Recalled Parramatta five-eighth Daniel Mortimer insists he was not dropped for bad form, and believes the two-week break from the NRL has reignited his hunger for the game.

Incredibly, the talented 21-year-old said it may have been beneficial if he had been rested even earlier in the season.

"A lot of people have different views and at the time I didn't feel too bad, but now that I'm rested I feel 100 per cent better and I'm thinking maybe I could've (been rested) earlier," Mortimer said ahead of Friday's do-or-die clash with South Sydney.

"I did enjoy my time (away from the game), I would've loved to have been out there but I feel rested now and I feel like I'm ready to come back and make a difference.

"Those few weeks off brings back that hunger to play."

Mortimer admitted his form was not up to scratch before Parramatta coach Daniel Anderson chose to omit his name from the teamsheets but says the wily mentor made it clear his hiatus was related to fatigue not form.

"Obviously my form hasn't been great, and whether it's been because I've been fatigued or not, doesn't matter now," the Orange product explained.

"(Anderson) gave me a few examples of me looking a bit fatigued on the field or at training.

"I trust in his instincts because he's the experienced coach and he can see that kind of stuff so I guess I had no choice but accept it.

"I've had a rest and I'm back and ready to go and make a difference to this side."

In Mortimer's absence, the Eels beat Brisbane but lost to the Wests Tigers, leaving their finals hopes hinging on other results.

And while finals remain a mathematical possibility, Mortimer and his team-mates still have faith.

"Mathematically it is, so as long as that chance is there we'll take it," he added.

"If we have two good wins, it may happen. Obviously we need to have other results go our way, which is a shame but that's what we're left with now.

"It's a do or die game for both teams (on Friday night), if we lose, we're out and they're in the same boat.

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