said of challenging the NRL's front-runners.

With a 7-1 record at their Bankwest digs, Arthur understandably would enjoy the home final that comes with finishing fifth or sixth this season.

The Eels also expect to have Kane Evans back on deck for the trip to the Gold Coast after he was a game day scratching this week with food poisoning.