This Week |
Last Week |
Change |
Team |
#1 |
1 |
- |
South Sydney Rabbitohs
A no-nonsense victory over the Tigers, which rarely saw them get out of second gear. It was impressive that they kept their opponents scoreless. They are now leading the competition and have another test against the Eels on Friday.
|
#2 |
3 |
+1 |
Cronulla Sharks
Did what was needed against the Sea Eagles but would’ve wanted to close out the game earlier. A talented team which is still yet to demonstrate a complete, 80 minutes performance. They need to go to another level if they are to contend for the title.
|
#3 |
2 |
-1 |
Brisbane Broncos
Failed their toughest recent test in traveling down to Melbourne. They’ve now lost to 2 quality teams and have another measure of their capabilities up against the Panthers, a team that they’ve already defeated once this year. The impend loss of Reynolds will test their depth.
|
#4 |
5 |
+1 |
Penrith Panthers
Looked like the Panthers of 2021/22 with their dominant victory over the Roosters. Confidence returning to this team is a dangerous sign for other sides in the competition. They will be out to make amends from their Round 1 loss to the Broncos in Round 12.
|
#5 |
4 |
-1 |
The Dolphins
Had the Bye in Round 11 and were unlucky to drop a spot. This means extra preparation time for their massive contest against the Storm at Suncorp on Saturday. If they want to be taken seriously, they cannot perform on emotion alone.
|
#6 |
7 |
+1 |
Melbourne Storm
A welcomed return to winning form with a grinding display against the Broncos. They are a capable team but also benefitted from certain circumstances going their way. The unknown is how they would’ve responded if it went the other way, but they are well placed heading into Origin.
|
#7 |
8 |
+1 |
New Zealand Warriors
Won as expected against the Bulldogs based on their previous efforts this season. Scoring points was also pleasing to see. A Bye awaits in Round 12 and then an Origin-impacted game against the Broncos. Things are looking positive for the Warriors.
|
#8 |
10 |
+2 |
Canberra Raiders
Recorded a victory against the Eels but gave their opponents too many opportunities to gain momentum. Winning form is great form, and their 5-game winning streak has solidified their spot in the Top 8. They will want to maintain this run of form against the Sea Eagles in Round 12.
|
#9 |
6 |
-3 |
Sydney Roosters
An uncharacteristic performance against the Panthers which had numerous stories being written about what is currently wrong with this squad. Whatever it is will only be compounded by injuries suffered to key players. Several character-building weeks are ahead for this team.
|
#10 |
11 |
+1 |
Newcastle Knights
Blew the Titans away in the second half on the back of a Ponga masterclass. If he can produce the same standard each week, the Knights will be a difficult team to defeat. Perhaps other teams should also take a trip to Bali in their Bye week if it delivers a 2-try performance…
|
#11 |
9 |
-2 |
Parramatta Eels
Another step backwards for the Eels but were impacted with the loss Moses. Competitive in some parts, they were their own worst enemy in others. They are a better team than their performances and standing on the ladder suggests.
|
#12 |
15 |
+3 |
North Queensland Cowboys
Found themselves in a tight match against the Dragons until their opponents lost a player to the sinbin. From that point onwards, the Cowboys put on a point-scoring clinic. Two consecutive victories are changing the view of this team compared to earlier season efforts.
|
#13 |
14 |
+1 |
Wests Tigers
Brave against the Rabbitohs but found themselves outclassed. Their current level of effort suggests that they will be defeating others in the competition and attacking discipline is the key. They just have to do something with the positive field position and attacking pressure they are building.
|
#14 |
13 |
-1 |
Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles
Something is wrong at Manly. A late rally only masks the true issues occurring at this club. Perhaps they are missing Jake Trbojevic’s contribution in the middle or perhaps there are bigger issues at hand. A tough road trip down to Canberra doesn’t make things any easier.
|
#15 |
12 |
-3 |
Gold Coast Titans
Just as momentum was building, the Titans fail to deliver an 80-minute performance and are defeated by 20-points by the Knights. They had their chances but failed on both sides of the ball. They stay on the road with the Bulldogs waiting in Round 12.
|
#16 |
14 |
- |
Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs
Tough at times against the Warriors but were lacking class. They need to move past the overall result if this club is to continue to build through this season. Positive signs are evident, but so too are negative ones. Effort is the key.
|
#17 |
16 |
- |
St George-Illawarra Dragons
Could lose their coach this week. It was more disappointing that this squad of players turned out such a performance in their captains 300th match. This is a great indicator that perhaps the coach isn’t the root of all evil at this club. Good luck against the Roosters in Round 12.
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