| This Week |
Last Week |
Change |
Team |
| #1 |
1 |
- |
Penrith Panthers
A week off with the Bye will serve this team well as they prepare for a run towards the Finals. They are a quality team with plenty of depth. They are a genuine chance of winning another Minor Premiership.
|
| #2 |
3 |
+1 |
Brisbane Broncos
Received their second Bye of the year and it was needed. Last season, they were in all sorts of trouble and losing momentum. That experience will (hopefully) serve them well with a winnable game against the Bulldogs a key starting point.
|
| #3 |
2 |
-1 |
Parramatta Eels
Narrowly avoided the dreaded 50-point curse in their 46-10 defeat by the Warriors. Missing several key players hurt their chances but the efforts of those playing are somewhat concerning. They must defeat the Titans to remain in the Top 8.
|
| #4 |
5 |
+1 |
New Zealand Warriors
Travelled to face the Eels and played like the better team. They head home to face the Sharks in what will prove to be a key measure of where this team is at. They have a favourable draw, including a Bye, which should place them well to finish inside the Top 8.
|
| #5 |
3 |
-2 |
South Sydney Rabbitohs
Fielded a young and inexperienced side against the Bulldogs and almost stole the result. With so many players out due to injury or Origin duty, you cannot read too much into that result. Just their second Bye awaits, and it is a timely one for this team to prepare for what is ahead.
|
| #6 |
6 |
- |
North Queensland Cowboys
Still on a high from their 74-nil victory over the Tigers, the Cowboys have a tricky road match against the Sea Eagles. They need a win to further push their case for making the Top 8 and impact a potential contender for one of the remaining positions.
|
| #7 |
7 |
- |
Cronulla Sharks
Outplayed the Tigers 36-12 in a match where they rarely appeared to get out of 2nd gear. The biggest question mark lingering over their head is their inability to defeat Top 8 teams. If they want to be taken seriously, they need to achieve consistency in this area. Next up is the Warriors on the road too.
|
| #8 |
8 |
- |
Canberra Raiders
A 36-26 victory over the Dragons was enough to capture 2 competition points but that performance wasn’t ideal. Conceding so many points is one thing but almost surrendering a 20-point lead indicates that this squad still has a long way to develop if they want to compete against the top teams.
|
| #9 |
9 |
- |
Melbourne Storm
Still hurting from their 36-16 loss to the Panthers at home, the Storm travel to face the Roosters this week. They need to bounce back to winning form with a strong performance to keep their hopes of finishing inside the Top 4 alive.
|
| #10 |
10 |
- |
The Dolphins
A spirited Golden Point victory over the Titans keeps their Finals hopes alive. It was just what this team needed; it was their first win since Round 13. They now need to maintain the momentum and face the Panthers in Round 20. Coach Bennett has his work cut out for him.
|
| #11 |
11 |
- |
Gold Coast Titans
Unsurprising to see the Titans lose a game they should’ve won. Sure, they were missing key players, but a better performance was expected. It was needed too as they are 2-points out of the Top 8 and dangerously close to losing contact altogether.
|
| #12 |
12 |
- |
Newcastle Knights
Still on a high from their 66-nil victory over the Bulldogs. They have another winnable game against the Tigers in Round 20. They need to be faultless if they want to feature in the Finals.
|
| #13 |
13 |
- |
Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles
A week off with the Bye will be needed to prepare for their home game against the Cowboys. They have several tough matches ahead too and the pressure will be on this squad to make the Finals.
|
| #14 |
14 |
- |
Sydney Roosters
Hopefully a week off will turn the fortunes of the Roosters around. They have won just 1 of their past 4 matches and, uncharacteristically, look set to have their Finals hopes end soon. A tough match against the Storm awaits.
|
| #15 |
17 |
+2 |
Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs
Bounced back to form with a 36-32 victory over an understrength Rabbitohs team. Still, they did what was required and played what was in front of them on the night. They conceded far too many points and are the worst defensive team in the competition.
|
| #16 |
15 |
-1 |
St George-Illawarra Dragons
Allowed the Raiders to jump to a 30-10 lead and, despite some impressive plays, were unable to overcome that margin, eventually losing 36-26. They have a Bye before facing the Tigers, which could determine which team finishes the season in last place on the competition ladder.
|
| #17 |
16 |
-1 |
Wests Tigers
Last place on the competition ladder and NRL Power Rankings. A 24-point loss to the Sharks won’t allow them to overcome their multitude of issues. The Knights await and, with this squad only playing for pride, how they finish off the season is crucial for 2024 and beyond.
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