This Week |
Last Week |
Change |
Team |
#1 |
1 |
- |
Melbourne Storm
Sealed the Minor Premiership with a commanding victory over the Dolphins. Never gave their opponents an opportunity and were brutal in creating a strong platform in the middle. They now have the luxury of resting players ahead and will likely evoke that this week in Townsville against the Cowboys.
|
#2 |
2 |
- |
Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs
Took the emotion out of their contest against the Warriors. A high level of execution saw them take their chances. They never panicked either when things were not going to plan. There is a lot to like about the way this team goes about their matches. Will need poise as they host the Sea Eagles.
|
#3 |
3 |
- |
Sydney Roosters
Easily accounted for the Titans in commanding fashion. Clearly the better team, it appeared as though they still had several levels to go with their performance. Confidence is growing in their execution, and they will want to continue building as they host the Raiders.
|
#4 |
4 |
- |
Penrith Panthers
Upset by the Raiders on the road in uncharacteristic fashion. A loss which is likely to refocus them ahead of the Finals. Their motivation will now come by trying to finish higher than 4th. Could be ready to return to form at home against the Rabbitohs.
|
#5 |
6 |
+1 |
Cronulla Sharks
A strong, commanding display against the Dragons. When they needed to lift, they did so in impressive fashion. The stability offered in their halves with Trindall returning made a considerable difference. They head home to host the Warriors and must aim to finish inside the Top 4.
|
#6 |
7 |
+1 |
North Queensland Cowboys
Had the Bye at an ideal time. They are guaranteed a position in the Top 8 and can worry about ensuring they are at their peak in a few weeks. They have a tricky test against the Storm but may not face a full-strength team to aide their cause.
|
#7 |
8 |
+1 |
Newcastle Knights
Were dominant against the Rabbitohs, scoring some impressive tries. Are still 2-points out of the Top 8 and must win their remaining two matches to have a chance of finishing inside the Top 8. Host the Titans and must have the same level of execution in that contest as they did this week.
|
#8 |
5 |
-3 |
Manly-Warringah Sea-Eagles
Were up 16-nil against the Tigers and were defeated in embarrassing circumstances. Their inability to win that contest raises doubts about their potential moving forward. Have a tough test on the road against the Bulldogs this week and will want to prove that last week was an isolated outcome.
|
#9 |
11 |
+1 |
Brisbane Broncos
A classy performance which required them to overcome several challenges against the Eels. The comments of coach Walters in the post-match press conference indicate their attitude towards playing in the Finals. A derby match against the Dolphins is sure to lift the intensity to another level.
|
#10 |
9 |
-1 |
St George-Illawarra Dragons
Needed a victory to solidify their standing inside the Top 8 and failed to deliver at home against the Sharks. They were outplayed in all areas. Pressure is now on them to finish the season strongly. A tricky road match against the Eels is the next hurdle they will face.
|
#11 |
10 |
-1 |
The Dolphins
Never a chance against the Storm in Melbourne, with their Finals chances taking a major hit. They are up against it now and have a tough matchup against the Broncos to keep their hopes alive. They must rediscover their early season defensive form if they are to improve.
|
#12 |
13 |
+1 |
Canberra Raiders
Produced a surprising upset against the Panthers at home. You can never pick which Raiders team takes the field and this one turned up to perform well. That victory will mean more if they can come out and perform well against the Roosters next week. Such wins will change the positivity in their offseason.
|
#13 |
16 |
+3 |
Wests Tigers
Played to their potential, without fear and produced a stunning upset over the Sea Eagles. With parts of their game starting to ‘click’, the platform for a strong 2025 is beginning to form. Hopefully, it is not an isolated performance. Have the Bye before facing the Eels to avoid the Wooden Spoon.
|
#14 |
15 |
+1 |
Parramatta Eels
Gutsy against the Broncos but just couldn’t hold on. Were (again) reminded of their shortcomings. Host the Dragons and a win would go a long way to avoiding the Wooden Spoon. Some of their talented stars need greater consistency in their play.
|
#15 |
12 |
-3 |
Gold Coast Titans
Another deflating, frustrating and insipid display by the Titans. Failed to reach their potential. Head on the road to salvage some pride against the Knights. Their performance will be determined by which team takes the field and their mentality.
|
#16 |
14 |
-2 |
New Zealand Warriors
Couldn’t send Shaun Johnson off a winner. Credit must go to their fans for sticking with them through a frustrating season. Hit the road for their last game of the season against the Sharks and will want to put a poor season behind them.
|
#17 |
17 |
- |
South Sydney Rabbitohs
Poor again against the Knights and were handed a 20-points loss. Little offered in attack and weak in defence. It’s been a long season, and they will be desperate for it to end. A game next week against the Panthers will likely continue their suffering.
|