| This Week |
Last Week |
Change |
Team |
| #1 |
1 |
- |
Penrith Panthers
Were clinical when defeating the Sharks. They are a dangerous team and need to keep winning if they are to win the race for the Minor Premiership. Another tough test awaits in the Storm, but they are well placed to continue their winning form.
|
| #2 |
2 |
- |
Brisbane Broncos
Won with authority against the Roosters and rarely gave their opponents an opportunity to build momentum. That effort indicated how mature this squad is. Now, they head north to face the Cowboys in what promises to be another difficult match but a great opportunity to further prove themselves as a contender.
|
| #3 |
3 |
- |
New Zealand Warriors
A week off with the Bye has the Warriors firming for a spot in the Top 4. They travel to face the Titans and will need a strong performance in what could be a tricky road-match. A kind run home means they should finish in the Top 4.
|
| #4 |
5 |
+1 |
South Sydney Rabbitohs
Won as expected against the Tigers. They travel to Perth to face the Sharks and should take comfort from the fact that they are higher than their opponents on the ladder. Will be aiming for a Top 4 spot and will need this victory to assist their cause.
|
| #5 |
9 |
+4 |
Melbourne Storm
Were on a different level against the Eels and the score line (46-16) reflected this. This victory highlighted what they are capable of and moved them into the Top 4. A tough road trip to face the Panthers awaits; they will be out to overturn their 34-16 loss in Round 18.
|
| #6 |
10 |
+4 |
Newcastle Knights
They were too strong for the Raiders, providing a strong measure of their character. Sitting 9th on the ladder and 1-point out of the Top 8, every week will require a strong performance to keep their Finals hopes alive. They travel to Perth to face the Dolphins in Round 23.
|
| #7 |
4 |
-3 |
North Queensland Cowboys
Upset by the Titans but remain in 8th position. It is a performance that they can produce and such displays means that doubt lingers with this team. They return home to face the Broncos and will need to turn around their effort if they are to capture a win.
|
| #8 |
11 |
+3 |
Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles
Did what was required to overcome the Dragons 24-18. Credit to their opponents who were tough. They are 1-point out of the Top 8 and also need to continue winning to keep their Finals hopes alive. A do-or-die game against the Roosters is ahead on Thursday.
|
| #9 |
6 |
-3 |
Parramatta Eels
An uncharacteristically poor performance against the Storm which saw them outplayed in every area. Hopefully, this is just an anomaly, and they can get their season back on track. A winnable game against the Dragons should provide the perfect opportunity.
|
| #10 |
7 |
-3 |
Canberra Raiders
Hardly a performance worthy of a Top 8 side. The Raiders were poor at home against the Knights, with the 28-6 score supporting this. Such efforts identify why the Raiders are not contenders. A timely game against the Tigers will offer an opportunity to rediscover their form.
|
| #11 |
12 |
+1 |
Cronulla Sharks
Attempted to compete against the Panthers but their opponent’s attacking power was too much. Something needs to change at the Sharks. Conceding a large amount of points each week would be an ideal starting point. It doesn’t get any easier with a road trip to Perth to face the Rabbitohs.
|
| #12 |
8 |
-4 |
The Dolphins
Upset by the Bulldogs and watched their Finals hopes fall away with that loss. They head to Perth to face the Knights and will want to finish their inaugural season off on a positive and capture a few victories. They head to Perth to host the Knights next week.
|
| #13 |
14 |
+1 |
Gold Coast Titans
Good in defeating the Cowboys at home. Unfortunately, such efforts are rare from the Titans. It could be crucial to their success beyond 2023 if this team can discover how to play consistently. They have another difficult test against the Warriors at home to deal with.
|
| #14 |
13 |
-1 |
Sydney Roosters
Outplayed and outclassed by the Broncos. That loss all but ended their Finals aspirations. Now, they are playing for pride. They host the Sea Eagles this Thursday and can cause issues for teams wishing to play in the Finals in the closing games of the season.
|
| #15 |
16 |
+1 |
Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs
Upset the Dolphins in a deserved victory. A comforting result considering they fielded their best team this season. Things are looking bright ahead of 2023 and they need to keep their confidence in their performances. A Bye as a reward before their final 4 games.
|
| #16 |
15 |
-1 |
St George-Illawarra Dragons
Competed with the Sea Eagles but were unable to land the killer blow. They proved that they could perform well but have consistency eluding them. Pride is all they are playing for, and they have another opportunity against the Eels next week.
|
| #17 |
17 |
- |
Wests Tigers
Tried hard against the Rabbitohs but are lacking talent. Despite moments of positivity, they couldn’t play for 80 minutes. They travel to face the Raiders in Round 23 and need a win if they are to try and avoid the wooden spoon, which appears highly likely at this stage.
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