The Eels are now back in the ruck, equal eighth with Brisbane and six points behind Penrith.

Injuries and NRL call-ups have derailed Parramatta after their strong early-season form, but those factors only accentuate Penrith's achievement.

The Panthers have maintained their lead despite losing backline stars Wade Graham and Lachlan Coote it seems permanently to first grade.

The Parramatta forwards were at least back to full strength for the Manly game through the return of prop and captain Tim Mannah.

He joined brother John up front and the recently re-signed second rowers David Baumann and Tim Robinson packed down behind them.

But Kris Keating's NRL call up meant the Eels were so desperate for halves that Anthony Mitchell had to move from hooker to five-eighth.

Cameron Speechley received a call-up and at least got to celebrate with a try.