My fault we're losing

A DEJECTED Tim Smith yesterday took responsibility for Parramatta's three straight losses, which has the club on the brink of missing the National Rugby League finals.

The half back admitted he and five-eighth Brett Finch were "playing without confidence" and had to improve if the Eels were to be a premiership force.

Statistics show Smith and Finch take the line on less than any other established set of halves in the National Rugby League.

Parramatta face a must-win home encounter with Brisbane on Sunday.

"We are going to have to turn it around if we are going to be in the big one at the end of the year," Smith, 22, said.

"Obviously we haven't been setting the house on fire. The last three games haven't been good but we are still kicking along.

"I think we need to get a bit of confidence back. I really think that is all it is. Critics are always saying stuff about us but we will just let them talk."

Smith, a former Dally M rookie of the year, said he and Finch would talk about the problem this week.

Senior Eels forward Nathan Hindmarsh yesterday defended Smith and Finch, saying they were not to blame for the side's poor form.

Hindmarsh, who yesterday escaped a charge of making a lifting tackle on Dragons player Ashton Sims, said Monday night's loss was costly, but not a complete shock.

"St George Illawarra are still a very good side," he said.