Nathan Hindmarsh is backing Timana Tahu to rally from his off-field issues and play a big part in reviving Parramatta's fortunes under new coach Stephen Kearney.

The dual international, embroiled in a race row with a 16-year-old at an Aboriginal knockout tournament in October, was at training last week but has not been seen since.

He failed to report to training on Monday claiming his car had broken down, subsequently asking for the remainder of the week off to spend time with his family to sort out personal problems.

Tahu, who walked out of the NSW camp in protest at racial slurs aimed at Greg Inglis by Blues coach Andrew Johns in June, endured a disappointing return to the NRL following a two-year Super rugby stint with the Waratahs.

After a strong start with the Eels that earned him a State of Origin recall, injury and suspension blighted his season as the Eels failed to reach the finals just 12 months after their dream run to the grand final.

However, Hindmarsh is confident the 30-year-old will be able to put his issues behind him and recapture the form that made him one of the most damaging centres in the game.

"Hopefully he will be back, we haven't heard anything different, he is just sorting some stuff out," Hindmarsh said.

"He was fine last week and trained hard, but I haven't been able to speak to him this week, Timana is a hard man to get hold of at the best of times.

"His form last year was very good, he is the sort of player I like, he is aggressive ... and I am sure when he returns he will good and hopefully we will see that on the paddock next season."

Kearney will be the fifth coach Hindmarsh has worked under in as many years at the Eels and the veteran backrower has been impressed with what he's seen in the short time the New Zealand Test coach has spent with the team.

"He is tough, but fair and that is how we want to play our footy," Hindmarsh said.

"He said to us on the first day 'if you want to be here, you are going to be hanging around, and if you don't you can piss off right now'.

"It is about working hard in these first eight weeks leading into Christmas and anyone who is not up to it then you can go right now."

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