Top spot in the NRL again belongs to Parramatta Eels after they edged to a narrow win over Newcastle Knights.

Eels edge Knights to return to NRL summit


Parramatta Eels reclaimed top spot in the NRL with a tight 10-4 win over Newcastle Knights, though one of their players may have committed a breach of the league's COVID-19 protocols.

The Eels held on for victory at McDonald Jones Stadium, where the Knights were playing for the first time since round one in March.

Maika Sivo's 64th-minute try proved the difference, with Tex Hoy's try that looked set to force golden-point extra time ruled out for offside.

However, there is scrutiny on the actions of prop Stefano Utoikamanu, who hugged relatives after making his debut, with players not permitted to touch members of the public at games or training sessions.

The Eels said they are waiting to hear from the league regarding the potential breach of protocols.

In Sunday's later game, St. George-Illawarra Dragons claimed only their third win of the campaign, thumping Manly Sea Eagles 34-4.

The Dragons fell behind to Joel Thompson's eighth-minute try but ran in six tries thereafter at Netstrata Jubilee Stadium.

A searing long-range effort from Matthew Dufty and an interception from Zac Lomax were the pick of the bunch. Josh Kerr and the impressive Mikaele Ravalawa also went over, with Corey Norman and Euan Aitken completing the rout.