NRL: Eels will learn golden rules

Parramatta have lost the close ones. Photo / Getty Images

Parramatta coach Stephen Kearney believes the heartbreak of successive golden point NRL defeats will benefit his young side in the long term.

Trent Hodkinson's field goal sealed an 8-7 win for Canterbury on Friday to deny the Eels victory in a game they dominated for long spells and virtually extinguish their hopes of reaching the finals.

Kearney's side went down to Penrith last week in similar circumstances but he refused to slam his players' inability to grind out a victory.

Having lost to Manly, North Queensland, Penrith and drawn with St George Illawarra in recent weeks after leading late in the second half, Kearney admitted it may be a mental issue that affects his side when it comes to winning games.

"I feel like I am repeating myself, but I can't fault the lads' effort, but we're not quite getting there," Kearney said.

"I think the important thing for us is, and it's no consolation to us as a footy club now, but I am quite certain that the experiences of the last six to eight weeks are going to make us better.

"We will keep preserving, keep trying and that is not going to change from week-to-week.

"I have some disappointed lads in there, but I know they will be better footballers for it and we will be a better football team."

Kearney also denied he would have problems raising his players for the remainder of the season.

"Everyone who wears a Parramatta jumper has pride in it and that won't change for the rest of the season," he said.

Skipper Nathan Hindmarsh said he had seen no evidence of players having one eye on their summer holidays but admitted the close defeats take their toll.

"It is hard, and I guess it does take it out of you," Hindmarsh said.

"The boys are still doing stuff to improve their game, they are doing stuff in the gym and out on the training paddock and from where I am sitting there is no signs of blokes waiting for mad Monday.

"That's a real positive thing."

- AAP