Russell gets own magic call-up after Arthur's latest Fergo snub

Little-known Parramatta outside back Sean Russell is the latest debutant called upon by Eels coach Brad Arthur less than a month after celebrating Jakob Arthur's maiden game at Magic Round.

Arthur has picked the teenager on the wing for the battle against the Bulldogs in a further sign Blake Ferguson's days are numbered at the club.

Ferguson scored a try and ran for 171 metres in reserve grade last week but failed to earn a recall despite Maika Sivo accepting a one-match ban for a grade two careless high tackle on Tuesday.

The 31-year-old has been included in the reserves but is unlikely to be a late inclusion.

Eels five-eighth Dylan Brown said Ferguson remained motivated to get back into the NRL side.

"We've all been through it and all had our slumps," Brown said.

"We all have times we have to work on a few things. Brad has sent him down to reserve grade and I feel like he's responded well.

"Every year could be your last in footy so for Ferg, it shows he's been working hard. He'll be back and be better."

Russell, who has scored eight tries in 12 games in NSW Cup this season, travelled to Brisbane last month to be part of the Arthur family celebrations after close mate Jakob's first NRL appearance.

The pair have come through the club's junior and school system at Patrician Brothers Blacktown together, Russell training with the main Eels squad over the pre-season.

The 19-year-old has floated between fullback and wing in the lower grades this year and will partner Tom Opacic on the right edge in one of four changes made by Arthur this week.

Arthur has dropped Bryce Cartwright to the reserves with Keegan Hipgrave earning a recall to the bench, while Will Smith drops out of the 21-man squad.

The Eels have struck two blows in recent wins over the Knights and Wests Tigers but Brown said Arthur had been far from satisfied with the side's performances.

"There's plenty to work on, Brad came in and he wasn't smiling," Brown said.

"The fact we could've scored more and with the 12 players they had. We started playing silly and chasing points.

"It's still mid-season so we've got plenty of time. There were obviously good parts but we can't get ahead of ourselves.

"If you look at the Bulldogs they're coming off a massive performance so will be humming this week."