| This Week |
Last Week |
Change |
Team |
| #1 |
1 |
- |
Melbourne Storm
Business as usual for the Storm, overcoming the omission of several key players to record a 10-point win over the Raiders at home. Their depth is to be admired and, scarily, they are still not at their best. Hit to road to face the Tigers to keep their standing at the top of the NRL ladder.
|
| #2 |
3 |
+1 |
Sydney Roosters
Made a statement with a commanding victory over the Tigers. While their opponents were weak, you cannot overlook the way they are winning matches. Host the Dragons and can push their way into the Top 4 with a victory.
|
| #3 |
2 |
-1 |
Penrith Panthers
A home loss to the Cowboys is hardly anything to be concerned about when you see the talent which was missing from their team. Still sitting 2nd on the competition ladder and have a tough test against the Broncos on the road to return to winning form. Their machine-like system should recalibrate in time.
|
| #4 |
7 |
+3 |
Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs
It is time to take notice of the Bulldogs! They held their nerve and took their chances against the Sharks. A spirited effort will always make them tough to defeat. Host the Warriors and will need to be at their best to keep their momentum going.
|
| #5 |
4 |
-1 |
The Dolphins
Underwhelming against the Dragons in a game they should’ve been better in. Their defence appeared to regress. Perhaps that is being too harsh, but they are entitled to be better. Have a week off with the Bye before hosting the Rabbitohs.
|
| #6 |
5 |
-1 |
Cronulla Sharks
Defeated by the Bulldogs, leaving them on a 2-game losing streak. Perhaps, they are not as good as their early season form suggested. Head to Coffs Harbour to host the Titans and need a win to stay inside the Top 4.
|
| #7 |
6 |
-1 |
Brisbane Broncos
Chose to rest their Origin stars and were handed a loss to the Warriors on the road. Had their chances but now, they are in dangerous territory. Their draw is tough too. Should get better with tier stars returning but they can ill afford a slip up moving forward.
|
| #8 |
10 |
+2 |
Newcastle Knights
Spirited in their 34-26 win over the Eels. Needed such an effort and can be proud of how they performed in front of their home fans. Hit the road to face the Raiders and will want a victory to keep their Finals hopes alive.
|
| #9 |
8 |
-1 |
Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles
Will be buoyed by the impending return of Tommy Turbo to their team. A week off allows this club to regroup amid a horror injury toll. A trip to Townsville to face the Cowboys is the test they need to bounce back to winning form and climb back up the ladder.
|
| #10 |
9 |
-1 |
South Sydney Rabbitohs
Enjoyed a 4-game winning streak with a Bye. Face a challenge against a desperate Eels team on Thursday to make it 5 wins in a row. How they perform in this match will provide an accurate judgement on where this team is at. Building nicely but it could easily fall apart. |
| #11 |
14 |
+3 |
St George-Illawarra Dragons
A terrific defensive effort against the Dolphins, delivering a character-building victory. Must build on that and will be further tested against the Roosters this week. When they are at their best, they are an entertaining team to watch.
|
| #12 |
11 |
-1 |
North Queensland Cowboys
Tried hard against the Panthers on the road and were rewarded with a victory. Maintain contact with the Top 8 with that win and will need more to regain form. Head home to host the Sea Eagles and will welcome back a host of players from representative duty.
|
| #13 |
16 |
+3 |
New Zealand Warriors
Bounced back to winning form with a much-needed win over the Broncos at home. The performance of their halves again raised eyebrows, as did the omission of others. Whether they are back to form will be proven in their road match against the Bulldogs next week. |
| #14 |
14 |
- |
Parramatta Eels
Unable to defeat the Knights on the road, coming up short in key areas. It was a must-win match for their hopes and the fact that they couldn’t deliver indicates how far they have fallen. Another tough challenge awaits as they host the Rabbitohs.
|
| #15 |
15 |
- |
Gold Coast Titans
Had a week off with the Bye following their 60-point win over the Warriors. Head on the road to face the Sharks in Coffs Harbour and will want to continue their improvement. There is a lot to like about their most recent effort but, as always with the Titans, consistency is the key. |
| #16 |
13 |
-4 |
Wests Tigers
A reality check to halt a 2-game winning streak. They were the inferior team and while they can draw positives from their previous two weeks, the quality of opponents masked their defensive shortcomings. Still, they tried hard. It doesn’t get any easier with a home match against the Storm.
|
| #17 |
17 |
- |
Canberra Raiders
Were better than last week but still lack quality. They are sitting as low as they are because they should be performing better. A home game against the Knights will indicate how they are moving forward and whether they hold onto their spot in the Top 8.
|
