Canberra have survived a scare from wooden spoon fancies Parramatta to storm home for a 40-16 win that solidifies top spot on the NRL ladder.

If the Raiders were part of any movie, they would be starring in ‘Catch Me If You Can’.

The competition leaders’ 15th win from 18 starts wasn’t as comfortable as the final score suggests though.

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With seven rounds to go the Green Machine still have a bye in hand and won’t take on any of the current top four, leaving them in the box seat to win a first minor premiership since 1990.

None of Canberra’s current crop were alive at the time and coach Ricky Stuart was their halfback.

In front of a big crowd at a fast and dry GIO Stadium on Saturday, they finished strongly to win their eighth in a row.

Jed Stuart was prolific (two tries, three assists) and Joseph Tapine (165 metres) also made an impact.

The Eels were fearless, even without their $13 million man Dylan Brown after coach Jason Ryles dropped him for Joash Papalii.

The 21-year-old young gun did set up a try to Sean Russell but was unable to inspire a tired second-half outfit.

Second-rower Matt Doorey (165 metres) and Zac Lomax (one try, 228m) were also influential for Parramatta.

The Raiders’ quick ball movement to the left stunned the visitors, with Stuart strolling over after just four minutes.

After extending their advantage through Zac Hosking, Parramatta sprung to life and found the next three tries to lead 16-12 at the break.

Canberra returned looking to grind through the Eels’ defensive line, a stark contrast to their frantic first-half attack.

Jamal Fogarty manufactured the try to put the Raiders back in front when he lofted the ball to Sebastian Kris, who laid it off to a free Stuart for his second of the afternoon.

A late double for Owen Pattie and tries to Simi Sasagi and Ethan Strange put the result beyond doubt.