Parramatta second-rower Nathan Hindmarsh says he hopes former Eels halfback Brett Finch is fit enough to take his place in the Melbourne side in Monday's NRL clash at Parramatta Stadium.

Finch was shown the door by Eels coach Daniel Anderson just three games into this season, and headed to Melbourne on a short-term contract.

He is now battling to be fit to face his former team-mates after puncturing his lung against Newcastle two weeks ago, and Hindmarsh is hoping to welcome him back.

"I hope he is playing because he is the bloke I will be running at as I know he can't tackle so I'll be safe there!" Hindmarsh said.

"I also hope he plays as he is a bit of a character and it will be a bit of fun and he likes to make light of situations."

The game will see Hindmarsh make his 250th appearance, joining Ray Price and Brett Kenny as the only other Parramatta players to reach the milestone.

And the 29-year-old is not expecting it to be an easy ride despite Melbourne having four players backing up from State of Origin duty.

"It will be a really tough game for us, we are coming down to must-win games now this season and to have Melbourne here is going to be tough," he said.

"Hopefully the Melbourne players are all nice and sore from their Origin exploits and don't want to play. That would be the ideal situation.

"But they played on Wednesday and are backing up on Monday which is plenty of time to recover which is unfortunate for us."

The former NSW star also said will be steering well clear of any brawls like the one that took place in Brisbane if Melbourne's Queensland stars still want to take out their frustrations on New South Welshmen.

"I am going to do a Benny Creagh; run in and push someone then back track 20 metres. That's my type of fighting, it was hilarious!" he said.

"But it will be a test for us, Melbourne aren't playing as well as they have in recent years but they are still a quality side.

"We haven't been far off the mark in recent games and had enough chances to beat both Penrith and Gold Coast last week.

"If we start well, then we have a chance."

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