Mitchell Moses claims his mid-match spat with Clint Gutherson shows how tight Parramatta's squad is and it's why they are more competitive than ever in 2021.
Moses created headlines on Sunday when he ran in swearing to stop Gutherson taking a quick tap in the Eels' win over Wests Tigers, before being put in his place by his captain.
The situation was only stopped by the Tigers challenging an offside call, allowing the pair to take stock while their team was down to 12 men.
"I thought he was trying to take a quick tap and I gave him a little bit of a spray and he goes 'mate, don't speak to me like that'," Moses said.
"I realised what I did and said 'sorry mate'.
"We're in the heat of the battle and Gutho knows I mean it in the best way possible.
"I love Gutho. He's one of my best mates in the team.
"We are sweet."
Gutherson is renowned as one of the clear leaders in the Eels squad, with players naturally gravitating towards he and Moses.
Eels coach Brad Arthur joked on Sunday that the pair argue from the moment they get to training to the second they leave each day.
But it is symbolic of the team the Eels have.
The majority have been together for at least the past couple of years, with one of the most unchanged rosters in the NRL during the past three seasons.
"We're a really tight side, and it just shows from that instance (with Gutherson)," Moses said.
"We hold each other at a high level and we want the best out of our team.
"If you get a spray it is coming from a good place. We're a competitive team and competitive bunch and we all want to better ourselves.
"That's where it comes from."
