NRL Power Rankings: Round 1 2024

Melbourne Storm 

A 23-year record remains intact for the Storm. Even more impressive was their defensive resolve, which for the first time in the history of the competition, have kept the reigning Premiers scoreless in the opening game of the season. If this is their standard, they are getting back to their dominant best. 

Sydney Roosters

Great against the Broncos as outsiders. Few gave them a chance and they will only get better. Their forwards are tough, and they have speed to burn in the outside backs. It also looks as though they have invested a lot of time on their defensive structure. 

Penrith Panthers

Unable to score a single point against the Storm. Perhaps the trip to England took more of a toll on the team than was thought. Do not panic just yet; every team will lift to play them, and they will only get better as the season progresses. They finally head home to play the Eels. 

Brisbane Broncos

Were favourites against the Roosters but were outplayed. The difference between them succeeding isn’t far from this effort but they will want to avoid giving their opponents so many opportunities through turnovers. They return home to face the Rabbitohs in another tough match. 

Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles

A dynamic point scoring display. Despite a tight first half, they took their chances and played with power through the middle. The addition of Brooks appears to add a nice balance to their halves. Interesting to see if this continues against the Roosters. 

Cronulla Sharks 

Upset the Warriors on the road. A win against another potential Top 8 team should give them confidence. They absorbed pressure and played with poise. A great opportunity for consecutive victories as they face the Bulldogs. 

Canberra Raiders

Arguably the biggest upset of the round. A road trip to Newcastle didn’t bother them; they went about their work and produced a great display. Plenty of attacking weapons, which complimented their rigid defensive structure. Next up, the Tigers at home. 

Parramatta Eels

Were on another level against the Bulldogs, with their opponents unable to compete with them. They probably would’ve wanted a better second half display and will be worried about the recovery of Moses. A tough matchup against the Panthers awaits. 

North Queensland Cowboys

An exciting start to the season with a dominant victory over the Dolphins. It was a return to the 2022 Cowboys; they dominated play and had speed through the middle of the field. Should this continue, they will be a tough team for anyone to handle. 

South Sydney Rabbitohs

Mistakes again cruelled their chances of victory. They are a talented team but cannot play with such ill-discipline. Another tough test awaits against the Broncos, but they also should improve with players to return from injury. 

New Zealand Warriors

Disappointing to see them defeated in a sold-out season opener. The result is harder to take considering they lead the game 12-nil. They allowed the Sharks back into the contest on multiple occasions. Now, they must contend with a tough trip to Melbourne to face the Storm. 

St George-Illawarra Dragons

Their performance has Dragons fans singing the praise of Flanagan. While they looked fit and executed well, the lack of quality from their opponents leaves a lingering question over their performance. Still, you cannot knock winning form. 

Newcastle Knights

Probably the most disappointing result of the round. Were their own worst enemy with mistakes and failed to generate momentum when it was needed. They will be desperate to bounce back against the Cowboys but will have to do it on the road. 

Wests Tigers

Had the Bye and head down to Canberra to face the Raiders. The extra week of preparation will also allow this team to develop their confidence ahead of this match. It also allowed them to stay out of the headlines and focus on the season ahead. 

The Dolphins

Couldn’t compete with the power of the Cowboys. They were outplayed over 80 minutes. Their poor defensive decisions suggest it could be a long season; the talent in their team counters this by suggesting it will be an isolated performance. They host the Dragons to prove themselves more capable than their opening game suggests. 

Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs 

Didn’t compete to the level required to trouble their opponents. A few moments of positive play but perhaps it is the time to work on different combinations across the field. They cannot expect things to change by taking the same approach week after week. 

Gold Coast Titans

Poor against the Dragons at home. They were weak in defence and failed to slow down their opponents ruck speed. It is surprising to see from Hasler-coached teams. It’s uncertain if the returning players can change their form around.