Parramatta celebrated a happy ending to a tumultuous week as an upset win over Brisbane and some forgettable officiating took the heat off coach Brian Smith and his squad.

The Eels, bolstered by a pre-match phone call from absent centre Jamie Lyon, put all their troubles behind them to stun the Broncos 26-18 in their National Rugby League clash at Suncorp Stadium.

That victory helped erase some of the memories of the Eels' 48-14 opening round loss to the Bulldogs and ensured Smith finished the week - in which he celebrated his 50th birthday and 400th game as a coach - with a win.

"We had a nice message from him (Lyon) wishing the boys all the best," Smith said.

"We got another one (telephone call) straight after the game to congratulate the boys on a great effort."

The Eels weren't the only club to overcome tumult and snatch an unlikely victory.

St George Illawarra, minus a host of regular first graders, stunned the New Zealand Warriors 16-10 in Auckland to leave the Kiwi side at the foot of the table.

Dragons coach Nathan Brown lauded his side after their victory without Trent Barrett (knee), Luke Bailey (suspended) and Mark Gasnier (rested).

"But this is only the start and there's a lot more to play for," Brown said.

"The challenge for them this weekend is to come up again."

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