This Week |
Last Week |
Change |
Team |
#1 |
2 |
+1 |
Melbourne Storm
Had a week off to lament their loss to the Sea Eagles before hosting the Knights on Sunday. Fortunate to jump to the top of the rankings but their most recent effort is not a guide to their capabilities. Watch out for this team to only improve as they get closer to the Finals.
|
#2 |
1 |
-1 |
Penrith Panthers
You cannot read too much into the Panthers loss to the Dragons. A reserve-grade team was fielded and at 10-nil, it appeared as though they were justified favourites. Should consider that match a strong performance and get ready for a showdown against the Sea Eagles at home.
|
#3 |
4 |
+1 |
Brisbane Broncos
Endured a Bye round on the back of a 2-point loss to the Titans. They will be out for revenge this week against the Sharks. Everyone involved with the club will be praying that their Origin stars get through Wednesday night unscathed.
|
#4 |
3 |
-1 |
Cronulla Sharks
Missing key players was always going to make things difficult against the Eels but most expected the Sharks to be more competitive. It is now 2 consecutive losses following a 7-game winning streak. Capable of more at full strength.
|
#5 |
5 |
- |
Sydney Roosters
Failed to overcome a weakened Cowboys team at home. Missing key players also, the Roosters still had a strong squad to account for their opponents. Hopefully, that performance doesn’t become one they wished was not missed.
|
#6 |
6 |
- |
Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles
A Bye came at the perfect time during a tough set of matches with the Panthers and Storm either side of it. Will want to continue making a point following their upset win over Melbourne at home. Need to continue to perform well without Trbojevic.
|
#7 |
10 |
+3 |
Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs
What an effort?! Down on players, the character of the Bulldogs was at the forefront of their play in their dominating win over the Knights. The challenge for them now is to maintain the momentum for their match against the Eels in Round 14.
|
#8 |
7 |
-1 |
The Dolphins
Let a great chance against the Raiders slip away. They shouldn’t let their Golden Point loss get them down too much. They have a week off to prepare before heading south to face the Sharks.
|
#9 |
9 |
- |
New Zealand Warriors
Needed a break and time away from the spotlight. Will be full of confidence following their 4-point win over the Dolphins. Need to maintain their standard as they head to Townsville to face the Cowboys.
|
#10 |
12 |
+2 |
North Queensland Cowboys
A spirited victory over the Roosters on the road. This club needed such a performance to maintain their momentum. While still not convincing, they will relish the momentum generated ahead of hosting the Warriors.
|
#11 |
13 |
+2 |
Canberra Raiders
Scraped home with a Golden 1-Point win over the Dolphins on the road. Such an effort will make the Bye week even more enjoyable. Still capable on their day, that spirit should be the foundation of all games moving forward. Let’s see if they can maintain it against the Cowboys in Round 15.
|
#12 |
8 |
-4 |
Newcastle Knights
An insipid display by the Knights whereby they were upset by the Bulldogs at home. This team is capable of far better and should be disappointed with this effort. Things to do not get any easier either, as they head on the road to face the Storm.
|
#13 |
11 |
-2 |
Gold Coast Titans
Still on a high following their 2-point win over the Broncos. More will be known about the capabilities of their squad following their Round 14 match against the Rabbitohs. This is a game they should win.
|
#14 |
15 |
+1 |
St George-Illawarra Dragons
Had more than just their opponents to overcome and bounced back from a poor showing against the Bulldogs in Round 12 with a win over the Panthers. Despite the personnel available, they will take the 2-competition points. They must maintain such an effort if they wish to defeat the Tigers on Friday.
|
#15 |
17 |
+2 |
Parramatta Eels
Welcomed back Gutherson and Moses with open arms following their 12-point victory over the Sharks. They are a remarkably different team with their key players leading the way. A true measure of their capabilities will come against the Bulldogs this Monday.
|
#16 |
16 |
- |
South Sydney Rabbitohs
Riding high following their win over the Eels before a Bye last week. It will be important that they maintain their momentum against the Titans; a win would drag them off the bottom of the ladder.
|
#17 |
14 |
-3 |
Wests Tigers
Unlucky to drop to last on the rankings. They are a team which is capable of better but has failed to deliver in recent weeks. On field performances will soon do the talking and they should be out to make a statement against the Dragons.
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