Matty Johns has named the Parramatta Eels player who needs to lift their game.

Following a strong finish to the end of last season and wins against the Sharks and the Roosters in the pre-season, many were tipping a finals appearance for Jason Ryles’ men in his second year as coach.

So far, it’s been a mixed bag of results for the Eels.

After being handed a schooner of reality by the Storm in Round 1, Parramatta rebounded to defeat the Broncos in Brisbane and then the winless Dragons before being dominated against their local rivals in Penrith.

With their 2-2 record, the 1997 Premiership player believes that the side’s starting halfback, Mitch Moses, needs to improve his form to assist his club through an interesting month with games against the Tigers, Titans, Bulldogs and Sea Eagles.

“Not that he's playing poorly, but I think it's a really big month coming up for Parramatta (but) I think Mitch Moses,” Johns told SEN’s Morning Glory with Matty Johns.

“Parramatta need a really big month for football (and) at the moment, I reckon he's playing probably slightly within himself.

“A lot of that's got to do with the forwards as well.

“But for me, (it’s a) big month coming up for Mitch.”

Denan Kemp also felt that Moses was a player under pressure, given the impact of his running and kicking game has been reduced.

“I was actually going (to) say Moses too,” he acknowledged.

“I've been a bit harsh on the Eels, and then when I look at who they've played, I ease my critique on them a bit.

“But he's had a bit of a quiet start to the year.

“Like he started the year where a lot of people felt like the (No.) 7 jersey for Origin is his.

“That's how highly he was touted.

“But if you took away his name and you just looked at form, I probably wouldn't have him in the top three halves form-wise to start the year.”

The Eels next feature on Easter Monday when they take on the Wests Tigers in their annual clash at CommBank Stadium.

SEN League will be covering the game from 3pm AEST with kick-off at 4:05pm.