Parramatta coach Stephen Kearney said the past month has been the most challenging of his distinguished career as both player and coach.
The club has been hugely disappointing in 2012, experiencing their worst start in 52 years to notch up just one win in their opening 10 matches.
It came to a head when Kearney and his players fronted a hostile Annual General Meeting last Tuesday, where fans called for the coach to be sacked.
Kearney was adamant the past month had been the most difficult in all his years involved in football.
"There's no doubt it's been the toughest challenge in all my footy," Kearney said.
"I'm very mindful of where we're going and sometimes it can look pretty hazy in the month that we've had, but I'm very clear on where we're going and how we're going to get there, it's just going to take a bit of time.
"It hasn't taken my focus off what I think's important for this footy club."
After an improved effort against the Raiders, where they came close to victory but were again let down by inconsistency, Kearney said he was very much looking forward to his team's bye.
"I think it (the bye) has come at a good time for everyone, to be fair," Kearney said.
"The last few weeks, last month has been pretty tough on us all, and it will give us a good opportunity to take a bit of a deep breath and refocus on the rest of the season."
Eels stalwart Nathan Hindmarsh admitted this season, his 15th at the club, has been a struggle.
"We're not in an ideal position," Hindmarsh said.
"It's a challenge to get up each week and to motivate the boys to go out and try and play their best footy.
"I suppose I'm enjoying the challenge to help improve the boys and get a win, but at the same (time) I'm very disappointed where we're sitting on the table.
"We're not going out turning our toes up, as Steve says we're turning up to training every day ... the vibe around the club is good but we're just not getting the results on game day."