| This Week |
Last Week |
Change |
Team |
| #1 |
1 |
- |
Cronulla Sharks
The Sharks host the Broncos in Round 14 and will want to assert their dominance over them. The week off will help alleviate any fitness issues impacting this squad and it is important that Hynes gets through Wednesday night’s match without an issue.
|
| #2 |
2 |
- |
Penrith Panthers
A grinding win over the Broncos was rewarded with a week off for most in this squad. With some of their key players featuring on Wednesday night, their focus will now turn towards managing their fitness; they will be playing the long game in this area.
|
| #3 |
4 |
+1 |
Brisbane Broncos
Missing several keys players through Origin duty failed to rattle the Broncos as they delivered a spirited 4-point win over the Warriors on the road. Another tough test against the Sharks awaits but this young squad will relish the opportunity to prove themselves capable.
|
| #4 |
3 |
-1 |
South Sydney Rabbitohs
Upset by the Raiders, the Rabbitohs have now suffered two consecutive losses. It is not cause for concern, but they will want to work on covering the losses of key players in case if becomes a regular thing this year. Still without a Bye, they are heading up to the Gold Coast on Saturday to face the Titans.
|
| #5 |
5 |
- |
Melbourne Storm
A week off following a win over the Dolphins. The Storm will head back to Queensland to face the Cowboys. Compared to previous seasons, the Storm are flying ‘under the radar’. Quietly going about their work, they are still dangerous on their day.
|
| #6 |
6 |
- |
The Dolphins
Bounced back to form with a convincing victory over the Dragons. The fact that they overcame an early deficit demonstrated patience. A squad that is perceived to lack experience is certainly not letting that affect their play. Their first venture over the New Zealand now awaits.
|
| #7 |
8 |
+1 |
Parramatta Eels
Good without doing too much in their win over the Cowboys but also capable of better. They have their first Bye in Round 14 to get their bodies rested for a clash against the Bulldogs in Round 15. The fact that this match will occur on the Monday of the long weekend means they have 17-days between matches.
|
| #8 |
9 |
+1 |
Canberra Raiders
A strong 7-point win over the Rabbitohs was needed following a poor effort in Round 12. They are a capable side but are still their own worst enemy in matches. They need to find consistency if they are to be successful as it is their major limiting factor at this point.
|
| #9 |
7 |
-2 |
New Zealand Warriors
Not what was required for a team coming off the Bye. The Warriors are a better team than their loss to the understrength Broncos suggests. Another tricky opponent in the Dolphins awaits but at least they get to remain at home.
|
| #10 |
10 |
- |
Wests Tigers
The Tigers are first up on Friday. They will be hoping that the Bye hasn’t halted their momentum. There was a genuine sense that this club is building strongly towards something positive. This game will give a great indication of what that means going forward.
|
| #11 |
13 |
+2 |
Newcastle Knights
Defeated the Sea Eagles at home but were hardly convincing. Ponga had a point to prove but was quiet(ish) in his first game back at fullback. They need a great contribution from him if they are to be successful. Several passages of individual play suggest they talent is there.
|
| #12 |
11 |
-1 |
Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles
No Trbojevic’s – No Manly. It was a closer than expected match, but the Sea Eagles are still stuck missing their strike players. It was pleasing to see some youngsters stand up, but they will welcome their stars back with open arms.
|
| #13 |
12 |
-1 |
Sydney Roosters
A week off has only led to more questions about where this club is at moving forward. Given the playing and coaching talent, you cannot overlook the fact that they will bounce back to form. The Bulldogs come at an ideal time for them.
|
| #14 |
14 |
- |
Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs
Sweating on the return of key players from injury, the Bulldogs face a tough test against the Roosters to build on their Round 12 victory over the Titans. The positive signs are evident, but they need to continue to build.
|
| #15 |
16 |
+1 |
North Queensland Cowboys
Desperate to bounce back from a poor loss to the Tigers, the Cowboys showed some fight, but it wasn’t enough. It is a concern that the word ‘effort’ continues to come up when the issues of this team are addressed. A tough test against the Storm awaits in Round 14. Will their effort levels change?
|
| #16 |
15 |
-1 |
St George-Illawarra Dragons
They couldn’t make it consecutive victories on Friday, outplayed by the Dolphins. The Dragons season is hanging by a thread, with most ruling them out moving forward now that the novelty of a new (interim) coach has worn off.
|
| #17 |
17 |
- |
Gold Coast Titans
The Titans have had plenty of time to reflect on their Round 12 loss to the Bulldogs. The task of bouncing back to form is made difficult by the fact that they play the Rabbitohs next week. It is a season-defining match for them.
|
