| This Week |
Last Week |
Change |
Team |
| #1 |
1 |
- |
Melbourne Storm
Down 14-nil, the Storm powered past the Warriors with a patient, yet commanding display. They went on to score 38 points and produced some impressive passages of attacking play. Will want to tighten up their defence but they are the top of the rankings for a reason.
|
| #2 |
2 |
- |
Penrith Panthers
Business as usual for the Panthers. They are an impressive machine which rolled through the Knights courtesy of a simple, yet effective gameplan. Their remaining stars stepped up and controlled the game with poise. They are rewarded with a week off before hosting the Cowboys.
|
| #3 |
5 |
+2 |
Sydney Roosters
A strong performance against the Eels in a game which they could’ve easily gave up. The most impressive factor in the victory was the individual performance of some of their younger players. The Roosters are the sleeping giant which is starting to wake up…
|
| #4 |
7 |
+3 |
The Dolphins
It is time to take note of the Dolphins. They have powered their way into the Top 4 and will maintain this if they play to a similar standard to what they produced against the Sharks. The Bennett magic is working.
|
| #5 |
3 |
-2 |
Cronulla Sharks
Upset at home by the Dolphins and only have themselves to blame. Their defensive structure appeared to abandon them and they were made to pay for their mistakes. They have a Bye ahead before traveling to face the Bulldogs.
|
| #6 |
4 |
-2 |
Brisbane Broncos
A poor display in their loss to the Rabbitohs. They are a better team than that. Sitting outside the Top 8 shouldn’t worry them too much just yet, but similar efforts will only build pressure towards the end of the year. A timely Bye is the perfect time to rediscover their form.
|
| #7 |
6 |
-1 |
Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs
A week off with the Bye ahead of a grudge match against the Roosters. One of the most impressive teams to date and will continue to perform well against opponents who doubt their quality. Must work hard to cover player absences due to Origin.
|
| #8 |
9 |
+1 |
Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles
Spirited, tough and determined in their win over the Dragons. While a better opponents would’ve defeated them, their gritty victory is a sign that there is still fight within this team without their star player. It will be challenging up against the Rabbitohs with further players missing.
|
| #9 |
8 |
-1 |
New Zealand Warriors
Started strongly against the Storm but failing to play at this standard for the entire match is cause for concern. If it happens again, they will plummet down the rankings. Perhaps it is time to tap Shaun Johnson on the shoulder…
|
| #10 |
11 |
+1 |
Newcastle Knights
Tried hard against the Panthers and were promising at times but they couldn’t build enough pressure. Still missing the spark which Ponga would’ve offered but you cannot doubt their effort. Have a week off before hosting the Eels.
|
| #11 |
13 |
+2 |
South Sydney Rabbitohs
Quietly building some momentum. Their win over the Broncos was a statement that they should not be forgotten about just yet. They should get better as players return from injury and could make a late run towards the Finals.
|
| #12 |
10 |
-2 |
Canberra Raiders
It’s two steps forward, one step backwards with the Raiders. Losing at home to the Cowboys is a disappointing outcome. They are a better team than that result suggest and need to regain form in their match against the Tigers in Round 16.
|
| #13 |
16 |
+3 |
North Queensland Cowboys
You never know what you’re going to get with the Cowboys and a 34-16 win over the Raiders on the road wasn’t expected. Winning in tough circumstances will give them a better mindset ahead of the Bye this week.
|
| #14 |
14 |
- |
Parramatta Eels
Tried hard against the Roosters but were never able to gain enough momentum to pull ahead and close out the match. Potentially losing several players ahead of their next match will cause concern. They need to settle on a coach for 2025 to give this team something to aim towards.
|
| #15 |
12 |
-3 |
St George-Illawarra Dragons
Couldn’t capitalise on their opponents’ shortcomings. They were frustratingly bad at times; when they did build pressure, they looked capable. The challenge for coach Flanagan is maintaining this standard in all players for 80 minutes. They have a week off with the Bye to lament their poor showing.
|
| #16 |
17 |
+1 |
Wests Tigers
A much-needed win which will deliver this squad confidence ahead of their match against the Raiders. Off-field solutions to contract ‘drama’ has further settled the team. They are heading in the right direction but need to continue to get the small wins.
|
| #17 |
15 |
-2 |
Gold Coast Titans
A frustrating team to follow. Despite missing key players, a better effort was expected. From upset the Broncos to losing to the Tigers within a month, the Titans are one of the greatest underachievers in the 2024 NRL season.
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