Eels and Panthers take a knee against Indigenous deaths in custody, stage NRL's first major tribute to Black Lives Matter movement

The Parramatta Eels and Penrith Panthers have taken a knee against Indigenous deaths in custody, in the NRL's first major show of support for the global Black Lives Matter movement.

The Eels and Panthers played out a Friday blockbuster an bankwest Stadium that saw the NRL leaders comeback from a 10-point deficit to claim victory 16-10.

It was a fitting way to round out spectacular round of rugby league, but what followed humbled players, media and a select few fans at the ground.

Coming together at centre-field, the Panthers and Eels joined arm-in-arm and took a knee in a moment of silence to show their support for both Indigenous rights and the Black Lives Matter movement sweeping the globe.

The tribute was organised by proud Indigenous player and Eels winger Blake Ferguson, who rallied both squads together at the final whistle.

"Fergo wanted to get the boys around and give a moment of silence for the indigenous guys who have passed away in custody," Eels playmaker Mitch Moses said.

"It was just a little moment of silence."

The gesture marks the first major showing of support by the NRL with the Warriors and Cowboys also staging their own tribute after their match earlier in the evening.

The moment garnered positive reception from fans and pundits on Twitter.

The gesture follows the same done by the Collingwood Magpies and Richmond Tigers in Thursday night's AFL restart blockbuster at the MCG.