Barrett coy makes shocking admission on Eels job as interim coach declares Parra can still play finals.

He led Manly to the 2017 finals during a three-year spell with the Sea Eagles.

Ahead of Parramatta’s Saturday clash with fellow strugglers South Sydney, the 46-year-old insisted a fulltime return to the hot seat was not on his mind.

“We’ve had a busy week … making sure (the players) are prepared and they’re in the right head-space to play well,” he said.

“Things take care of themselves, ultimately, but I haven’t thought about that yet.”

Of more immediate concern is the four-week run to the Eels’ next bye, which looks set to determine the side’s finals fate.

Despite the coaching upheaval, Parramatta entered round 12 only two wins outside the top eight.

But defeats to Souths, Cronulla, Canterbury and the Sydney Roosters over the next month would leave them having suffered 11 losses – the same number as 2023’s eight-placed finishers Canberra.

Win all four, though, and their season will be on an even keel at 7-7.

“The semi-finals are still a goal for us,” Barrett said.

“There is some upside to the season, there’s a hell of a lot of footy to be played coming into an Origin period, where some of the results get tipped on their head a little bit.

“This next five weeks are a really important block for us to get back on track.”

Barrett is confident there will be space for replacement fullback Talagi in Parramatta’s 17 once Gutherson recovers from a knee injury.

Others may not be safe at the selection table as the coach looks to jolt the Eels back to life.

“You’d like to see us be able to fit (Gutherson and Talagi) in the team. We’ll be a better side with both of them there,” Barrett said.

“We may do some (selection) things differently over the course of the next few months but this wasn’t the week to do it.”