South Sydney winger Lote Tuqiri says the Rabbitohs NRL season is probably on the line this week, as they strive to regain momentum.
The fourth-placed Rabbitohs are coming off a stop-start month having had two losses and two byes over the past four weeks.
"We've had a few important meetings over the last couple of weeks regarding how we're going to approach this next part of the season," Tuqiri said.
"I think everyone is there mentally, we've just got to back it up on the field now."
Successive losses against North Queensland and Gold Coast have left Souths with little wriggle room in the chase for a finals spot.
They are one of three teams on 22 points with the next five sides, just two points further back.
One of the group on 20 is Parramatta, who Souths play away against on Friday.
The Eels have had three loses and a bye in the past four weeks and Tuqiri expects them to be in a "filthy" mood after a 48-0 thrashing at the hands of the Warriors.
"Teams have obviously stepped up the last couple of weeks that we've played them," Tuqiri said.
"They've been playing their grand final, still trying to make the eight.
"We've probably let ourselves down in how we've approached the game mentally, but I don't see that happening this week.
"I know I've said that before, but probably our season is on the line too in a sense, because of the big logjam between (between) fourth and 10th.
"We're all on (almost) the same amount of points.
"We've got to step it up and what better time than Friday night."
If the teams line up as listed, Tuqiri will directly oppose another exciting winger of Fijian origin in Eels flyer Semi Radradra
Just back from some time in Fiji, Tuqiri said Radradra was regarded as a hero there as well as in Parramatta.
"He's still got a lot of things to work on in his game, but his game so far is still pretty good," Tuqiri said
"He's probably up there with the top wingers this year and he's scored a lot of tries."
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