| This Week |
Last Week |
Change |
Team |
| #1 |
1 |
- |
Melbourne Storm
Remain at the top with a strong win against the Roosters. They are a quality team with an equal measure of attacking threats and defensive resolve. A very dangerous team. They head on the road to face the Rabbitohs and will want to continue their winning momentum.
|
| #2 |
2 |
- |
Brisbane Broncos
Dismantled the Raiders at home and never gave them a chance in the contest. Demonstrated just how capable they were and will only get better with Reynolds and Haas (among others) to return. They travel down to Campbelltown to face the Tigers and should account for their opponents on recent form.
|
| #3 |
3 |
- |
Penrith Panthers
Survived another week without Cleary and will welcome him back with open arms this week. They are still competition favourites and proved that they are proficient without their halfback. Plenty of doubters around and they will again be tested against the Cowboys on the road.
|
| #4 |
7 |
+3 |
Cronulla Sharks
A commanding victory over the Cowboys. Delivered more than what was expected and did so in style. They face another tough test with a road trip down to Canberra but there is nothing to suggest that they won’t be able to deal what is thrown their way.
|
| #5 |
10 |
+5 |
The Dolphins
A spirited victory over the Eels on the road. It was made even better by the fact that they were missing key players (and a coach). Justifying their standing on the ladder. If they are to be believed, they should account for the Knights this week.
|
| #6 |
6 |
- |
Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles
Did enough to overcome the Titans in a tricky road match. Taking the positives from the contest, their attack looked better than ever. It is time for them to tighten up their defence. Otherwise, they will find it difficult against the better teams in the competition.
|
| #7 |
9 |
+2 |
Sydney Roosters
Showed that they are still a competitive team with a strong performance against the Storm. Capable on their day and a threat to most other teams. They will want to avoid being ambushed by the Dragons and, despite still having their shortcomings, are a capable team on their day with a host of talent across the park.
|
| #8 |
5 |
-3 |
New Zealand Warriors
Suffered their 3rd loss of the season with a disappointing showing against the Dragons. It is never a kind road trip for them but if they want to be taken seriously, that was a game which they should’ve won. They return home for an ANZAC Day game against the Titans.
|
| #9 |
12 |
+3 |
St George-Illawarra Dragons
A season defining victory. They were measured in their execution and exciting in attack. Their ability to finish from anywhere on the field highlighted their ability. It is the perfect rehearsal for their ANZAC Day clash against the Roosters.
|
| #10 |
8 |
-2 |
North Queensland Cowboys
Didn’t show up for their match against the Sharks. Should’ve performed better and didn’t. Questions still linger but their talent is evident on paper. It will be difficult to head home and bounce back against the Panthers.
|
| #11 |
7 |
-4 |
Canberra Raiders
Completely outclassed by the Broncos in a game where they could’ve proved their worth. After several positive victories over lesser opponents, they failed at the first hurdle. They now host the Sharks and will be out to make amends for their Round 4 capitulation.
|
| #12 |
13 |
+1 |
Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs
Rewarded for being tough, resilient, and patient in attack. Dismantled the Knights defensive line in a comprehensive victory. A great performance to take into a Bye week before facing the Tigers at home. |
| #13 |
15 |
+2 |
Wests Tigers
Did their best against the Panthers but were outclassed. Previous years would’ve seen them defeated by 30+. The fact that they didn’t demonstrates just how far this team has progressed. They head back to Campbelltown to host the Broncos and could spring an upset.
|
| #14 |
14 |
- |
Newcastle Knights
Underwhelming in a match they were favourites for. Void of answers when Ponga was pressured. It is time for another avenue of attack to be explored. They will need to do that now with doubt hovering over his fitness. Time to head on the road to face the Dolphins.
|
| #15 |
16 |
+1 |
South Sydney Rabbitohs
Fortunate for others’ poor performances that they moved up the standings. Were delt a further blow with the Tatola ruled out for an extended period. It doesn’t get any easier with the Storm traveling to face them. Let’s hope a week off has built some resilience within their squad.
|
| #16 |
17 |
+1 |
Gold Coast Titans
Getting closer to their first victory. Had their chances against the Sea Eagles but fell short. Some players are beginning to grow in confidence, but they are still missing something. This team has forgotten how to win matches. A tough road trip against the Warriors awaits.
|
| #17 |
11 |
-6 |
Parramatta Eels
You only need to look as far as their coaches’ comments to see how poor they were. They are underperforming and ‘gave up’ in their match against the Dolphins. Something needs to drastically change to rescue their season. A tough road trip to face the Sea Eagles doesn’t make things any easier.
|
