Parramatta rugby union team remained in the mathematical hunt and lengthened the visitors' odds when they fought out a 22-all draw at Two Blues Park on Saturday.

The Marlins started as hot favourites but it was Parramatta who led 14-5 at half-time.

It would be wrong to attribute this to the Two Blues' hot attacking play, however.

It was more that Parramatta defended strongly against a team with an advantage in possession and territory and counter-attacked well.

The Marlins then scored three tries to deservedly win the second half.

Certainly, Parramatta coach Gary Ella thought a draw was a fair result.

"I'm reasonably satisfied,'' Ella said.

"It was a see-sawing game and both teams deserved the draw.''

Ella said his backrow and five-eighth cum fullback Aaron Mattin deserved praise for their contributions.

"We've still got opportunities left,'' he said of the Two Blues' slim finals hopes.

The first will come against West Harbour at Concord Oval on Saturday, a match that will feature rugby league convert Timana Tahu.