Parramatta coach Brad Arthur says he wants Jarryd Hayne to get his hands on the ball more in Sunday's NRL clash with arch-rivals Manly.
Hayne was solid on his return for the Eels in their loss to Penrith last Sunday, having 11 runs but making just 94 metres.
Arthur tore shreds off his players at training on Monday for being reactive after they blew an early 14-0 lead, and while Hayne wasn't one of his biggest concerns he said he wanted him to begin seeing more ball.
"I would like to see him more with the ball, but all his effort areas were good in defence," Arthur said.
"It's going to take time to make sure we get some quality ball to him but he's also going to go and find it."
The Eels have won their last six against Manly - their longest winning streak over their arch-rivals since both sides came into the competition in 1947.
Not that Arthur believed it gave his side any kind of mental edge heading into Sunday's clash at Lottoland.
"I'm not big on history," he said.
"Sometimes history works for you, sometimes it's against you. The history is we lost last week and we need to win this week."
Beau Scott is the only player in doubt for the Eels, as he battled illness at their final training session on Saturday.
That could be a cause for concern on Sunday, given temperatures are expected to reach 38 at Brookvale in the afternoon.
It also means handling will be key for both sides, after Manly coach Trent Barrett rued a number of errors and piggy-back penalties which put undue pressure on their defence in last week's golden-point loss to Newcastle.
"We scored 18 points against Newcastle last Friday night with 44 per cent of the ball and 65 per cent completion,'' Barrett said
"If we can get 50/50 of the footy and complete well, we are going to score enough points.
"Given the hot weather expected tomorrow, ball control is going to be paramount."
STATS THAT MATTER
* Parramatta have beaten Manly in the last six clashes, including their last three at Brookvale.
* The Eels have averaged 22 points in those matches, with Manly failing to score above 16.
* Manly are looking to avoid losing their first two matches of the season for the third year straight.
*Stats courtesy Fox Sports Stats
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