| This Week |
Last Week |
Change |
Team |
| #1 |
1 |
- |
Brisbane Broncos
A week off with the Bye has come at ideal timing. They announced that halfback Adam Reynolds would miss this week’s match against the Raiders to ensure he is available for the Finals. There is a lot to be excited about in Brisbane.
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| #2 |
2 |
- |
Penrith Panthers
Accounted for the Titans with class and poise. Yet again, it was a masterclass from Nathan Cleary with his kicking game. They are a strong outfit and appear to be building nicely ahead of a shot at their third consecutive Premiership.
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| #3 |
3 |
- |
New Zealand Warriors
Overcame a resilient Sea Eagles outfit with an impressive second half display, never conceding a point in this time. Another key win for their Top 4 chances. This Warriors team is playing with confidence and experience.
|
| #4 |
5 |
+1 |
Newcastle Knights
Captured their 7th straight win with a commanding victory over the Rabbitohs. The result was set up by Ponga, but he was well supported by others. Nothing appears to be troubling them and they are assertive on both sides of the ball.
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| #5 |
4 |
-1 |
Melbourne Storm
Were pushed against the Dragons in a high scoring contest. It was an important result set up by their key players. Hughes’ ability to engage defenders at the line is to be admired and crucial to their success.
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| #6 |
6 |
- |
Cronulla Sharks
Won a key match-up against the Cowboys in Townville and the authority of their victory shouldn’t be overlooked. Their defence was most impressive. They remain on the road, with a blockbuster clash against the Knights waiting in Round 26.
|
| #7 |
9 |
+2 |
Sydney Roosters
Made it 4 wins from their past 5 matches with a strong performance against the Eels. They still have a poor -63 points difference to overhaul and will welcome the opportunity to improve upon this against the Tigers this week. More importantly, they are playing with a renewed confidence.
|
| #8 |
12 |
+4 |
Canberra Raiders
Overcame the Bulldogs but again, failed to win with a convincing performance. They are yet to win a game by 13+ this season and it is impacting their points differential (currently -108). They host the Broncos next week in a tough challenge of how capable they are.
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| #9 |
7 |
-2 |
South Sydney Rabbitohs
Should be lower if other teams were performing better. Something is amiss at the Rabbitohs, and they need a drastic overhaul of their playing style. They have a Bye this week before facing the Roosters in a ‘do or die’ clash for a spot in the Finals.
|
| #10 |
8 |
-2 |
North Queensland Cowboys
With everything to play for, the Cowboys were poor when hosting the Sharks. It was a major dent to their Finals chances. They travel to face the Dolphins this week and must win their remaining two games to be a chance of extending their season into September.
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| #11 |
10 |
-1 |
Parramatta Eels
Overpowered by the Roosters, the Eels 2023 is hanging by a thread. If they were to lose this week to the Panthers, their end of season would start a week early with a Bye in Round 27. The equation for them is simple.
|
| #12 |
11 |
-1 |
Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles
Tried hard against the Warriors but failing to score a point in the second half hurt their chances of victory. They face the Bulldogs this week, before closing out the out the season with a game against the Tigers. Finishing with victories will vastly change the mindset of this squad ahead of 2024.
|
| #13 |
15 |
+2 |
St George-Illawarra Dragons
Pushed the Storm in parts of the match but were unable to finish off the game when it mattered most. The Dragons players appear to have a renewed pride in their performance. Perhaps most want to start off with an incoming coach on the right note. They now head over to New Zealand to face the Warriors.
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| #14 |
16 |
+2 |
Wests Tigers
Overlooking the BBQ presentation to Luke Brooks, it was a day the Tigers could be proud of. A 77th minute penalty goal saw them overcome the Dolphins 24-23 and give this club their 4th win of the season. They face the Roosters and will want to take confidence into that match.
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| #15 |
13 |
-2 |
Gold Coast Titans
The end of the year cannot come quick enough for this team. They were outplayed in every area by the Panthers and were unable to match the relentless pressure they faced. It doesn’t get any easier either, with a trip south to Melbourne ahead.
|
| #16 |
17 |
+1 |
Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs
Attempted to compete against the Raiders and had moments of impressive play. In the end, their lack of class was evident. It was enough to lift them off the bottom though and need a similar level of execution as they face the Sea Eagles in Round 26.
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| #17 |
14 |
-3 |
The Dolphins
On a 5-game losing streak, the Tigers were the latest team to hand the Dolphins a loss. They have now won just 1 game in their past 10 matches and look vastly different to the team which won 6 of their first 10 matches to start the season.
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