Nathan Hindmarsh believes Parramatta's victory over Melbourne on Monday could be a turning point in the development of the Eels' younger players.

The veteran former NSW and Test second-rower, who celebrated his 250th first grade appearance for the club in the 18-16 NRL win, said the Eels have not played consistently enough this season to be considered genuine finals contenders, but is confident about the club's future.

"I think we play better against stronger teams, previously when we have been in those positions we have folded when leading by 10 or 11 points at halftime and blown it," Hindmarsh said.

"I think the improvement in our younger blokes has been a factor in this win and also the improvement we have shown over the last month - they are getting better and better.

"When our starting front-rowers were subbed, the replacements lifted when they came on whereas in the past we noticed a drop in our intensity when we made changes in the forwards.

"I think they are starting to realise what it takes to play in the NRL, every game is hard, and if you start badly and don't back up well then you will get run over."

The Eels were also boosted by a much-improved performance from Krisnan Inu who has endured a difficult season which saw him dropped to reserve grade earlier in the year and look a shadow of the player who made a Test debut for New Zealand in 2007 after just one first grade appearance.

Eels coach Daniel Anderson said he had looked to develop the 22-year-old into a powerful, hard-hitting centre and the results are finally beginning to bear fruit.

"Krisnan played a very confrontational style and I think it suits him," said Anderson.

"When he does that it is his best trait, the in-your-face sort of stuff and there was a bit more quality from him from over the 80 minutes which was pleasing for him."

Anderson admitted working with the talented Inu had been frustrating at times but is confident he is on the right road to fulfilling his early promise.

"It is probably frustrating for the whole of rugby league, we would love to see him play like he did against Melbourne every week, but he is young, and I thought he played pretty well last Monday night at the Gold Coast and getting back to his best."

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