| This Week |
Last Week |
Change |
Team |
| #1 |
1 |
- |
Cronulla Sharks
Made a statement with a win over the Roosters. Their gritty, determined effort is one that only premiership-credentialled teams possess. The standard they are setting is impressive; outlasting teams with smart, yet determined play is a common theme. They will be tested again this week as they host the Panthers.
|
| #2 |
4 |
+2 |
Melbourne Storm
Easily accounted for the Eels with sheer brilliance. The superior team for the entire contest but will be tested now with the injury to Munster. It will be a challenged to overcome the loss of another key player, but they are capable. It’s up to the Sea Eagles to see if they can exploit it this week.
|
| #3 |
2 |
-1 |
Brisbane Broncos
Accounted for the Sea Eagles but were less of a team without Walsh, Reynolds, and Walters. The fact that they won without 3 of their first-choice spine players indicates how capable they are. They may look to rest them for another week as a winnable game against the Titans is ahead in Round 12.
|
| #4 |
3 |
-1 |
Penrith Panthers
Were upset by the Warriors in a match where they struggled for momentum. They have been covering the losses of key players for several weeks now and this is the first time they have appeared vulnerable. Will not dwell on it too much, as they have a key match against the Sharks to prepare for.
|
| #5 |
5 |
- |
Sydney Roosters
Tried hard against the Sharks but were unsuccessful. They are still a very capable (and dangerously good) team. They must address their discipline though; it can let them down at key stages. A tricky road game against the Raiders awaits but it is a game that they should win.
|
| #6 |
6 |
- |
The Dolphins
You cannot knock winning form and the Dolphins are performing well on a 3-gasme winning streak. While far from convincing against the Tigers, there is plenty to like about the way they stay in a contest. They make others work hard to defeat them. A tricky road trip over to New Zealand to face the Warriors is ahead.
|
| #7 |
7 |
- |
Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles
The Sea Eagles tried hard against the Broncos but were narrowly defeated. The fact that they couldn’t win while their opponents were heavily impacted by omissions is a cause for concern. Then again, they have their own issues with the injury to Tommy Turbo. Will need to bounce back in numerous areas as they host the Storm.
|
| #8 |
8 |
- |
Newcastle Knights
Overcame the Titans by just doing enough to outlast their opponents. They are winning matches but are yet to be tested by a quality team. They take winning momentum into the Bye and will enjoy a week out of the spotlight.
|
| #9 |
11 |
+2 |
Canberra Raiders
Upset the Bulldogs to open Magic Round and looked every bit of a quality team in that match. Consistency is still an overriding issue though; if they can make it three-straight victories with a win against the Roosters, others will start taking notice.
|
| #10 |
9 |
-1 |
Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs
Missed a good opportunity to solidify their standing in the Top 8 as they were defeated by the Raiders. Losing that game highlights the improvement which is still needed within this team. A quality halfback could change that. Must defeat the Dragons this week to demonstrate their capabilities.
|
| #11 |
14 |
+3 |
New Zealand Warriors
Bounced back to winning form with a spirited win over the Panthers. Given little hope, the Warriors rediscovered their ‘winning mojo’ and used it to their advantage. They cannot let one win cloud the fact that improvement is still needed. They need to now perform well against the Dolphins as they return home.
|
| #12 |
10 |
-2 |
Gold Coast Titans
Tried hard against the Knights but were eventually defeated. They are showing signs of improvement as they are playing with greater consistency in their game. Injuries are impacting them reaching their potential. A tough match against the Broncos is ahead.
|
| #13 |
12 |
-1 |
St George-Illawarra Dragons
Had the Bye and took confidence into their week off following a win over the Rabbitohs. A week out of the spotlight gives them a good opportunity to prepare for their match against the Bulldogs. If the talented and disciplined Dragons teams shows up, they are in with a chance of winning that match.
|
| #14 |
13 |
-1 |
Wests Tigers
Again, they struggled to stay in a contest for 80 minutes. They were defeated by the Dolphins but were not without chances. They must continue to search for consistency, as they are performing far better than they have in previous seasons. A winnable game against the Cowboys in Townsville gives them another opportunity to continue to improve.
|
| #15 |
16 |
+1 |
North Queensland Cowboys
Were far from convincing in their defeat of the Rabbitohs. A more dominant display was expected. Something isn’t right within this squad currently; only certain individuals appear to be playing at their peak for the entire duration of contests. If they lose to the Tigers, things could get interesting.
|
| #16 |
15 |
-1 |
Parramatta Eels
Were always going to struggle against the Storm but the way they were outclassed only increases the pressure on their coach. People are quick to forget they are missing their two strike attacking weapons. If they lose to the Rabbitohs this week, expect the noise to grow louder.
|
| #17 |
17 |
- |
South Sydney Rabbitohs
Appeared to play with greater consistency in their contest but are still making simple errors. They are missing a key contribution from a quality half to finish their attacking sets. This is needed if they are to get back to winning form. They will sense an opportunity to do so this week against the Eels.
|
