In just over a week, fans of the Parramatta Eels have seen their side absolutely embarrassed by a rampant Thurston-led Cowboys, and then comprehensively outplay an in-form Dragons side.

Although fans of most sides would take a brilliant win across those two games, the past eight days sums up the season to date for those wearing blue and gold.

The 24-10 win over the takes the Eels to ninth position on the ladder however they are two wins ahead of the eighth-placed Panthers, who have had two byes to the Eels none.

Clint Gutherson, who judging by social media is the attraction of every fan tweeting yesterday, male or female, myself included, was once again in eye-watering form as he tore the Dragons apart.

Josh Dugan and Tyson Frizell were in Origin camp, but the Dragons still had plenty of firepower. Take nothing away from the Eels, who on the back of Gutherson, Norman and Jennings, looked the better team for 60+ minutes.

Unfortunately, that has been the problem for the Eels this season; not putting together an 80-minute effort.

Given the talent the have across the park, an 80-minute performance could be a very scary thought for their unlucky opposition on the day.

A back line of Gutherson, Radradra, French, Jennings and Brad Takairangi is downright scary, while Corey Norman is one of the game's most exciting halves. For all the grief I give Mitchel Moses, he goes alright also.

Up front, the Eels have big, strong and clever forwards. Nathan Brown has been an absolute revelation since moving across from the Bunnies. Manu Ma'u is an absolute wrecking ball and capable of anything. Kenny Edwards plays big minutes and is one of the games underrated second rowers.

Alvaro and Mannah lay the foundation before the likes of Scott and Vave come on and move the ball around, creating second phase play for the freakish back line.

Kaysa Pritchard, who unfortunately looks as though he may have suffered a season-ending injury, has made the starting number nine role his own. Will Smith looks the most likely to fill the role and has been offering plenty off the bench in recent rounds.

Without going over the top, there is a lot to like in this side, especially with Terepo and Hoffman still to come back prior to the finals.

On current form, which is a strange word to use as you never really know which Eels side will turn up, they will make the eight, but that is about it.

If they click, they could really be a side who can push the likes of the Storm, Sharks and Roosters. They're a red hot shot at the top four. If not, they'll miss the eight.

The Panthers, Cowboys, and Raiders have too much talent and capable of far more consistent football than the Eels. Yet if Gutherson and Norman continue their red hot form, they could blow the chasing pack away.

Whether or not Brad Arthur can guide the side to the level of consistency they need is questionable. That's certainly not a shot at Arthur's ability, I just don't know if anyone is capable of ending 30 years of inconsistency.

Without looking at each game closely, the Eels have more wins than loses yet have a negative points differential. They've played more games than any other side in the competition yet have scored more points than only six other sides.

How that is possible with the ridiculous levels of attacking talent in their backline beggars belief. The key to unlocking the side's attack is obviously the key.

In defence, the Eels have conceded more than only the bottom three sides, the Knights, Titans and Tigers, although they have played a game more than a few sides with similar defensive records.

The Eels are certainly a side whose star players rely on flair rather than consistent workmanlike performances.

Norman, Gutherson and Jennings can tear a side to shreds on any given day but they're not going to deliver Thurston, Cronk or Maloney-like performances week on week just yet.

Can the Eels find an 80-minute performance? If so, can they back it up week to week?

As a fan of a team currently competing against the Eels, I sure hope not.

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