| This Week |
Last Week |
Change |
Team |
| #1 |
3 |
+2 |
Cronulla Sharks
Welcome to the top of the rankings, Cronulla. Deserving of their standing given their victory over the Storm was achieved without Hynes. Played well and will want to build on that effort in another tough matchup against the Roosters in the ‘game of the round’ at Magic Round.
|
| #2 |
4 |
+2 |
Brisbane Broncos
Didn’t let the absence of Reynolds bother them too much as they easily accounted for the Eels. Have a host of other attacking weapons, it is just a matter of getting to the right position(s) on the field to be able to capitalise. Fortunate to be the away team at Magic Round against the Sea Eagles.
|
| #3 |
2 |
-1 |
Penrith Panthers
Took care of business against the Bulldogs but were dealt a major blow with the injury suffered by Cleary. If there is a silver lining, his absence in the middle of the season should make him fresh for a run towards the Finals (and beyond). Plenty of talent remains and they will need others to stand up against the Warriors in Round 11.
|
| #4 |
1 |
-3 |
Melbourne Storm
Were down on personnel but were still competitive. Their ‘next man up’ mentality was on show and despite losing, can take confidence away from that performance. Face the Eels at Magic Round and will want to play to their potential to avoid an upset.
|
| #5 |
5 |
- |
Sydney Roosters
Starting to hit their peak and are putting together some impressive performances. The freedom they are playing with in attack is making them a dangerous team. Some are still doubting them though. They have a great chance to prove just how much they have improved in a blockbuster match against the Sharks.
|
| #6 |
6 |
- |
The Dolphins
A lot to like about this team. Play for 80-minutes and outlast opponents which aren’t willing to do the same; this was the case against the Sea Eagles. Have ample time to recover and prepare for their match against the Tigers. Not even Bennett’s impending departure appears to be bothering this team.
|
| #7 |
7 |
- |
Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles
Unable to overcome the Dolphins and left multiple chances on the field. Will face a tough test now without Tommy Turbo at the back but that is something they are well accustomed to. Time for some of their younger, well credentialed players, to stand up and take control. Face a tough task at Suncorp against the Broncos.
|
| #8 |
8 |
- |
Newcastle Knights
Outlasted the Tigers and are finding ways to win tricky matches. It will get tougher when they face better opponents but for now, are doing everything right. Have a great chance to continue their winning form next week against the Titans.
|
| #9 |
9 |
- |
Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs
Must take the positives away from their 6-point loss to the Panthers. Tried hard and kept their opponents to just 16 points. Improving each week and will have a great opportunity to grab a win against the Raiders in the opening match of Magic Round.
|
| #10 |
11 |
+1 |
Gold Coast Titans
Upset the Cowboys at home on the back of some gritty second half defence. Also displayed some attacking flair in the first half. Slowly putting things together but will be rocked by the impend departure of Fifita. Will sense an opportunity to grab their third win of the season against the Knights.
|
| #11 |
13 |
+2 |
Canberra Raiders
Had a week off with the Bye following their strong win over the Sea Eagles. Will need every bit of confidence to continue to improve. They will open Magic Round with a winnable match against the Bulldogs. The result in that game will indicate how far they have improved.
|
| #12 |
14 |
+2 |
St George-Illawarra Dragons
Captured a strong and much-needed win over the Rabbitohs. They have the week off with the Bye and will relish the chance to be out of the spotlight, with confidence, before facing the Bulldogs in Round 12.
|
| #13 |
15 |
+2 |
Wests Tigers
Were competitive against the Knights but failed to build enough pressure to capture victory. Still, the fight they are showing in matches is a welcomed change compared to previous seasons. Will need to improve to be competitive and defeat the Dolphins at Magic Round.
|
| #14 |
12 |
-2 |
New Zealand Warriors
Winless in the past 5 games and on a 4-game losing streak. The decline of the Warriors has seen them return to the insipid team they were before Webster took over. A drastic change of form is required, as too is fit playmakers.
|
| #15 |
16 |
+1 |
Parramatta Eels
Tried hard against the Broncos in parts but were again guilty of switching off during the match. Are lacking an experienced player in such conditions to change their game play. Moses’ return this week is crucial but will find it tough up against the Storm.
|
| #16 |
10 |
-6 |
North Queensland Cowboys
Gutless. If it weren’t for the Rabbitohs poor standard, they would be last. Should be performing far better than they currently are. Thankfully, they meet them this week in Magic Round. Desperately need to halt their 5-game losing streak.
|
| #17 |
15 |
- |
South Sydney Rabbitohs
Down on talent and lacking execution. They must wait until their talent returns before they will be competitive. It will be a long season for them. Even with Mitchell returning, a lot more still must go right for them. Time for other players to stand up also.
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