Chris Sandow has been challenged by Parramatta coach Brad Arthur to rediscover his best after escaping the axe for his criticism of the side's playing style.
Arthur on Sunday confirmed the Parramatta playmaker would line up for the Eels in their NRL clash with Melbourne at AAMI Park on Monday.
The enigmatic No.7 last week created headlines when he claimed the side, which is sitting second last on the ladder, would win more games if he were given free rein.
"If (Arthur) lets me play how I want to play, we'll win more games," Sandow said.
The comments went down like a lead balloon with his teammates and Eels officials and Sandow has reportedly been told to look for another club.
He is without a contract for the 2016 season and with Manly and New Zealand five-eighth Kieran Foran on his way to Parramatta next year, it appears the writing is on the wall.
The No.7 was dropped to NSW Cup last month but was recalled the next week because the Eels are unable to field back-up half Luke Kelly because of second tier salary cap restraints.
While Sandow has had his moments this season, he has gone missing in many games.
According to Fox Sports Stats, he sits eighth in the league for try assists (10) and line break assists (10).
However his defence is a worry.
He has missed 41 tackles in his 12 games in top grade, making him the second worst in the NRL for defensive lapses behind the Sydney Roosters' James Maloney.
Despite it being heavily reported that Sandow would not be at Parramatta next year, Arthur said the club had not closed the door on the possibility of the Cherbourg product remaining.
"He's in the same place he was six weeks ago (with his contract negotiations). If he hasn't got a contract, he's still playing for one," Arthur said.
"Everyone in this club is vital and it's on a week-to-week basis. At the moment, Chris has a job to do and it's getting that job done against the Storm."
The Eels head to Melbourne on Monday night in a desperate state, in second last spot with just four wins following a capitulation in their 36-30 loss to North Queensland last week.
The Cowboys came from 24 points down to overrun the Eels in what was the third biggest comeback in NRL history.
"Every loss has been difficult but we've trained really well," Arthur said.
"We can't afford to dwell on it too long. We've got to look at what areas we need to improve.
"There was an 11 minute patch where we went to sleep. We knocked off and it cost us dearly."
STATS THAT MATTER
* Parramatta have not beaten the Storm in Melbourne since 2006, losing the last six games at AAMI Park.
* Since 2011, the Eels have won just 11 of their 66 away matches including just two of their last 10 games away from Pirtek Stadium.
* The Storm have made the second fewest errors (9.5 per game) and have the second best completion rate in the competition (78.4 per cent).
* The Eels have conceded 4.3 tries per game this season, the equal highest average of any team.
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