Brad Arthur has defended Parramatta superstar Semi Radradra against what he calls unwanted criticism, arguing he can't be expected to pull off a highlights reel of magic moments every week.
Radradra had arguably his quietest game of the NRL season in Saturday's 34-24 defeat to the Sharks following a tumultuous week that culminated in him being charged with domestic violence offences.
The 24-year-old also arrived back late from a trip to his native Fiji, fuelling speculation he was set to depart the NRL for European rugby.
Arthur said the Australian Test winger's build-up to the game had nothing to do with his below-par performance, insisting Radradra had been unfairly singled out.
"I think it's harsh to say he didn't have his best game," Arthur said.
"He still had 15-odd carries and ran for over 120 metres.
"He's not going to make a line break and run the length of the field every week.
"We played against a side that are premiership favourites and coming first. They're a good defensive side and they did a really good job on him."
For the first time this season, Radradra failed to post a major attacking statistic - finishing with no tries, try assists, line breaks or tackle busts.
Radradra has arguably been the most damaging player in the competition in 2016, sitting in the top 10 for tries (10), line breaks (16) and offloads (26), and has averaged 152m.
But Arthur said suggestions Radradra's mind was not on the job or that a limited preparation had hindered him were off the mark.
"After every bye we give him a bit of time off," Arthur said.
"It was no different in Darwin - he had the one session going into a game and he was one of our best players."
The Eels go into Friday's clash with Sydney Roosters needing to win each of their last nine games to make the finals.
The Roosters are in an identical position but are out to prove they're still a force, with NSW back-rower Boyd Cordner expected to return from a toe injury and Latrell Mitchell cleared of a knee problem.
STATS THAT MATTER
* The Eels have struggled against the Roosters in recent seasons, winning only two of nine matches since 2009 - their worst record against any opponent during this period.
* If the Roosters lose on Friday, it would be the first time since their winless 1966 season they have lost 13 of their first 16 games.
* The Roosters have the worst completion rate in the competition (71.7 per cent) and have completed more than 80 per cent of their sets just twice this season.
