Parramatta coach Michael Hagan admits he wants more from under-pressure halfback Tim Smith but says the player deserves more time to prove himself as the Eels' rightful number seven.

Rugby league immortal and NSW selector Bob Fulton this week called for Smith to be dumped immediately following the Eels' 38-14 loss to North Queensland on Saturday.

Fulton urged Hagan to return to his opening-round halves combination of Brett Finch and Feleti Mateo, believing the Eels were a better side with Finch at halfback.

But Hagan is taking a patient approach with Smith, who is only two games back from a stint in the NSW Cup as he recovered from off-season shoulder surgery.

Despite the heavy loss in Townsville, the coach named an unchanged starting line-up to take on the Gold Coast on Friday night.

"I think we're looking for more from everybody and Tim is one of those players," Hagan said.

"But I think we've got to give him some time getting back into the routine of playing NRL.

"His kicking game was certainly better last week than it was (the week before) and that's a big part of the game so hopefully that will improve again on Friday night.

"You've got to be fair to some people.

"We've got a number of players who haven't played a heap of footy yet and once we've got everyone on deck, then if we're not playing as well as we can, then you're entitled to make those decisions (dropping players)."

Backrower Nathan Hindmarsh said Smith had the 100 per cent support of his teammates and tipped a much-improved showing against the Titans.

"Sure he's not on fire, but who is in this team?" Hindmarsh said.

"Like all of us we're still trying to find our best form.

"I think you will see a fair difference this week."

Second rower Chad Robinson will make his return for the Eels on the bench in place of Todd Lowrie.

Robinson missed the first four rounds of the season after fracturing his wrist during pre-season training.

Titans coach John Cartwright has handed New Zealand prop James Stosic the unenviable task of filling the large boots of prop Luke Bailey, who could be sidelined for up to six weeks with a fractured forearm.

Meanwhile, the Wests Tigers have named Robbie Farah at halfback for Sunday's clash with the Raiders.

Farah, who is among the leading contenders for the NSW State of Origin halfback spot, will play in the halves alongside John Morris after missing Monday night's loss to Penrith with a back injury.

Halfback Tim Moltzen has been switched to centre in place of injured Dene Halatau (hamstring) while Shannon McDonnell has been named on the wing to replace Peni Tagive (concussion).

Centre Dean Collis is set to return from a hamstring injury after being named on the bench.

The Raiders welcome back prop Scott Logan (cheekbone) for the match, while Ben Jones has been named on the bench in place of Michael Weyman, who has been suspended for six weeks.

Former Test lock Reni Maitua could make his return for the Bulldogs in Saturday's clash with the Warriors in Auckland.

Maitua was dropped to the NSW Cup a fortnight ago after another alcohol-related indiscretion but will travel to New Zealand as the Bulldogs' 18th man.

The Warriors made only one change from their side that beat Newcastle, Kiwi veteran Logan Swann coming onto the backrow in place of Sonny Fai.

The Roosters have lost Willie Mason (knee), Anthony Minichiello (back) for Saturday's match with Penrith at CUA Stadium.

Roosters forward David Shillington will also miss the match after breaching the club's strict alcohol policy.

Sam Perrett will play at fullback with Mitchell Aubusson slotting into the centres and Setaimata Sa named in the backrow.

Penrith have named Luke Lewis in the second row in place of Adam Woolnough, who will miss two months with a knee injury.

South Sydney coach Jason Taylor has largely kept faith with his side despite registering its fourth straight loss against Manly last Sunday.

Manase Manuokafoa replaces prop Michael Greenfield (concussion) for Monday's match against Cronulla, while David Fa'alogo starts in place of Luke Stuart, who has been relegated to the bench.

North Queensland named centre Ashley Graham at fullback in place of injured Matt Bowen (knee) for Saturday's match against the Dragons while David Stagg will play at five-eighth for Brisbane against Newcastle on Sunday with Darren Lockyer's troublesome knee keeping him out again.

The Knights will be boosted by a likely first appearance from ex-Melbourne premiership-winning prop Ben Cross, who injured his wrist in the pre-season.

Melbourne and Manly head into Friday night's blockbuster grand final rematch with unchanged starting line-ups from their victories last weekend.

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