| This Week |
Last Week |
Change |
Team |
| #1 |
2 |
+1 |
Penrith Panthers
Clinical again, with the Knights the receiving end this week. Their stars are producing some impressive individual and team plays. Are now a chance of winning the Minor Premiership but will want the bigger title if they had a choice. Must keep everyone fit and will be tested in their rivalry next week against the Eels.
|
| #2 |
1 |
-1 |
Melbourne Storm
Were due a dip in performance but the way they performed over 80 minutes will leave them desperate to erase that performance from their memory. A quick turnaround against the Rabbitohs offers the perfect opportunity. Their loss will hopefully keep them grounded ahead of the run towards the Finals.
|
| #3 |
4 |
+1 |
Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs
The scenes at Belmore indicate how well this club is currently performing. There is a lot to like about the Bulldogs and, if their form against the Raiders continues, it will only get better. Still have areas to improve upon but their defensive record is to be admired. Head on the road to face the Dragons and will want to make a statement in that game.
|
| #4 |
3 |
-1 |
Sydney Roosters
Can consider themselves unlucky to drop a position following a win. That is more to do with the nature of their victory; they will come unstuck in 2024 if they try to win matches in shootouts against opponents. A timely Bye following a trip to Perth before hosting the Eels is a favourable draw at this stage of the season.
|
| #5 |
5 |
- |
Cronulla Sharks
A scrappy victory over the Rabbitohs but did enough. Will sweat on the results of Trindall’s hamstring injury. If they lose him, they are down to their third-choice halfback. Will need a full-strength team to take on the Titans next week.
|
| #6 |
6 |
- |
North Queensland Cowboys
Outgunned the Tigers in a shootout. Probably wanted a better defensive showing given their +29 points difference. Regardless, they are sitting in 6th on the competition ladder. Host the Broncos next week in the ultimate rivalry for fans of Queensland Rugby League.
|
| #7 |
7 |
- |
Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles
Had a week off with the Bye and needed it to improve the fitness of their squad. The preparation time was needed as they hit the road to face the Raiders at home. On the edge of the Top 8, they will need a win to keep them playing into September.
|
| #8 |
10 |
+2 |
St George-Illawarra Dragons
Grabbed their first win in 25 years against the Storm in Melbourne. This is the good side of the Dragons and demonstrates their capabilities. Head home to host the Bulldogs and will want a victory to consolidate their standing in the Top 8.
|
| #9 |
8 |
-1 |
The Dolphins
Lost a shootout to the Roosters and again, their defence had failed them. Brave in chasing the Roosters’ points but the loss means they slip out of the Top 8. Head home to host the Warriors and will be desperate to grab a victory.
|
| #10 |
11 |
+1 |
Newcastle Knights
Brave in defeat against the Panthers. There is still fight left in this team. 4 points out of the Top 8 means that they will need to find winning form and maintain it until the end of the year. A soft draw should aid their cause. A timely encounter at home against the Tigers should help their cause.
|
| #11 |
13 |
+2 |
Canberra Raiders
Tried hard against the Bulldogs but were ultimately defeated. Losing matched like that doesn’t help their Finals cause; they are still only 2-points off the Top 8. Head home to host the Sea Eagles in a crucial game for both teams.
|
| #12 |
14 |
+2 |
Gold Coast Titans
Kept their slim Finals chances alive with a character-building win over the Broncos at home. Hasler’s impact is showing and there is no doubt that they are playing with belief. Hosting the Sharks poses another interesting encounter in desperate times.
|
| #13 |
9 |
-4 |
Brisbane Broncos
Disappointing, clueless and without promise. The drop for the Broncos this season has been outstanding. Losing to the Titans ended their 2024 Finals hopes. Playing for pride, they hit the road to face the Cowboys in another challenging match.
|
| #14 |
16 |
+2 |
Parramatta Eels
A spirited victory over the Eels on the road. You could almost see which players were playing for contracts. If that’s what brings the best out in this team, then it is working for them. It will be hard to maintain next week as they host the Panthers.
|
| #15 |
12 |
-3 |
New Zealand Warriors
Played poorly at home against the Eels. They have lost their edge from last season, and this is now rock bottom. Will need to salvage some pride to end the year. It is no surprise that Johnson’s return coincided with a poor attacking display. Head on the road to face the Dolphins in another tough match.
|
| #16 |
15 |
-1 |
South Sydney Rabbitohs
Tried hard against the Sharks but were outplayed. Still cannot put together an 80-minute performance. Host the Storm on Thursday night and will be wanting to improve to avoid being embarrassed in that match.
|
| #17 |
17 |
- |
Wests Tigers
Had moments where they were competitive against the Cowboys but were ultimately overpowered. Another high scoring contest: they have no issue scoring points and will benefit from focusing on defence in the upcoming preseason. Hit the road to face the Knights in another tough matchup.
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