| This Week |
Last Week |
Change |
Team |
| #1 |
1 |
- |
Melbourne Storm
Gallant in defeat with an understrength team. Other sides in the competition can learn a lot from the Storm in that match. It was evident why they are leading the competition. Head to Brisbane to face the Broncos and will want to return to winning form ahead for the Finals.
|
| #2 |
4 |
+2 |
Penrith Panthers
Performed to a different standard in their 34-12 victory over the Rabbitohs. It was a result which was never in doubt and a crucial one to halt a two-game losing streak. Remain at home and host the Titans to solidify home field advantage in the Finals.
|
| #3 |
2 |
-1 |
Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs
Slipped up against the Sea Eagles and were outplayed for the entire contest. A timely loss with the Finals ahead and it should serve them well moving forward, if their poor habits and execution remain in that game. Host the Cowboys this week in another tough match.
|
| #4 |
3 |
-1 |
Sydney Roosters
Injuries to key players will overshadow their poor execution; they had 62% of possession and failed to score any more than 2 tries. Challenging weeks are ahead in covering the losses of key players. It will make progressing through the Finals difficult. They will need to start proving their worth against the Rabbitohs this week.
|
| #5 |
8 |
+3 |
Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles
Demonstrated how capable they are with a strong victory over the Bulldogs, but it came at a cost with Tommy Turbo injured. He is crucial to their success, and they need him back on the field as soon as possible. Host the Sharks is the perfect preparation for the standard which will be required in the Finals.
|
| #6 |
5 |
-1 |
Cronulla Sharks
Gave up a 22-4 lead in the second half against the Warriors. An 80th minute try sealed their fate and means they will not have the home ground advantage in Week 1 of the Finals. Have a tough match against the Sea Eagles this week and may rest players with an eye on the following week.
|
| #7 |
6 |
-1 |
North Queensland Cowboys
Would’ve wanted a more convincing victory over the Storm but will accept the result. Defence (or a lack thereof) is still a concern and will be their downfall if it doesn’t improve ahead of the Finals. Travel to face the Bulldogs and may look to rest players for this match.
|
| #8 |
7 |
-1 |
Newcastle Knights
Looked great in defeating the Titans by 22-points. Performing to a good, consistent standard. Will host the Dolphins next week, with the winner finishing in 8th spot and featuring in the Finals. A timely ‘Old Boys’ Day will ensure the ground in packed.
|
| #9 |
11 |
+2 |
The Dolphins
A stunning 34-point victory over the Broncos keeps them alive to feature in the Finals. A new-look combination across the field appears to have the right balance on both sides of the ball. A chance to feature in their first ever Finals awaits if they can defeat the Knights.
|
| #10 |
12 |
+2 |
Canberra Raiders
Have upset the Panthers and Roosters in consecutive weeks. Peaking at the right time but unfortunately, a consistently poor season will mean they are not featuring in the Finals. It will give them a boost heading into the preseason though.
|
| #11 |
10 |
-1 |
St George-Illawarra Dragons
Had everything to play for and were poor. Still a slight chance to play Finals but will need a minor miracle. The fact that they let their season slip away like it did, indicates how much improvement is required in the preseason. Host the Raiders and will want to reward their fans with a strong performance.
|
| #12 |
13 |
+1 |
Wests Tigers
Had the Bye to prepare for their match against the Eels. They have been producing some impressive plays in recent weeks and will be out to finish the season off on a positive.
|
| #13 |
16 |
+3 |
New Zealand Warriors
A stunning victory over the Sharks which was the perfect way to send out retiring playmaker Shaun Johnson. It was his best game in sometime too. Have the Bye this week and can finally put a disappointing season behind them.
|
| #14 |
14 |
- |
Parramatta Eels
Produced a stunning upset over the Dragons, with the win reinstalling confidence in this team. It will be needed as they travel to face the Tigers, with the loser leaving with the dreaded ‘wooden spoon’.
|
| #15 |
15 |
- |
Gold Coast Titans
Tried hard against the Knights but were again outclassed. There are small passages or play whereby individuals demonstrate brilliance, but it is isolated and they cannot build on it by creating pressure. This should be a focus of their off season. A tough trip to Penrith awaits to conclude their season.
|
| #16 |
17 |
+1 |
South Sydney Rabbitohs
Probably should still be last but the Broncos were far worse. Hanging out for the end of the season to begin their rebuild. A bright, shining light was the performance of Munro in challenging circumstances. A win against the Roosters at home in Round 27 would go a long way to lifting the moral of this team.
|
| #17 |
9 |
-8 |
Brisbane Broncos
Only have themselves to blame for the situation that they are in. A poor showing against the Dolphins with everything to play for. The comments of coach Walters in the post-match press conference only add to the instability within the club. Still an outside chance of making the Finals but must overcome the Storm to even have hope.
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