This Week |
Last Week |
Change |
Team |
#1 |
4 |
+3 |
Penrith Panthers
Made a statement in their 42-nil win over the Sharks on the road. They are an impressive machine and, after spending several weeks away from the top of this list, deserve to be back. They face the Dragons minus their Origin players but will have others in their squad relishing a new challenge.
|
#2 |
2 |
- |
Melbourne Storm
Were upset by the Sea Eagles on the road and should’ve performed better. Perhaps a few tough weeks caught up with them. They will be measured by how they bounce back. Thankfully, they have a week off before facing the Knights. |
#3 |
1 |
-2 |
Cronulla Sharks
The less said about their 42-nil loss, the better. After a 7-game winning streak, they can be excused for a drop in form. It won’t stop people from questioning their credentials against the leading teams in the competition though. They now face the Eels minus their Origin players and need a strong performance.
|
#4 |
3 |
-1 |
Brisbane Broncos
Upset at home by the Titans. For the first time in a long time, the Broncos appeared void of experienced players controlling the outcome of the match. Poor defensive reads will make for a long wait before their Round 14 match against the Sharks.
|
#5 |
5 |
- |
Sydney Roosters
A dazzling display in their 44-16 win over the Raiders on the road. Expected to win, the way they executed leaves fans wanting more. Everyone should be wary of what the Roosters are building, and it is a matter of time before they jump higher.
|
#6 |
7 |
+1 |
Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles
Peaked with a 26-20 win over the Storm at home. This is their ceiling, and they will want to build on this effort. If they can maintain their consistency, there is no limit to what they can achieve. A long wait with the Bye in Round 13, before traveling to face the Panthers in Round 14.
|
#7 |
6 |
-1 |
The Dolphins
Couldn’t defeat the Warriors on the road and will be frustrated that they missed such an opportunity. Such performances are holding them back from climbing higher on the ladder (and these rankings). They head home to face the Raiders and they will want to bounce back to form with a strong performance.
|
#8 |
8 |
- |
Newcastle Knights
Had the Bye in Round 12 to prepare for their match against the Bulldogs. Things are going well in Newcastle minus their superstar playmaker. They will want to win that match to maintain their place in the Top 8.
|
#9 |
11 |
+2 |
New Zealand Warriors
Needed a win and delivered a spirited performance in the absence of 10 first-choice players. It makes having the Bye in Round 13 even sweater. It comes at a good time too, before they hit the road to face the Cowboys the following week.
|
#10 |
10 |
- |
Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs
Are inside the Top 8 following their dominant 44-12 win over the Dragons. They are unlucky not to be higher and will want to maintain their performance against the Knights in Round 13. Is it too early to dream of a spot in the Finals?
|
#11 |
12 |
+1 |
Gold Coast Titans
Captured their 3rd win of the season with a 36-34 shootout win over the Broncos. It shows just what this team is capable of, and it means a lot as they head into the Bye, before hosting the Rabbitohs.
|
#12 |
15 |
+3 |
North Queensland Cowboys
Defeated the Tigers by 14 points but still conceded 28 points. The greater concern is the attacking inadequacies experienced by their opponents to date. They are not out of trouble yet. The team will head to Sydney to face the Roosters and need to maintain their winning form.
|
#13 |
9 |
-4 |
Canberra Raiders
Comprehensively defeated by the Roosters at home. It was a dose of reality for this squad which still promises so much. Their inconsistencies make them a frustrating team to watch. They are capable of better but will be unlikely to achieve that this season.
|
#14 |
14 |
- |
Wests Tigers
Did themselves proud against the Cowboys on the road but unfortunately, that doesn’t deliver them any competition points. They are now second last on the competition ladder, which is an unfair indication of how they have been performing in matches. Must take the Bye week to prepare for a winnable game against the Dragons.
|
#15 |
13 |
-2 |
St George-Illawarra Dragons
Disgraceful, flat, and void of effort in their 44-12 loss to the Bulldogs. While circumstances impacted the outcome, they are still capable of better. If things do not change, they will continue to struggle. They can consider themselves lucky they face the Panthers next week minus their Origin stars.
|
#16 |
15 |
+1 |
South Sydney Rabbitohs
Climb off the bottom of the rankings with a 42-26 win over the Eels. Had to fight hard for the win and will enjoy a week out of the spotlight with win to their name. Have a good chance to make it consecutive wins against the Titans in Round 14.
|
#17 |
17 |
- |
Parramatta Eels
An insipid display whereby their players lacked intent. Arthur wasn’t the only thing holding this team back from success. Time for their high-profile players to have a good, hard look at themselves. A short turnaround as they host the Sharks on Thursday.
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