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Parramatta coach Brad Arthur insists contract issues aren't a factor in the club's mixed form.

Ongoing contract dramas at Parramatta aren't leading to mixed efforts on the field, Eels coach Brad Arthur insists.

In a week where star Clint Gutherson's future was again under the spotlight, the Eels slumped to a 20-point hole inside half an hour against Newcastle on Sunday.

However Arthur claimed their second-half fightback - they got within six point of the Knights before fading out - was proof his men aren't being distracted by contract talk.

Eight of the 17 players - including star halfback Mitchell Moses - that took the field against the Knights are without deals for 2020.

Arthur himself also isn't signed on beyond this year.

Asked whether the contract sagas were affecting their form, Arthur said: "No, definitely not.

"We can't perform like that last week (51-6 win over Wests Tigers) and it was the same talk last week. If we didn't have any fight in us today, maybe.

"But we've seen there was plenty of fight in the back end. We've just got to work harder to try and get the rub of the green and 50-50 every now and then."

Pressed on whether he feared the ongoing negotiations would spill over onto the field at some point, Arthur said: "No, we play a professional game.

"These blokes get paid to be professionals and roll up every week and put their bodies on the line and that's why I was proud of them today.

"We've got to do it again next week."

Despite the defeat, the Eels remain in fifth spot.

In other games from round seven, the Sydney Roosters defeated St George Illawarra 20-10 in their traditional Anzac Day clash at the SCG.

A late individual try to Sio Siua Taukeiaho ensured the defending premiers remain at the top of the table alongside Melbourne and South Sydney.

Melbourne were given a fright by an understrength Warriors outfit early before Brodie Croft kicked a clutch field goal for a 13-12 victory.

Two Corey Harawira-Naera tries inspired Canterbury to a 24-12 win over North Queensland, while the Wests Tigers came from behind to beat Gold Coast 30-14.

South Sydney kept humming along with a four-point victory over an improved Penrith, while Brisbane took care of business against a depleted Cronulla 29-6.

In the final game of the round, Manly overcame a Daly Cherry-Evans ankle injury to defeat Canberra by four.