NRL: Parramatta Eels stun champion Rabbitohs

Parramatta have stunned reigning NRL premiers South Sydney 29-16 in a thrilling encounter at Pirtek Stadium to record their first win over the Rabbitohs in five years.

Doubles in either half from rookie winger John Folau, brother of Wallabies superstar Israel Folau, and experienced wideman Reece Robinson secured a thoroughly deserved win as Michael Maguire's side tasted defeat for the first time since round 26 last season.

The Eels, who went into the game on the back of two successive defeats, had lost the past seven matches between the sides, were magnificent with former Souths halfback Chris Sandow at the centre of everything.

An Alex Johnston try 20 minutes from time, after the visitors had withstood a barrage of pressure on their own line, gave Souths a lifeline but the expected onslaught never materialised.

Sandow kicked a field goal three minutes from time to edge his side seven points in front and then iced the game with a converted try in the final minute.

Souths started the game in ominous fashion and took the lead in the 10th minute when Joel Reddy crossed against his former club but the Eels hit back with a home debut try from Folau.

A Sandow penalty put the hosts 8-6 ahead but the visitors regained the lead when a brilliant torpedo kick had Eels fullback Will Hopoate groping thin air and Chris Grevsmuhl muscled his way over the line after being put clear by Johnston.

Folau grabbed his second try just before the break and Sandow converted the extras to give the Eels a lead they never relinquished much to the delight of the 15,562 home crowd.

Eels coach Brad Arthur was full of praise for his side's performance but said his players needed to find a way to replicate their home form on the road.

"I'm proud of the boys. Physically, we aimed up and, on our tryline with six minutes to go, we had to defend three sets," Arthur said.

"Souths are pretty good at turning possession into points. I hope this is going to be a turning point for us moving forward.

"We've already spoke about finding that same attitude away from Parramatta Stadium.

"We've showed we can play and, if we complete our sets and make our tackles, we can match any team in the competition, but it's an attitude thing away from home."

Souths' Michael Maguire said his side weren't anywhere near their best, but had no complaints about the result.

"We played a hungry team on their home ground and we just weren't on our game. We'll address it and move forward," Maguire said.

"It's not what we live up to. We didn't complete well and, defensively, we didn't do it as well as we are capable of."

- AAP