This Week |
Last Week |
Change |
Team |
#1 |
2 |
+1 |
Melbourne Storm
Travelled to Penrith to face the Panthers and left with the 2 competition points. A tremendous, gritty victory that made a statement and will likely mean they finish with the Minor Premiership. Have an extend break as they head home to face the Dolphins.
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#2 |
3 |
+1 |
Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs
It wasn’t just the victory which made a statement, it was the way they went about claiming it. Their performance was impressive to say the least. It is time to start taking notice of what the Bulldogs are producing. Hit the road to face the Warriors in a challenging environment.
|
#3 |
4 |
+1 |
Sydney Roosters
Strong against the Eels in testing conditions. The result was never in doubt, but they made it a classy performance. They are rewarded with a few extra days to prepare for their next match against the Titans on the Gold Coast.
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#4 |
1 |
-3 |
Penrith Panthers
Conceded a match at home to the Storm and with it, likely lost the Minor Premiership. The bigger concern moving forward is the loss of Nathan Cleary. Expect his impending return to dominate headlines. They must push that aside and focus on defeating the Raiders in Canberra.
|
#5 |
6 |
+1 |
Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles
Took care of business against the Warriors in a result that consolidates their position inside the Top 8. Needed such a victory to maintain (and increase) their confidence. Have a quick turnaround against the Tigers and will want to win with ease to increase their points difference.
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#6 |
5 |
-1 |
Cronulla Sharks
Gritty and determined in their Golden Point victory over the Knights. Would’ve wanted to be more convincing but will take the result. Have a tough match against their rivals, the Dragons, ahead and will not want to drop that match.
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#7 |
8 |
+1 |
North Queensland Cowboys
Bounced back from a poor showing last week to hammer the Raiders. Needed that victory and now must go one with it. Have a Bye this week to prepare for their run towards the Finals.
|
#8 |
9 |
+1 |
Newcastle Knights
Can be proud of their effort against the Sharks. Failed to get the result; pressure increases now to make the Finals with that loss. Face the Rabbitohs next week and must with that match if they want to extend their season past Round 27.
|
#9 |
10 |
+1 |
St George-Illawarra Dragons
Overcame several challenges against the Titans in Wollongong. Their execution and resilience were rewarded by sliding into the Top 8. Capable of their day, they will again be tested in a derby match against the Sharks.
|
#10 |
7 |
-3 |
The Dolphins
Outplayed by the Bulldogs and dropped out of the Top 8. With a challenging run home, the Finals look beyond them. Must regain form but face a tough challenge on the road against the Storm.
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#11 |
11 |
- |
Brisbane Broncos
Had the Bye following their confidence building victory over the Cowboys in Townsville. Will host the Eels in Round 25 and will want to not only defeat them but do so in impressive fashion. Expect an exciting performance in front of their home fans.
|
#12 |
13 |
+1 |
Gold Coast Titans
Another inconsistent performance by the Titans, comprehensively defeated by the Dragons on the road. Yet again, they were let down by poor individual and team decisions. Will be out to salvage some pride as they host the Roosters next Sunday.
|
#13 |
12 |
-1 |
Canberra Raiders
A horrible display against the Cowboys in Townsville. Look inept in most areas and void of answers when needed. Coach Stuart’s post-match comments didn’t miss either. It doesn’t get any easier as they head home to face the Panthers with nothing more to play for than pride.
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#14 |
14 |
- |
New Zealand Warriors
Tried hard against the Sea Eagles but couldn’t put together a consistent 80 minutes. It is a mystery as to how quickly they lost their 2023 form. Head home to host the Bulldogs and they will be hoping their fans give them an advantage as it will be challenging to cause an upset.
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#15 |
15 |
- |
Parramatta Eels
Started strongly against the Roosters but the difference in class was soon evident. Struggled from that point onwards to match their opponents. A similar outcome is expected this week as they travel to face the Broncos.
|
#16 |
17 |
+1 |
Wests Tigers
Produced a much-needed win with an upset over the Rabbitohs. It was their measured ball control which put them in a winning position. Now, there is a possibility they could avoid the Wooden Spoon. Have a quick turnaround when hosting the Sea Eagles on Thursday.
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#17 |
16 |
-1 |
South Sydney Rabbitohs
Perhaps unlucky with the final call of the match robbing them of victory but it should have never gotten to that point. They are in disarray both on and off the field and the end of this season cannot come soon enough. Host the Knights on Saturday in another tough matchup.
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