SO SAD: As he challenged me, he most leave said Eels boss.

Daejarn Asi attributes his inspiration for returning to Parramatta’s NRL team to a heart-to-heart conversation with coach Brad Arthur.

The Eels’ backup five-eighth, Dylan Brown, has cautioned that last week’s victory over North Queensland was “just the beginning” of his new partnership, as he looks to replace Mitch Moses for an extended period of time.

Asi was unexpectedly left off of the Eels’ roster in the first week following Moses’s long-term foot injury, as rookie Blaize Talagi defeated him for a berth in the second half.

Asi said it was bittersweet to have been overlooked in favour of Talagi, who had played only one NRL game prior to that round-four call-up to the halves.

Asi told AAP, “I was really happy for Blaize, but it’s a tough one.”

“I just had to go out and prove what I could do (in reserve grade).”

Even though Asi won nine games in the first half of the previous season, it took the Eels losing consecutive games with Talagi starting at five-eighth for Asi to be called up this time.

When given the opportunity, the 23-year-old scored what turned out to be the game-winning try and field goal in the crucial victory over North Queensland last week.

He attributed his motivation to return to the NRL to an open discussion with Arthur.

He threw me off,” Asi remarked.

“It was just a friendly chat; he approached me and told me what I should be focusing on and how to rejoin the squad.

“I thought the first few weeks weren’t the best for me.

He advised me to concentrate on my strengths and areas of effort, and I would eventually get acceptance into the team by doing so.

“That’s what got me here in the end.”

In the victory over the Cowboys, Asi made an impression on Arthur, and he has been selected for Friday night’s Darwin game against the Dolphins.

The Eels have hope. Even if Moses’ injury might only keep him out of the game for eight weeks, Asi might still play with Brown for up to four more games.

Giving Brown the time and room to run the football is Asi’s main priority, and he thought their relationship would only get better after the Cowboys victory.

Asi stated, “It’s just the beginning.”

“I’m hoping that I can continue to improve on those performances, to keep getting better, and to keep working on my effort plays.”

Since Dylan is a skilled ball runner, it is my responsibility to set up the middle and then let him do what he does best.

“I enjoy having games with him. He greatly simplifies my work, and maybe I can do the same for him.”