| This Week |
Last Week |
Change |
Team |
| #1 |
1 |
- |
Melbourne Storm
Did enough to defeat the Tigers comfortably. The ease at which they can ignite their attack is excitingly good. Are as damaging as ever and still haven’t fielded a full-strength team. Have the Bye before hosting the Roosters in a blockbuster match.
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| #2 |
2 |
- |
Sydney Roosters
Physically dominated the Dragons in a bruising match. Their forwards are strong, and their backline is growing in confidence. Will only get better too. Have a week off with the Bye before traveling to Melbourne to face the Storm.
|
| #3 |
3 |
- |
Penrith Panthers
Showed their class in defeating the Broncos. Had their opponents covered in all areas and were relentless over 80 minutes. Like the two teams above them, they will only get better with players returning. Have a Bye before hosting the Dolphins.
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| #4 |
4 |
- |
Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs
A gritty, determined victory against the Warriors. They would’ve easily given up that match in previous years. This team is gathering momentum and growing in confidence. Have the Bye before traveling to Townsville to face the Cowboys.
|
| #5 |
5 |
- |
The Dolphins
Needed the Bye as they were amid a horror run of injuries. Will be tested against the Rabbitohs without their Origin players but this will also impact their opponents. Must continue to build a strong foundation defensively.
|
| #6 |
8 |
+2 |
Newcastle Knights
Overcame the Raiders on the road in an important victory. Having Ponga return added another dimension to their attack. Such victories will only build their confidence. Travel to face the Sea Eagles next week, the first of 3 challenging matches ahead.
|
| #7 |
9 |
+2 |
Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles
Scrapped home in Golden Point against the Cowboys. Needed that victory as it was looking dire for this club had they lost. Their resolve was good, it is now time to focus on consistency. Host the Knights next week and will do it tough without their Origin stars.
|
| #8 |
7 |
-1 |
Brisbane Broncos
Tried hard but were outplayed in all areas by the Panthers. It shows that this young team still has a way to go before they contend with the top teams in 2024. Host the Dragons this week and will be challenged without their Origin players to call upon.
|
| #9 |
6 |
-3 |
Cronulla Sharks
Have lost 5 of their past 6 matches and are struggling for confidence. Their resolute defensive structure from earlier in the year has abandoned them. In need of a drastic change and hosting the Tigers is no easy starting point.
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| #10 |
10 |
- |
South Sydney Rabbitohs
Easily accounted for the Eels to make it 5 consecutive victories. Will do it tough without Mitchell for the next month. They cannot afford many more losses if they want to push for the Top 8 following their poor start to the season. Head on the road to face the Dolphins next week.
|
| #11 |
11 |
- |
St George-Illawarra Dragons
Outplayed physically by the Roosters. The final score didn’t indicate how well they played at times. Capable on their day but this was a reality check for a team who wants to get better. Lose their Origin stars for a crucial game against the Broncos in Brisbane.
|
| #12 |
15 |
+3 |
Gold Coast Titans
Caused an upset with a determined 4-point win over the Sharks. That performance should grow their confidence but, as usual, consistency is the key. How they perform this week when they host the Eels will determine how far they have improved.
|
| #13 |
13 |
- |
New Zealand Warriors
Competed with the Bulldogs but failed to land the finishing touches in their 1-point loss. Are still considered a better team without Johnson. They have a week off with the Bye to prepare for their road match against the Raiders. They need to put together victories if they want to maintain contact with the Top 8.
|
| #14 |
12 |
-2 |
North Queensland Cowboys
Narrowly defeated by 1-point in Golden Point by the Sea Eagles. The fact that this talented team, with plenty of representative stars, couldn’t win at home, indicates everything which is wrong with this club. Have the Bye before hosting the Bulldogs, in a game they must win at home.
|
| #15 |
14 |
-1 |
Parramatta Eels
Something is wrong both on and off the field for the Eels. News that a post-match blowup from a key player isn’t going to help either. Maybe impending news of a coach for 2025 will spark some players into action for their road match against the Titans.
|
| #16 |
16 |
- |
Wests Tigers
Focussing on the positives: they were great in attack. Some of their tries, against the competition leaders, were impressive. They are a much-improved team compared to previous years. Are a genuine chance of defeating the Sharks at home.
|
| #17 |
17 |
- |
Canberra Raiders
Another team who has given up a match at home. Returning players will boost the strength of this team but they are far from a polished product. A week off should allow them time to convene and prepare for a Top 8 push, which begins when they host the Warriors.
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