Close enough is no longer good enough for fed up Parramatta players, who are desperate to get their NRL season back on track against North Queensland this Saturday.

The Eels showed signs of life in Monday night’s 36-20 loss to the Warriors, pulling to within four points with 12 minutes to go to give themselves an opportunity to claim their first win of the year.

“And when you give yourself positions to win, we let two easy tries in,” lock Reni Maitua said on Tuesday.

“That second last try was too easy for them to run away with the game.

“There was still 10 minutes to go, there was still plenty of time and we could’ve won the game.

“It’s disappointing the way the game ended but it’s a credit to the boys for hanging in there.”

When asked if forcing close games is no longer good enough, Maitua was unequivocal: “Not at all. I don’t think it is for any team.

“You want those two points. It is definitely an improvement but you’ve got to win games. It’s as simple as that.

“… There’s definitely positives coming out of last night’s game but you’ve got to win.

“You can take positives out of games but we need to start winning.”

After a miserable effort in round one, an 18-6 loss to Brisbane, the Eels showed renewed focus against last year’s grand finalists and had to also contend with losing star fullback Jarryd Hayne (knee) after just 16 minutes.

They kept pace with the Warriors, and took particular pleasure from a bright showing by new halves Chris Sandow and Ben Roberts.

Halfback Sandow scored a brace of tries to drag the home side back into the contest, while Roberts threw a cutout pass for winger Ken Sio to score the opening try.

“I’m doing a lot of work there with Chrissy. Every week we’re going to get better,” Roberts said.

“I was pretty happy (with my own game). Personally, I honestly think there is more improvement there as well which is a good thing.

“… There are definitely (good signs). It’s a long season and it’s only round two.

“Hopefully it doesn’t take much longer to click and we can get a few wins up our belt.”

Hayne was cleared of serious injury on Tuesday, but still faces a stint on the sideline, with Roberts confident the team can overcome his loss.

“I thought the team did well considering Jarryd went off early in the game,” he said.

“We’re confident (we can replace Hayne).”