| This Week |
Last Week |
Change |
Team |
| #1 |
2 |
+1 |
Brisbane Broncos
Another electric second half performance where they scored 5 tries to overcome a 10-8 HT deficit. The performance was made even more impressive given it was on the road. The Titans are hardly a strong defensive unit but winning in that manner is impressive to say the least.
|
| #2 |
1 |
-1 |
Penrith Panthers
A narrow 15-14 win against the Knights. The Panthers struggled for momentum and were dragged into a contest they would’ve wanted to avoid. Though, their class and talent got them out of another challenging situation. Another difficult test against the Rabbitohs awaits.
|
| #3 |
3 |
- |
Cronulla Sharks
The Sharks made a statement with an impressive 22-12 victory over the Roosters. They kept their opponents scoreless in the second half and established victory on the back of tough, gritty defence. It was a sign that they may have found their feet in this area. That should come as a warning to other sides.
|
| #4 |
5 |
+1 |
South Sydney Rabbitohs
Their win demonstrated poise, patience and attacking flair. A 5-try effort in the second half against the Dolphins was terrific. There was a sense that they were always in control, they just had to stay in the contest. Victories like this are a sign of a mature squad.
|
| #5 |
4 |
-1 |
Sydney Roosters
A second consecutive defeat on the road for the Roosters in a game that they were capable of winning. They will have similar opportunities in the future, but they must discover a way of winning these games. Discipline will undoubtedly be an agenda item this week too.
|
| #6 |
7 |
+1 |
Parramatta Eels
There is a lot to like about the Eels ‘no fuss’ victory over the Bulldogs on Sunday. They are regaining confidence after a difficult start to the season. A tough test awaits this week, facing the Broncos in Darwin, a home game they take on the road.
|
| #7 |
8 |
+1 |
The Dolphins
Brave in defeat, the Dolphins made the Rabbitohs lift to another level to win their contest. This is a great indication of when this club is all about and many others below them could take note. On the horizon, a few key players are set to return to boost the strength of their squad.
|
| #8 |
9 |
+1 |
New Zealand Warriors
A structured, well executed victory that would have usually abandoned the Warriors in previous seasons. Shaun Johnson has found a new lease on life and this squad in playing with belief. Their traditional ANZAC Day clash against the Storm offers another tough challenge but they give every indication that they will be up for it.
|
| #9 |
6 |
-3 |
Melbourne Storm
An ‘un-Storm like’ performance against the Sea Eagles. When they required a player or two to stand up and lead their team to victory, it was not forthcoming. The move of Munster back to fullback perhaps has limited the spark he offers in defence. Several days off now to prepare for their next match.
|
| #10 |
11 |
+1 |
Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles
After a few difficult weeks, they needed a strong performance like that to boost the confidence of this squad. It was no coincidence that DCE, Turbo and Jurbo all had a large impact on the outcome. More importantly, impact returned to their defensive line.
|
| #11 |
14 |
+3 |
Newcastle Knights
Maybe it is time to stop underestimating the Knights? A 15-14 loss to the Panthers gave every indication that this team is going to fight in every match, regardless of their opponent. They need to back it up in a challenging road trip to Townville to face the Cowboys.
|
| #12 |
15 |
+3 |
Canberra Raiders
Wighton returned to the Raiders and so too did success. This is no coincidence, and they are now rewarded with a week off via the Bye. This will boost the confidence of this squad, but they cannot make it a ‘once off’ performance.
|
| #13 |
12 |
-1 |
Gold Coast Titans
Tough to have dropped a spot considering their strong first half display against the Broncos. Unfortunately, a poor second half highlighted the shortcomings of this team. Their ‘big name’ players needed to step up and didn’t. Potentially a good side, they will not reach their peak until this happens.
|
| #14 |
13 |
-1 |
St George-Illawarra Dragons
Pressure is building on this team after another loss, this time on the road to the Raiders. They are a better team than that result suggests but poor form won’t silence the noise around the future of their coach. Another tough test awaits against the Roosters on ANZAC Day too.
|
| #15 |
10 |
-5 |
North Queensland Cowboys
Hover your finger over the panic button, it is almost time to press it. The game was there to be won against the Warriors, but the Cowboys failed to deliver. Their season is quickly slipping away from them, and they need consistent, better performances to stop the rot.
|
| #16 |
16 |
- |
Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs
Injuries have limited the strength of this squad but there is no doubt that they could’ve been more competitive, especially in the second half, to push their opponents. It doesn’t get any easier, with the Sharks up ahead in Round 8.
|
| #17 |
17 |
- |
Wests Tigers
Their first competition points of the season courtesy of the Bye. The Tigers now face the Sea Eagles in Campbelltown. What the week off meant for this club is anyone’s guess. If there is a positive to draw upon, it did appear as though ‘fight’ was returning to this club in their Round 6 match. Watch this space.
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