Brad Takairangi playing for his next contract at Parramatta

Off-contract and bouncing back from being dumped to the Canterbury Cup, veteran Parramatta centre Brad Takairangi knows he has to leave it all on the field if he wants to stay with the Eels.

The key to a new contract is pretty straightforward for the Eels veteran. Image: Brett Costello

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Brad Takairangi has vowed to play every game like it is his last in a bid to secure his future at the Parramatta Eels beyond this season.

Fresh off a hat-trick in a big win over the Wests Tigers, Takairangi is on a high as he battles for a long-term position in the Eels’ backline.

Parramatta have signed former Penrith flyer Waqa Blake, while Micheal Jennings is sidelined with a calf injury.

That leaves the off-contract Takairangi in the fight of his life to earn a contract extension with the Eels.

The veteran centre needs little motivation to lift his game after being dumped to the Canterbury Cup earlier this season.

Takairangi has shown the fire since returning to first grade. Image: AAP Image/Joel Carrett

Takairangi credits his determined mindset to his time with Wentworthville following some home truths from Parramatta coach Brad Arthur.

“It was hard to hear but we were losing games and I wasn’t performing to the best of my ability,” Takairangi said.

“Brad’s message was pretty simple. He wants to see the reliable side of myself and not the guy who always goes for the big plays.

“No one likes playing premier league but I didn’t go back and kick stones. I just ripped in and I was lucky enough to get another shot.

“I had to go back there and work on a few things and luckily enough I’ve got another shot. Now I have to play like every game is my last.

“Hopefully I can stay up in the NRL and get myself a contract extension.”

The Parra stalwart can only focus on his own form. Image: Brett Costello

Takairangi is hoping to continue his strong form when Parramatta take on arch-rivals Manly at Lottoland on Sunday.

The Eels and Sea Eagles are locked on 20 competition points with eight rounds remaining before the finals.

Takairangi wants his future at Parramatta settled in the coming weeks.

“I want to get something sorted soon,” he said.

“I don’t want to be leaving it too late but I’ll just leave that to my manager.

“I’ll just worry about my end of the bargain and play some good footy.

The key to a new contract is pretty straightforward. Image: AAP Image/David Neilson

“That performance on the weekend just goes to show the type of football that I can play.

“That is the standard I want to be playing at for the rest of the year.

“I think the stint back there in reserve grade really helped to remind me not to take anything for granted.

“I definitely won’t be doing that anymore.

“Waqa Blake has just signed, Jenko is injured, so we’ve got four quality centres that can all do a really good job.”

Originally published as Brad Takairangi playing for his next contract at Parramatta