| This Week |
Last Week |
Change |
Team |
| #1 |
1 |
- |
Melbourne Storm
Accounted for the Dolphins in a tight contest, albeit, minus a few quality players. The return of Papenhuyzen will fill this team with confidence moving forward. They are leading the competition and appear to only be getting better. Head home to face the Raiders.
|
| #2 |
2 |
- |
Penrith Panthers
Had the week off with the Bye and needed a break given their depletion of key players to injury and representative duty. Have plenty of time to prepare for their match at home against the Cowboys and will want to keep the pressure on the Storm with a win in that fixture.
|
| #3 |
3 |
- |
Sydney Roosters
Outlasted the Bulldogs in a tricky contest. Were convincing at times and could’ve been better in others. Are another team which will only improve as the Finals approach. They host the Tigers at the end of Round 17.
|
| #4 |
4 |
- |
The Dolphins
Tried hard against the Storm at home but fell just short. Will lose no admirers and, perhaps, would’ve been a better chance of winning had their Origin players been available. Head on the road to face the Dragons and will want to win that match to maintain their standing on the ladder.
|
| #5 |
5 |
- |
Cronulla Sharks
A much-needed break for the Sharks but would’ve wanted to take winning form into the Bye. Open Round 17 with a match against the Bulldogs and will want to make a statement with a victory and maintain their standing inside the Top 4. The 2-point Round 15 loss to the Dolphins still hurts.
|
| #6 |
6 |
- |
Brisbane Broncos
It’s been a long wait for the Broncos ahead of their Round 17 road match against the Warriors. They were upset by the Rabbitohs and are dangerously close to slipping outside the Top 8 should their losing form continue. We are about to see just what the young players in this team are made of.
|
| #7 |
7 |
- |
Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs
Tried hard against the Roosters but were outplayed over 80 minutes. Still, they are 6th on the competition ladder and have changed their narrative: they are a chance in most of their matches should they perform to their potential. A lot more will be known after they host the Sharks in Round 17.
|
| #8 |
8 |
- |
Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles
They were always going to struggle against the Rabbitohs as they were battling a horrible injury toll and missing players to Origin selection. Had positives in a losing effort and now have a week off with the Bye to prepare for their match against the Cowboys…and run towards the Finals.
|
| #9 |
11 |
+2 |
South Sydney Rabbitohs
Made it 4-straight victories with a win over the Sea Eagles. Are benefitting from suitable timing (based on the strength of opponents) to some extent but you cannot knock winning form. Carrying winning momentum into their final Bye will make them ready to peak for a Round 18 match against the Eels.
|
| #10 |
10 |
- |
Newcastle Knights
Needed the Bye as much as anyone. Didn’t lose any admirers in their loss to the Panthers. Will need to perform strongly against the Eels if they are to keep their Finals hopes alive.
|
| #11 |
13 |
+2 |
North Queensland Cowboys
Enjoyed a week off following their 18-point victory over the Raiders on the road. Another tough test awaits with a road match against the Panthers. Are clinging onto 8th spot and will be hoping their Origin stars get through Wednesday night unscathed.
|
| #12 |
14 |
+2 |
Parramatta Eels
Had a week off following their 10-point loss to the Roosters. Like the Cowboys, they will be hoping that Moses (their star player) can get through Wednesday night without issue. Head north to face the Knights in a tricky contest and in desperate need of another win.
|
| #13 |
16 |
+3 |
Wests Tigers
Now THAT is an impressive attacking effort! A 24-point victory allows them to jump off the bottom of the competition ladder and look exciting in the process. Must continue to maintain this standard and face a challenging encounter against the Roosters on the road.
|
| #14 |
15 |
+1 |
St George-Illawarra Dragons
Were woeful against the Sea Eagles and cannot have their next match against the Dolphins begin soon enough. Are only outside the Top 8 courtesy of a poor points difference but a greater level of consistency is needed from them before they are taken seriously.
|
| #15 |
17 |
+2 |
Gold Coast Titans
A typical Titans performance in a 60-point victory over the Warriors following a poor loss to the Tigers. This effort highlights just what they are capable of, and it is great form to carry into the Bye. Will need to back it up in their next match against the Sharks on the road.
|
| #16 |
9 |
-7 |
New Zealand Warriors
A horrible display of rugby league whereby nothing went their way. Entitled to a poor performance, the Warriors look a long way from the team which finished inside the Top 4 last season. Must be better and will host the Broncos in Round 17 in a challenging fixture.
|
| #17 |
12 |
-5 |
Canberra Raiders
An insipid display by a team that should be better. They are consistently inconsistent and are likely to come out against the Storm and bounce back with winning form. Until that happens, they belong at the bottom of the Power Rankings ladder.
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