| This Week |
Last Week |
Change |
Team |
| #1 |
1 |
- |
Melbourne Storm
It’s a scary thought when you consider the Storm are the competition leaders and still haven’t played their strongest team, consistently. Enjoyed the Bye to prepare for their blockbuster match against the Roosters. That will be an early Finals preview.
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| #2 |
2 |
- |
Sydney Roosters
They are hitting peak form at the right time. A week off to prepare for their game against the Storm. It will be a true test of where they are at. Performing well against lower ranked opponents is one thing; we are about to see just what they are made of.
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| #3 |
3 |
- |
Penrith Panthers
Much like the Storm, they are yet to completely benefit from having their strongest side on the field. A scary thought also; they will continue to get better and reach their peak as the Finals approaches. Host the Dolphins this week in a game they will want to perform well in.
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| #4 |
4 |
- |
Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs
The hype around the Bulldogs is big and, so far, it is to be believed. Grinding out victories says everything that you need to know about this team. Arguably, their toughest test to date comes this week as they travel to Townsville to play the Cowboys.
|
| #5 |
5 |
- |
The Dolphins
Returned to form with an impressive display against the Rabbitohs. Down on troops, a few ‘garbage time’ tries narrowed the margin of strong victory. Intensity lifts again, with a road trip to face the Panthers.
|
| #6 |
7 |
+1 |
Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles
Took care of business in a dominating display against the Knights. Their game plan against a bigger team was well thought of; perhaps a sign that this team needs a strong, rigid structure to follow. Host the Titans this week and will want to continue their winning form.
|
| #7 |
9 |
+2 |
Cronulla Sharks
Found the Tigers at the right stage of the season, delivering a confidence-building victory. The fact that they were victorious by 52-points indicates that this is still a capable team. It was the perfect momentum to carry into the Bye, before traveling to face the Cowboys. |
| #8 |
6 |
-2 |
Newcastle Knights
Lucky not to fall lower on the rankings following their poor showing against the Sea Eagles. Sure, a few key players were missing, but a better effort was expected. The nature of some of the soft tries they allowed were concerning. Head home to host the Broncos in another challenging match.
|
| #9 |
11 |
+2 |
St George-Illawarra Dragons
Spirited, determined and (surprisingly) good. The Dragons hammered a vulnerable Broncos outfit and did so with class. If they can be consistent with such efforts, they will push for a spot in the Top 8. It was the perfect performance heading into the Bye.
|
| #10 |
8 |
-2 |
Brisbane Broncos
Almost time to press the panic button in Brisbane. They can ill-afford any further poor performances. Always expected to struggle without their Origin stars, however, they were still a capable team. Conceded some soft tries and will need to bounce back on the road against the Knights.
|
| #11 |
10 |
-1 |
South Sydney Rabbitohs
Were missing key players but underperformed against the Dolphins. Clinging to an outside chance of making the Top 8 but one more loss will (likely) end their chances. Play their best when they dominate the middle and need a full-strength team to do so, consistently.
|
| #12 |
15 |
+3 |
Gold Coast Titans
Performed strongly against a weak Eels team. Yet again, we are reminded of their capabilities, but they still lack consistency. How they go against the Sea Eagles on the road will be a clear indicator of how far they have improved in recent weeks.
|
| #13 |
13 |
- |
New Zealand Warriors
A 1-point loss to the Bulldogs is still in their memories, even without playing a match this week. They travel over the face the Raiders on Friday in a must-win game to keep their 2024 season alive. They have improved recently but are still lacking consistency.
|
| #14 |
14 |
- |
North Queensland Cowboys
A week off after their Golden Point loss to the Sea Eagles. They have a tough match ahead at home against the Bulldogs. Their season can quickly fall away if they fail to win matches and win them well. Several superstars must take accountability for this team’s performance.
|
| #15 |
17 |
+2 |
Canberra Raiders
Had the Bye but moved up the rankings because other teams were worse. Need a reversal in form but have a tough match against the Warriors ahead. If they want to maintain a genuine Top 8 chance, they must win this game at home.
|
| #16 |
15 |
-1 |
Parramatta Eels
Tried hard against the Titans but were the inferior team. Couldn’t build momentum and struggled defensively too. Have the Bye next week before hosting the Storm. Their season is all but over.
|
| #17 |
16 |
-1 |
Wests Tigers
Defeated by 52 points by the Sharks in a horrible display. The performance was accurately depicted in coach Marshall’s post-game interview. After a year of improved performances, this was a set back to their progress. Will need to quickly turn things around for their match against the Rabbitohs.
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