An under-strength South Sydney Rabbitohs squandered top spot in the NRL as they succumbed to a surprise 26-14 defeat at Parramatta Eels.

The Eels headed into Friday's contest on a three-game losing streak, but Mitchell Moses put in an inspirational performance to help end that run in style against a Souths side weakened by injury absences and State of Origin call-ups.

In fine form with the boot, Moses set up three tries as the Eels responded strongly to their coach Brad Arthur dropping four players.

It was the Rabbitohs who took the lead at Bankwest Stadium, but Moses restored parity with a penalty before teeing up Clinton Gutherson to go over.

Moses was at it again four minutes later, offloading for Blake Ferguson to score and turn 2-2 to 14-2 by half-time, and the Eels did not let up after the interval, with Maika Sivo adding another try.

Tom Burgess dived over to reduce the Eels' lead, but Josh Hoffman's score ensured that Junior Tatola's first career try was a mere consolation - Moses adding further gloss with a late penalty.

The defeat means Melbourne Storm, who had a bye for round 12, will leapfrog the Rabbitohs, while the Eels remain eighth.