Parramatta coach Stephen Kearney is adamant his struggling players will carry no mental scars into Friday's NRL clash with in-form premiers St George Illawarra.

The Eels sit in 12th spot on the ladder, just two points adrift of a top-eight spot, but have been shut out 30-0 by the ruthless Dragons in the side's last two meetings.

Luke Burt's converted try in the 66th minute of last year's season opener was the last time Parramatta troubled the scorers against Wayne Bennett's side, but Kearney maintains his side will not flop again, despite facing a team that has won their last nine games.

"What we are focusing on is tomorrow, not what has happened in the past, I thought during the last game the lads competed well for the majority of the match but the Dragons got the jump on us in the last 15 minutes," Kearney said.

"But I am confident we will be better tomorrow night, all of the lads are in a good frame of mind."

The last clash between the teams in round eight at Kogarah was a difficult evening for young centre Jacob Loko who was given a torrid time in defence by Mark Gasnier.

Loko will go up against the NSW star once more at Parramatta Stadium but his coach said the 18 year old will be better for the experience.

"They watch footy every week, they know what they are up against, young Jacob played on Gasnier the last time we played them and got taught a few lessons in the first half, but adapted well in the second.

"He is 18 and Gaz has a lot of experience, but I know Jacob will relish the challenge."

Despite losing three of their last four matches the Eels may not get a better chance to upset the Dragons with the premiers having endured a week dogged by disruptions.

Left edge pairing Matt Cooper (fractured cheekbone, eye socket and hand) and Brett Morris (hamstring) were both ruled out earlier in the week, while Gasnier and Dean Young also missed Thursday's final training run.

Coach Wayne Bennett has also been a notable absentee all week after he returned to Brisbane due a family illness, but the veteran mentor will be back on deck as he looks to become the first coach to notch up 400 top grade wins.

The lack of fit personnel has seen the Dragons call upon former players Wendell Sailor and Reece Simmonds to help out at training, the latter signing a short-term deal on Thursday to cover players expected to be unavailable through the State of Origin period.

"We just get on with what needs to be done," backrower Beau Scott said of the disruptive week.

"We've got a pretty well-drilled football team here that knows what needs to be done at training to go out and win football games."

Despite the joint-venture's poor preparations leading up to the game, Kearney denied it was a good time to face the Dragons.

"I know Wayne fairly well and he won't do you any favours," he said.

"It seems whoever they put in their side they are capable of doing what they need to do," he said.

"They all know their roles, so I am expecting nothing less than a strong performance from the Dragons whoever they pick in their side."

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