Corey Allan produced a pair of sensational late defensive plays as South Sydney Rabbitohs held on for a 16-12 victory over Canberra Raiders that sent them top of the NRL ladder on Saturday.

Allan, making his first start at full-back in his ninth NRL game, forced a spill from Jarrod Croker just a metre out with four minutes remaining and then seized on a grubber kick in Canberra's final attempt to level the scores.

A scrappy first half saw Croker outscore Adam Reynolds by three penalties to two, before the in-form Cody Walker went through for the game's first try – his 11th in 10 matches – in the 50th minute.

Sam Williams made the most of a brilliant run by Elliott Whitehead and Croker converted to put hosts the Raiders back in front, but Mawene Hiroti got off the mark in NRL by finishing in the corner as the lead changed hands once more.

Canberra applied late pressure but Allan made two crucial plays to send Wayne Bennett's team top.

North Queensland Cowboys touched down twice in the last 17 minutes to come from behind and defeat Parramatta Eels 17-10.

Brad Takairangi took advantage of Jordan Kahu's fumble in the in-goal area to cancel out Matt Scott's opening try, and Josh Hoffman moved the Eels in front when he intercepted the ball and sprinted home from 90 metres.

The Cowboys drew level when Kyle Feldt marked his 100th NRL outing by rounding off a fine move in the corner and Tom Opacic punished some slack defending in the 72nd minute.

Gold Coast Titans threw away a commanding lead for the third time in four games as they fell to a 22-16 loss against Canterbury Bulldogs.

Dale Copley took his tally for NRL tries to 51 with a double inside 10 minutes, Ashley Taylor converting both and slotting through a pair of penalties to give the Titans a 16-point lead.

However, the brilliant Kieran Foran teed up scores for Marcelo Montoya and Jayden Okunbor as the Bulldogs reduced the deficit before half-time.

Okunbor touched down for a second time and Jack Cogger crossed to give the Bulldogs a much-needed third win of the campaign.