Parramatta's signing of dual international Timana Tahu appears a fait accompli, but it seems former Eels teammate Eric Grothe still needs convincing.

"It'd be good to have Timana around the place, but nothing would surprise me with him, I don't know what's going to happen," Grothe said before training on Friday.

"Until I actually see that signature on that dotted line I'm probably not going to put my money on it."

Grothe's uncertainty is well-founded with Tahu having twice now gone back on his word when it comes to signing contracts.

In 2006 when he was a teammate of Grothe's at Parramatta, Tahu said he had no interest in switching codes, claiming rugby union did not interest him.

Weeks later he signed a four-year deal with the Australian Rugby Union, though a lack of opportunities for the Waratahs and Wallabies prompted many to think Tahu would return to rugby league.

Tahu denied he would walk out on the 15-man game, but was granted a release from the ARU on Wednesday, less than two years into his four-year contract with speculation he had agreed to a three-year-deal with the Eels.

Reports indicated Tahu would attend a press conference on Friday morning to announce his signing, but Parramatta officials said they were still in the dark as to just when the 29-year-old speedster would be unveiled as an Eel.

Grothe said the side was in high spirits heading into Sunday's must-win clash against struggling Newcastle.

They have been boosted by the news injured pair Kris Keating and Feleti Mateo have been given the green light to resume playing, though no decision has been made on whether they will take on the Knights.

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