The return of Luke Burt and Nathan Hindmarsh from long-term injuries will boost Parramatta's chances of overcoming North Queensland in Saturday's NRL clash at Parramatta Stadium.

Utility Burt (collar bone) has not played since round three while Nathan Hindmarsh suffered ankle ligament damage in the Eels' round one loss to premiers the Sydney Roosters.

Coach Brian Smith named Burt at fullback in place of Brett Hodgson for the encounter with the Cowboys.

The former NSW Origin player has missed the struggling side's past two matches with a knee injury.

Willie Leyshon drops to the bench to make way for Hindmarsh.

In further good news for the Eels, former Test prop Michael Vella returns from an abdominal injury, with Daniel Heckenberg relegated to the bench.

Vella rated his chances of playing as "above 90 per cent".

Parramatta's confidence will be high after it staged a remarkable fightback to pip the NZ Warriors 28-26 last weekend.

On Saturday night they will again play at home, against a Cowboys outfit missing Queensland Origin backs Matt Sing and Matt Bowen and skipper Paul Bowman (knee).

They need all hands on deck against an in-form Cowboys and Smith will be pleased to see a rampaging Hindmarsh back on the field.

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