| This Week |
Last Week |
Change |
Team |
| #1 |
1 |
- |
Melbourne Storm
Left it late to defeat the Warriors but stuck in the contest to grab the win. The victory was made even better by the fact that they had no right to win the match; they were outplayed for majority of the contest. They face the Knights in Round 3 in their first road trip of the year.
|
| #2 |
3 |
+1 |
Penrith Panthers
Were strong in their 26-18 win over the Eels. It was needed following their Round 1 loss to the Storm. They have quality across the field and will again be difficult for any team to defeat. They host the Broncos this week in a rematch of the 2023 Grand Final.
|
| #3 |
5 |
+2 |
Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles
Proved that their performance in Round 1 was not a fluke, backing it up with a 21-14 win over the Roosters at home. Their individuals are playing well and it’s positively contributing to the team. Another challenge awaits in the Eels in Round 3.
|
| #4 |
- |
- |
Brisbane Broncos
Captured their first win of the season with a 28-18 win over the Rabbitohs. Were the better team but were also guilty of poor passages of play. They will need to be improved on that effort as they have the Grand Final rematch against the Panthers on Thursday.
|
| #5 |
6 |
+1 |
Cronulla Sharks
Two tough wins to start the season. The Bulldogs pushed them in the first half; yet again, they absorbed pressure and executed their own skills when needed. There is little to suggest that they cannot go 3-0 with a win against the Tigers in Round 3.
|
| #6 |
2 |
-4 |
Sydney Roosters
Were disappointing against the Sea Eagles. They were competitive at times and had a strong chance to win the match. A game against bitter rivals, the Rabbitohs waits and they will be out to prove a point at home.
|
| #7 |
- |
- |
Canberra Raiders
The competition leaders after 2 weeks. They face a tough test as they head to New Zealand to face the Warriors. If they are as good as their start suggests, this should be a game that they win. You cannot knock their form to date.
|
| #8 |
- |
- |
Parramatta Eels
Determined in their loss to the Panthers. There is plenty to like about that effort. They have extra time to prepare for their blockbuster clash against the Sea Eagles. Will continue to have to prove people wrong this season.
|
| #9 |
- |
- |
North Queensland Cowboys
Came from behind to steal a Golden Point victory at home over the Knights. A gritty win like that can define a team’s season. They now head south to face the Dragons and are capable of starting the season undefeated.
|
| #10 |
- |
- |
New Zealand Warriors
A heart-breaking loss to the Storm which sees them winless to start the year. The result was both easier and harder to understand as they were the better team for majority of the match. They head home to face the Raiders and will not want to go 0-3.
|
| #11 |
13 |
+2 |
Newcastle Knights
Were defeated in Golden Point by the Cowboys on the road. It was a better performance than Round 1 and showed that this team is capable on their day. They are still winless though, and it doesn’t get any easier as they host the Storm in Round 3.
|
| #12 |
15 |
+3 |
The Dolphins
Proved that their Round 1 performance wasn’t a true reflection of their talent, they made a statement with a dominating 38-nil win over the Dragons. It is a great effort and momentum to carry into the Bye this week, before taking on the Titans.
|
| #13 |
10 |
-3 |
South Sydney Rabbitohs
Injuries aren’t helping their cause but neither is their execution. They were their own worst enemy with 14 errors and a 65% completion rate. They could be winless after 3 rounds, with a tough test against the Roosters ahead this Friday.
|
| #14 |
12 |
-2 |
St George-Illawarra Dragons
What a difference a week makes in Rugby League. The Dragons were woeful in their 38-nil drubbing by the Dolphins. After back-to-back road games in Queensland, they head home to host the Cowboys.
|
| #15 |
14 |
-1 |
Wests Tigers
Their first game of the year didn’t do much to suggest they will be an improved team in 2024. There were passages of pleasing play but not enough to pressure the Raiders. Need to focus on the positives; they will be better the longer their combinations have on the field.
|
| #16 |
- |
- |
Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs
Were competitive in the first half against the Sharks but failed to play for 80 minutes. It was an improved effort, but they failed to capitalise on good field position and defensive errors. They are still missing a key playmaker.
|
| #17 |
- |
- |
Gold Coast Titans
Had the Bye this week after a poor showing last week. The time to prepare for their match against the Bulldogs should place them in a strong position to win the match. It will be a good measure of the strength and resilience of this squad under the guidance of Hasler.
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