Arthur convinced Eels are ready for Storm rematch

Parramatta coach Brad Arthur says the last 15 minutes of his team's 28-24 victory over Wests Tigers at Bankwest Stadium has him convinced they've matured since their finals exit last season.

Replacement pivot Will Smith's match-winner in the 72nd minute gave the Eels a thrilling 28-24 victory on Saturday night after their double finals chance appeared to have evaporated when the Tigers snatched an eight-point lead.

Two tries in the final 15 minutes through Smith and Reed Mahoney turned the tide for the Eels after the Wests Tigers produced three tries in the second half to overturn an eight-point deficit of their own.

The result set the Eels up for a rematch with the Storm, who they were bundled out by in the finals last season through a 32-0 thrashing.

However, Arthur is adamant the Eels have learned their lesson ahead of the expected trip to Suncorp Stadium next week.

"It's going to be a tough game of footy, they're one of the better teams of the competition and have been for a long time," Arthur said.

"I reckon the last 15 minutes probably showed that [we are better], we wouldn't have been able to pull that back last year.

"It was a good test for us because they moved the ball side-to-side. We ran the ball strong, had plenty of support and played through the middle."

Smith's weaving effort close to the line with eight minutes left sealed the club's top-four finish after the 28-year-old was called in late to replace Jai Field, who failed to train all week with an injury.