| This Week |
Last Week |
Change |
Team |
| #1 |
1 |
- |
Penrith Panthers
Needed to produce something special against the Eels and did so in their comeback 2-point win. Will want to avoid similar circumstances against better teams. Head home for the blockbuster showdown against the Storm this Thursday.
|
| #2 |
2 |
- |
Melbourne Storm
Did enough to defeat the Rabbitohs but will be disappointed they conceded several ‘garbage time’ tries. They would’ve had one eye on their matchup this week against the Panthers, where the Minor Premiership could be decided.
|
| #3 |
3 |
- |
Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs
Took care of business in a ‘no nonsense’ display against the Dragons. There is a lot to like about this team and how they execute. Take their home game against the Dolphins to Bundaberg and will want a win to continue their hopes of finishing in the Top 4.
|
| #4 |
4 |
- |
Sydney Roosters
Had a week off with the Bye following their victory over the Dolphins in Perth. The timing couldn’t be better for them as it allows the opportunity to rest and prepare for their run towards the Finals. Host the Eels and will want to make a statement in that match.
|
| #5 |
5 |
- |
Cronulla Sharks
When they needed a character-building victory, the Sharks produced a stunning 44-point win over the Titans on the road. While the quality of their opponent will cast doubt on that effort, they will take the victory. Must continue their winning form as they host the Knights next Sunday.
|
| #6 |
7 |
+1 |
Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles
Dynamic in attack against the Raiders in Canberra but must tighten up defensively. Conceding 24 points against the better teams in the competition will lead to a loss. Head home to face the Warriors and will be wary of what this team can produce on their day.
|
| #7 |
9 |
+2 |
The Dolphins
Needed Golden Point to defeat the Warriors but will take the victory. It will restore confidence in their play. This will be needed as they hit the road to face the Bulldogs. A loss could see them drop out of the Top 8.
|
| #8 |
6 |
-2 |
North Queensland Cowboys
Upset at home 42-18, they can consider themselves lucky they have not dropped lower. There are no excuses for such a performance when they are inside the Top 8. Will want to bounce back to form as they host the Raiders next week or risk dropping out of the Top 8.
|
| #9 |
10 |
+1 |
Newcastle Knights
Did what was required against the Tigers to capture a 16-point victory. Looked good in executing too. They are still a good chance to make the Finals but need to produce winning efforts. Will be tested next week as they hit the road to play the Sharks.
|
| #10 |
8 |
-2 |
St George-Illawarra Dragons
Were competitive enough against the Bulldogs but failed to consistently build pressure on their opponents. Still maintain contact with the Top 8 and must defeat the Titans when they host them next week to continue to put pressure on the teams above them.
|
| #11 |
13 |
+2 |
Brisbane Broncos
Returned to winning form with an exciting 24-point victory over the Cowboys on the road. Reminded everyone just what they’re capable of but it is a case of too little, too late for this team. Have the Bye next week to prepare for their must-win match against the Eels.
|
| #12 |
11 |
-1 |
Canberra Raiders
Tried hard against the Sea Eagles but flimsy defence allowed their opponents to score 46 points. Some ‘garbage time’ tries closed the margin but they were never really in the contest once their opponents clicked into another gear. A tough road trip to Townsville to face the Cowboys awaits in Round 24.
|
| #13 |
12 |
-1 |
Gold Coast Titans
Crashed back to reality with a 44-nil hammering against an understrength Sharks outfit. The loss all but ended their Finals chances as inconsistency and lack of execution plagued their play. Hit the road to face the Dragons in another challenging contest.
|
| #14 |
15 |
+1 |
New Zealand Warriors
Produced a stunning comeback to force the Dolphins into Golden Point but couldn’t stop their opponents there. Again, a better team without Johnson. Will need the same level of execution if they want to defeat the Sea Eagles in another challenging road trip.
|
| #15 |
14 |
-1 |
Parramatta Eels
Almost pulled off a stunning upset of the Panthers but when their defence needed to be strong, it failed. Can be proud of that effort and will need the same standard if they want to be a chance of upsetting the Roosters next week on the road.
|
| #16 |
16 |
- |
South Sydney Rabbitohs
Some ‘garbage time’ tries added some respectability to the score but they were always outclassed and outperformed by the Storm. Having a host of players absent through injury is hurting their cause. They will want to avoid losing next week to the Tigers which would cause angst, should it occur.
|
| #17 |
17 |
- |
Wests Tigers
Scored some exciting tries against the Knights but still leaked too many points. Look set to finish in last position on the ladder unless they experience a drastic change in form. Might have an opportunity to grab a win against the Rabbitohs in Round 24.
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