Parramatta stalwart Nathan Hindmarsh is upset the Eels' traditional clash with fierce enemy Manly has been "brushed" by Channel Nine this Sunday.

The Eels and Sea Eagles have been among the NRL's fiercest rivals for many decades but this Sunday's crucial encounter at Brookvale Oval has been classified as second rate with the Nine Network opting to instead show the South Sydney and Wests Tigers clash at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

Hindmarsh understands that with the Eels 12th on the NRL table and Sea Eagles 13th the clubs had to accept they would be less desirable for the free-to-air broadcaster, but still believes their intense history warrants full exposure.

"I think people still like to watch it on TV these two teams," said Hindmarsh.

"I don't know why they didn't put it on Channel Nine. That is just what they've done and we have to get on with playing football.

"If you're in form you're going to get picked for Nine games. I suppose that is the way it's going, they have to look after the TV ratings. The better you're playing the more Channel Nine games you will get.

"I think Manly now are just starting to find some form. It should be a good contest, Manly will be desperate, we'll be desperate."

Hindmarsh said there is less hype than years past in the build up to Sunday's game, but couldn't help trying to stoke the fires by offering former teammate Jamie Lyon a few sledges and promised to contact him ahead of the clash.

"I will stir the big fat bloke up soon enough," said Hindmarsh.

"It probably hasn't had the hype it's had the past couple of years we've played them.

"Jamie Lyon is long gone from Parramatta. That is all done. But I'm sure we can rev up some Parra supporters to get stuck into him."

Hindmarsh said Sea Eagles centre Lyon was in outstanding form after scoring a hat-trick against Brisbane last Sunday and can't understand why he doesn't want to play for NSW this year.

"It's a weird one, he might have some external issues that want to keep him at home but if I was him I'd be putting my hand up for sure," he said.

Hindmarsh meanwhile will wear white footy boots for the first and only time in his career on Sunday and then auction them off on e-Bay to raise money for Can Assist and the Westmead Children's Hospital.

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