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Marika Koroibete’s return try helped Saitama Wild Knights surge back to the top of Japan Rugby League One.

Marika Koroibete marked his return from injury with a try as Saitama Wild Knights powered to a 42-15 win over Yokohama Eagles, reclaiming top spot in Japan Rugby League One.

Back after a four-game absence, the Wallabies winger crossed for just his third try of a disrupted season. He was joined on the scoresheet by fellow Australian Esei Haangana, with the hosts running in six tries to two in a dominant display.

The result lifted the Wild Knights back to the summit for the second time in three weeks, aided by a 24-7 upset win from Toyota Verblitz over Bernard Foley's Spears Funabashi Bay. Verblitz have now won five of their past six matches, a sharp turnaround after a heavy earlier loss in the same fixture.

Elsewhere, Shizuoka BlueRevs kept their finals hopes alive with a dramatic 45-41 comeback win over Sagamihara Dynaboars, overturning a 19-point deficit.

Sam Greene, who was educated in Brisbane, contributed with a try in the high-scoring contest.

The race for the play-offs remains tight. Mie Heat strengthened their push for a top-six finish with a 24-17 upset over Tokyo Sungoliath, while Brave Lupus Tokyo snapped a seven-game losing streak with a 40-24 victory against Urayasu D-Rocks.

Just five points separate the teams placed sixth to ninth following the weekend's results.

Kobe Steelers also climbed the standings with a 40-19 win over BlackRams Tokyo, leapfrogging Spears Funabashi Bay. All Blacks forward Ardie Savea scored twice in a standout performance.

In Division Two, Wallabies flyhalf Noah Lolesio produced a dominant display, scoring 27 points including three tries as Shuttles Aichi defeated Kamaishi Seawaves 52-27.