| This Week |
Last Week |
Change |
Team |
| #1 |
1 |
- |
Penrith Panthers
No Cleary, no worries for the Panthers. They were the superior team against the Roosters and showed just how strong their depth is. More impressive was the way other players took control of the match. They have an extended break before their match against the Sea Eagles on Saturday.
|
| #2 |
3 |
+1 |
Melbourne Storm
A week off with the Bye has done their hopes no damage heading into their match on Thursday against the Broncos. The fact that they are at home will assist in their preparation. There is a lot to like about this team, quietly going about their business.
|
| #3 |
5 |
+2 |
Brisbane Broncos
Made a statement with a strong victory over the Cowboys. When they were expected to struggle, they rallied. Another tough test awaits in a road trip to Melbourne to face the Storm and player availability will again be an issue. Such victories will only build their character though.
|
| #4 |
2 |
-2 |
Sydney Roosters
A loss to an understrength Panthers outfit will leave many scratching their heads for answers. They are a better team than that effort suggests, and it is puzzling to make an excuse for that outcome. Perhaps they are not the team expected of them…. Just yet…
|
| #5 |
6 |
+1 |
North Queensland Cowboys
Underperformed against the Broncos. They were defeated by a team which showed more desire to find the victory. There were some positives, but more is needed from this talented team. They face off against the Titans at home and will want to quickly bounce back to form.
|
| #6 |
8 |
+2 |
New Zealand Warriors
A character-building victory over the Knights at home in front of a packed stadium. There is a lot to like about the Warriors and this victory highlighted their strengths. Another tricky assignment awaits in a road match against the Rabbitohs but they are capable of handling this challenge.
|
| #7 |
4 |
-3 |
Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles
A horrible performance whereby their execution was abysmal. Not the same Manly team which has taken the field in matches so far this season. They need to bounce back with a strong performance this week but have the Panthers standing in their way. How they perform in this game will say a lot about their chances in 2024.
|
| #8 |
10 |
+2 |
Cronulla Sharks
Showed grit and determination to fight back at home against the Raiders. Overcame an 18-nil deficit and needed to after an upset loss to the Tigers the week before. They carry plenty of momentum into the Bye before playing the Rabbitohs.
|
| #9 |
9 |
- |
Canberra Raiders
The ‘Faders’ tag is back, and it is appropriate after they failed to close out the result against the Sharks. That loss would’ve hurt this squad, especially on the back of a poor result the week prior. They now need to bounce back against the Eels but have the advantage of returning home to do it.
|
| #10 |
12 |
+2 |
The Dolphins
Were unconvincing in defeating the Titans but will take the 2-competition points on offer. They are a team which has improved each week and will need greater consistency against the better sides before they are taken seriously. The Tigers will pose as a delicate opponent this week.
|
| #11 |
7 |
-4 |
Parramatta Eels
No Moses was always going to be difficult, but they had enough to overcome the Tigers but failed in their quest. The Eels will need to find a quick solution, as a road trip down to Canberra awaits. The difference between them winning and losing is a matter of starting a game strongly and playing for 80 minutes.
|
| #12 |
13 |
+1 |
Wests Tigers
A thrilling 1-point win for the Tigers to make it consecutive victories. The young players in this team are starting to believe, while the ‘old heads’ appear rejuvenated in this system. While it is not time to celebrate, there is a lot to like about their performance thus far.
|
| #13 |
11 |
-2 |
Newcastle Knights
Not what was needed from a team who wanted to compete for a victory. Unlucky to be so far down on the ladder but they are a better team than their performance suggests. They head home to host the Dragons in an important game.
|
| #14 |
15 |
+1 |
South Sydney Rabbitohs
A much-needed win against the Bulldogs. It was unconvincing to say the least but as admitted by the playing group, they just needed to find a way to win, and they did. It will boost their confidence. It will be needed too as they face the Warriors this week.
|
| #15 |
16 |
+1 |
St George-Illawarra Dragons
Captured victory in a poor showing against the Sea Eagles. Still, it will go a long way to lifting the confidence within this team. If such an effort were against a stronger opponent, they would’ve been on the receiving end of an embarrassing loss. Time to keep build on their momentum against the Knights.
|
| #16 |
14 |
-2 |
Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs
Tried hard against the Rabbitohs and failed to play for 80 minutes. Credit where credit is due; they hung in the first half of this match with grit and determination. They are unlucky to feature so low as they are improving each week. Another tough test is ahead against the Roosters.
|
| #17 |
17 |
- |
Gold Coast Titans
Best to put a line through them this year. They lack any spark across the park; their forwards are not feared by any team. Des Hasler has one of his greatest challenges as a coach ahead of him to turn around the fortunes of this club.
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