Gutherson eyes top spot for Eels after Origin snub

Parramatta captain Clint Gutherson believes the side can be the competition's big beneficiaries during the State of Origin period and get back within reach of a top-two finish this season.  

The Eels bounced back from back-to-back defeats against top eight sides Manly and South Sydney with a thumping 40-4 win over a depleted Knights outfit in round 13.

With the Eels only affected by the loss of Junior Paulo to Origin duties so far, Gutherson saw the upside to being one of many Eels overlooked for the series opener this year.

Maroons hopeful Reed Mahoney fell short of re-joining Queensland as 19th man after a partial shoulder dislocation while playing for the club on Sunday.

Mahoney joined his Eels teammates for a recovery session on Tuesday morning but is yet to receive scan results to determine the full extent of his injury.

"Obviously we would've rather a few more players get in there for personal goals," Gutherson said.

"But it's just the way it is and we're lucky, or not lucky, enough that we've got a good team here that can win a few games during this period.

"Hopefully throughout the series if there's injuries a few of our boys can get a call-up."

The Eels trail only the Storm and Panthers on the Telstra Premiership ladder with each team yet to have a week off through the bye.

Brad Arthur's side face an in-form Wests Tigers outfit on Sunday but have had plenty of success over their rivals of late, winning the past six games between the two clubs.

After playing 15 straight rounds to start the season, Gutherson was eyeing off a strong finish before the side's first week off at the end of the month.

Parramatta will play the Bulldogs to finish the 15-week block before travelling to Penrith for a western Sydney derby ahead of the bye.

"Really it's a six-point block now we can get so it's important we keep getting those wins up," the Eels fullback said.

"We're definitely needing a rest but when it comes we've got to make the most of it. Every team goes through it."

Meanwhile, Eels teammate Bryce Cartwright remained hopeful of securing a new deal at the club after a promising return to Sydney's west this season.

Cartwright is set to negotiate a new deal to remain in blue and gold after being signed by the Eels on a base deal in 2021 following a mixed stint at the Titans.

"My manager said they'll start soon," Cartwright said of contract talks.

"[A new deal] would be nice but I've got to worry about playing good footy and that stuff will work itself out.

"They're the only club that gave me a chance and I love it here. I love Brad and all the coaching staff and support team here.

"I'm having fun out there doing my job, it makes it a lot easier coming off the bench once the boys have ripped in after the first 40 minutes. I've kept it simple."