Once part of the so-called big four at Concord, Mitchell Moses is still waiting to become a major hit in the NRL.
The Parramatta halfback is one of a number of off-contract Eels hoping some team success this year will translate into a new deal.
So far, so good, with the Eels aiming to start the campaign with three straight wins for the first time in 26 years when they host the Sydney Roosters.
"We're just going to have to keep our head. At the moment it's just been two good team performances," Moses told AAP.
"I don't think we were up to scratch (against Canterbury) on the weekend, even though we had that convincing win, we've still got to be a lot better.
"We've got the Roosters this Friday, so it'll be a very good test for us."
There is plenty on the line for the 24-year-old Moses, who coach Brad Arthur has pinned his own uncertain future on after the departure of Corey Norman.
The two-and-a-half-year deal of Moses with the Eels expires at the end of the year, having controversially split from the Wests Tigers midway through 2017.
Since then, three of his former teammates have excelled.
James Tedesco is at the Roosters and is arguably the best fullback in the league after establishing himself as the NSW Origin and Kangaroos' No.1.
Aaron Woods, whose Cronulla side Moses meets next week, remains a Kangaroos incumbent despite being forced out of Canterbury due to cap issues.
And Luke Brooks, who remained at the Tigers, is the 2018 Dally M halfback of the year and recently signed a lucrative four-year extension.
Moses and Brooks clash in the anticipated Bankwest Stadium opener in a month.
"It's not about a competition," Moses said.
"I'm very close mates with them. I still talk to them today.
"I'm more than happy for them, what they've done in their careers at the moment."
The Eels' decision to make Moses their chief playmaker came after a disappointing season where he failed to fire alongside Norman.
This season, teammates have lauded Moses for his on and off-field leadership, having organised many of their social gatherings over the past three months.
"He's really stepping up, he said he wanted to lead this team on the park not just on the field, but off it. He's been a great leader," centre Michael Jennings said.
Asked whether he wanted to re-sign with the Eels, Moses said: "Whatever happens, happens. My full focus is on Parramatta, winning games.
"If I'm playing good footy at Parramatta, that stuff sorts itself out."
