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NRL Power Rankings: Round 2 2024

March 18th 2024, 3:55pm, By: Scooby

NRL Power Rankings

What a blockbuster start to the NRL season?! The ratings and attendance suggest the game is thriving and the on-field action has been unreal. Each match was filled with exciting moments, even the teams at the bottom of the ladder are producing some impressive plays. Sides are still finding their feet to start the season, and some are dangerously close to starting the season 0-3. There are 5 undefeated teams, but their form doesn’t sit them towards the top of these rankings. Let’s look at the true form and potential of each team at the end of Round 2. 

Also, make sure to check out our NRL Tips page regularly where you'll find our previews and best bets for every games of the 2024 season.

2024 NRL Power Rankings – Round 2

This Week Last Week Change Team
#1 1 -

Melbourne Storm 

Left it late to defeat the Warriors but stuck in the contest to grab the win. The victory was made even better by the fact that they had no right to win the match; they were outplayed for majority of the contest. They face the Knights in Round 3 in their first road trip of the year.

#2 3 +1

Penrith Panthers

Were strong in their 26-18 win over the Eels. It was needed following their Round 1 loss to the Storm. They have quality across the field and will again be difficult for any team to defeat. They host the Broncos this week in a rematch of the 2023 Grand Final. 

#3 5 +2

Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles

Proved that their performance in Round 1 was not a fluke, backing it up with a 21-14 win over the Roosters at home. Their individuals are playing well and it’s positively contributing to the team. Another challenge awaits in the Eels in Round 3.

#4 - -

Brisbane Broncos

Captured their first win of the season with a 28-18 win over the Rabbitohs. Were the better team but were also guilty of poor passages of play. They will need to be improved on that effort as they have the Grand Final rematch against the Panthers on Thursday. 

#5 6 +1

Cronulla Sharks

Two tough wins to start the season. The Bulldogs pushed them in the first half; yet again, they absorbed pressure and executed their own skills when needed. There is little to suggest that they cannot go 3-0 with a win against the Tigers in Round 3. 

#6 2 -4

Sydney Roosters

Were disappointing against the Sea Eagles. They were competitive at times and had a strong chance to win the match. A game against bitter rivals, the Rabbitohs waits and they will be out to prove a point at home. 

#7 - -

Canberra Raiders

The competition leaders after 2 weeks. They face a tough test as they head to New Zealand to face the Warriors. If they are as good as their start suggests, this should be a game that they win. You cannot knock their form to date. 

#8 - -

Parramatta Eels

Determined in their loss to the Panthers. There is plenty to like about that effort. They have extra time to prepare for their blockbuster clash against the Sea Eagles. Will continue to have to prove people wrong this season. 

#9 - -

North Queensland Cowboys

Came from behind to steal a Golden Point victory at home over the Knights. A gritty win like that can define a team’s season. They now head south to face the Dragons and are capable of starting the season undefeated. 

#10 - -

New Zealand Warriors

A heart-breaking loss to the Storm which sees them winless to start the year. The result was both easier and harder to understand as they were the better team for majority of the match. They head home to face the Raiders and will not want to go 0-3. 

#11 13 +2

Newcastle Knights

Were defeated in Golden Point by the Cowboys on the road. It was a better performance than Round 1 and showed that this team is capable on their day. They are still winless though, and it doesn’t get any easier as they host the Storm in Round 3. 

#12 15 +3

The Dolphins

Proved that their Round 1 performance wasn’t a true reflection of their talent, they made a statement with a dominating 38-nil win over the Dragons. It is a great effort and momentum to carry into the Bye this week, before taking on the Titans. 

#13 10 -3

South Sydney Rabbitohs

Injuries aren’t helping their cause but neither is their execution. They were their own worst enemy with 14 errors and a 65% completion rate. They could be winless after 3 rounds, with a tough test against the Roosters ahead this Friday. 

#14 12 -2

St George-Illawarra Dragons

What a difference a week makes in Rugby League. The Dragons were woeful in their 38-nil drubbing by the Dolphins. After back-to-back road games in Queensland, they head home to host the Cowboys. 

#15 14 -1

Wests Tigers

Their first game of the year didn’t do much to suggest they will be an improved team in 2024. There were passages of pleasing play but not enough to pressure the Raiders. Need to focus on the positives; they will be better the longer their combinations have on the field. 

#16 - -

Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs

Were competitive in the first half against the Sharks but failed to play for 80 minutes. It was an improved effort, but they failed to capitalise on good field position and defensive errors. They are still missing a key playmaker. 

#17 - -

Gold Coast Titans

Had the Bye this week after a poor showing last week. The time to prepare for their match against the Bulldogs should place them in a strong position to win the match. It will be a good measure of the strength and resilience of this squad under the guidance of Hasler.  

 

Power Rankings Bet

Take another week to assess the chances of each team. There were some surprising efforts following Round 1 matches and Round 3 will deliver another piece to the NRL puzzle. Be patient, a clearer picture will be made at the end of this round.  

 

Futures Bets

The Sea Eagles have moved from $17 to $13 for the Premiership and the Shark have moved from $23 to $19. Both are capable teams who are still over the odds. Get away from the Rabbitohs; they have drifted from $13 and $17 and look void of answers at this stage. The Warriors ($2) should make the Top 8 if their Round 2 performance is anything to go by. 

 

Round 3 – First thoughts

The Rabbitohs are under pressure and are outsiders against the Roosters ($1.65 vs $2.25) but don’t overlook the fact that they will have extra time to prepare for the match. The Sea Eagles are on the other side of this though but appear value at $2 in their match against the Eels.  

 

Neds

Scooby is our NRL guru with over ten years experience writing about rugby league with Before You Bet and previously at The Profits. His background is in playing and coaching but he's enjoyed the switch to share his knowledge through his articles, as well as sharing his thoughts on Twitter.

Scooby's strength is assessing the overall team - what they offer across the field in a match and how the ethos of a club contributes to their success. Momentum also has a major impact on sports, and Scooby likes to explore this, while underpinning his judgement against a solid basis of statistical analysis. When combined with the aforementioned points, it combines for a holistic approach towards betting on rugby league.

Other sports he enjoys include Cricket, Horse Racing and NFL. There is a reason why Scooby ‘clicked’ with BYB from Day 1 - he loves his sport as much as we do.

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