Dual international Timana Tahu endured a torrid return to the NRL, with opposite centre Beau Scott doing all in his power to make his life difficult in Parramatta's loss to St George Illawarra.

Tahu, whose Eels lost 18-12 on his return to league after two years playing rugby union with the NSW Waratahs and Wallabies, was engaged in a running battle with big defensive centre Scott all night.

The former Newcastle star made his presence most felt with some bruising defence, absolutely smashing Dragons fullback Darius Boyd in the 32nd minute and shaking the ball loose in the process.

But the match flared up in the 37th minute when a Tahu high shot on Scott brought players running from all over the park to enjoy a bit of push and shove.

He never quite found himself in the clear and the frustration brought more niggle with Scott.

There was more push and shove in the 70th minute and plenty of gesticulating and verbals two minutes later after Scott had appeared to slap Tahu in a tackle.

"There was a few cheap shots I got and I gave a few cheap shots back so I think we ended up being even at the end of the day but it didn't show on the scoreboard," Tahu told reporters.

"League's a confrontational sport.

"It was good to let out a bit of steam, that's something you can do in league, run out of the line and do your best.

"I think it's just my nature ... players try and put a bit of stick into you and you give it back and at the end of the day we're all mates."

Eels coach Daniel Anderson was pleased with Tahu's return after much of his two-year stint in the 15-man game was spent sitting on the Waratahs' bench.

"It was a solid return, he did really well for us, he was positive in the whole game I thought," he said.

Meanwhile, Eels recruit Shane Shackleton will remain in hospital over the weekend undergoing tests on his injured hamstring.

Parramatta officials are not hopeful that he can avoid a lengthy stint on the sidelines, with a high grade muscle tear the most likely diagnosis.

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