Nathan Hindmarsh has been labelled the best defensive player in the NRL after the Parramatta workhorse produce another game-saving tackle in the Eels' shock 20-18 win over Newcastle.

With scores locked at 12-all, Hindmarsh chased down Knights fullback Kurt Gidley to not only drag the NSW skipper to the ground but dislodge the ball to give his side possession.

It was a turning point in the 62nd minute as the Eels stormed home to claim an upset victory at EnergyAustralia Stadium to end the Knights' nine-game home winning streak.

"I just tackled him," said a modest Hindmarsh.

"If they scored there I think it would have hurt us a bit and we wouldn't have been able to come back too well."

Knights coach Brian Smith, who was Parramatta coach when Hindmarsh debuted in 1998, said there was no better defender in the competition than the 29-year-old second rower. Smith echoed the sentiments of former NSW coach Phil Gould that Blues selectors should find a position in the Origin side for him.

"I would pick him every time because I have seen what he can do and how committed he is," said Smith.

"He had enough to make that important tackle on Gidley and has that unbelievable energy and discipline.

"If they're looking for a good defender they don't come any better than him."

Hindmarsh was dumped from the NSW side last year and missed all honours in 2009 as he was overlooked for the Country side.

He said he took his representative snubbing hard last year but that the issue is no longer in his thoughts.

"Maybe last year I did (worry about it), but probably not this year," he said.

"I'm not expecting a call-up or anything like that.

"You never give up hope but I know I'm a long-shot to get back in there.

"There's a lot of form backrowers playing a lot of good football. If players like (Anthony) Choc Watmough miss out, it's a pretty hard contest to get in there.

"I think my goal now is three-and-a-half years of footy left just to enjoy what I'm doing at Parramatta and concentrate on winning the comp."

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