Five tries from Nathan Merritt helped a rampant South Sydney humiliate a woeful Parramatta 56-6 in a one-sided NRL contest at ANZ Stadium on Monday night.
Merritt became the first ever Souths player to score five tries as the Rabbitohs chalked up their biggest win over a Parramatta team, who are in danger of claiming the wooden spoon for the first time in 39 years.
John Lang's men were also boosted by barnstorming performances from Queensland State of Origin pair David Taylor, back from a five-game suspension, and Greg Inglis, who scored twice, as the Rabbitohs outscored the sorry Eels by 10 tries to one.
Souths are now just four points off a top-eight spot, but must play high-flying North Queensland in addition to visiting Brisbane and Newcastle in three of their last four matches.
However, they will head into Sunday's clash with Canberra full of confidence after following up last week's comeback victory over St George Illawarra with a blistering display.