Parramatta’s latest five-eighth Joseph Paulo says he feels no added pressure, even though he’s never worn the number six jersey in his NRL career.

The 24-year-old takes over the last-placed Eels’ problem position against ladder-leaders Melbourne on Saturday after youngster Luke Kelly was ruled out for up to six weeks with a fractured eye socket.

The Eels have lacked stability in the key role, with the likes of Casey McGuire, Ben Roberts and Kelly already having had a crack this season.

But Paulo said on Wednesday he was not bothered by the extra playmaking responsibility, despite not having played five eighth since under-18s.

“I’m excited for the challenge, I just want to do my best for the team,” Paulo said.

“There’s no pressure really.

“(Luke Kelly) gave me a few tips, just a few cues on how they play and just what I need to know as a ball player.”

A former Penrith back-rower who joined the Eels a year ago, Paulo said he had been working closely with halfback Chris Sandow as they attempt to rectify the team’s poor attacking record.

“I just want to help Chrissy as best I can,” he said.

“We’ve been trying to work on a few plays but we just haven’t really executed this year, so hopefully we can turn up on Saturday and execute those plays.

“The boys just need a little bit of energy when things are a bit down and, yeah, I’m just lucky I come on at a time when we’re looking for that impact.”

Paulo believed Melbourne’s patchy form in recent weeks made them an even more dangerous opponent.

“I know they haven’t been playing their best but they’d be hungry to get a win too – we’re just as hungry,” he said.