Lawler said Lamb, 23 on January 22, was contracted to Parramatta for two years and any decision on his playing future was up to him.

Lamb, who a former Knights and Sydney Roosters playmaker, signed with the Eels last month after a brief stint playing in England with the London Broncos.

"He is deciding what he is doing at Parramatta. He has mentioned to us that he would like to come back to Maitland, but it's really up to him.

"He is contracted to Parramatta for the next two years so he needs to work that out first as to what he is doing.

"He really has to work out if he can get out of his contract and whether he wants to walk away from the NRL.

"We're trying to keep the pressure off him and allow him the space to make a decision that is right for him.

"I have spoken to him for sure, he says he would like a job and the prospects are positive there if he decides to go down that track.

"In talking to him I think he wants to enjoy life again without all the pressure. If he comes back to Maitland again hopefully we can get him enjoying playing footy again and who knows he may get into the NRL system.

"I don't know if we are a good chance to get him or not to be honest."

Lamb signed a two year deal with the Eels in early December. It followed three seasons in the Knights senior ranks, where he played 32 NRL games, and a stint with the Sydney Roosters in 2019.

After just one appearance off the bench for the Roosters, Lamb was released mid-year to join English Super League club London Broncos, who were relegated at the end of last season.

He signed a modest development contract with the Eels for 2020 but has a guaranteed top 30 spot for 2021. However, he faces stiff competition for a top grade berth with Mitchell Moses and Dylan Brown an established halves pairing. Eels player list manager Peter Sharp said he is not aware of any issues surrounding Lamb and his contract with the club.

"I've been away but I've heard nothing," Sharp said. "No-one has contacted me about Brock."

Lamb is managed by Gavin Orr, who late last month had his accreditation cancelled by the NRL for alleged breaches relating to the salary cap.

Maitland has been one of the big movers in the local player market during the off-season after enticing premiership-winning coach Lantry to the club at the end of last season .

They signed Wests grandfinal trio Alex Langbridge, Pat Mata'utia and Chad O'Donnell as well as Langbridge's brother Daniel and Kurri's Jarom Haines prior to Christmas. Lamb would be a huge roster inclusion if his signing was to eventuate.

Only two seasons ago, former Knights hooker Adam Clydsdale walked away from a contract with the Canberra Raiders and played with Maitland in the local comp, winning the player of the year award in 2018.