| This Week |
Last Week |
Change |
Team |
| #1 |
1 |
- |
Melbourne Storm
Dominated the Rabbitohs in the first 60 minutes. They conceded a few garbage time tries to narrow the margin. By that stage, they had switched off. Are a genuine threat to the competition this year and such performances will only increase their confidence. They will want to maintain momentum against the Titans. .
|
| #2 |
2 |
- |
Brisbane Broncos
Outclassed the Tigers on the road and were the superior team in every way. More importantly, they welcomed back some key talent to their team; they were also key contributors. Head home to host the Roosters and will want to make a statement with a strong performance in that match.
|
| #3 |
3 |
- |
Penrith Panthers
Accounted for the Cowboys in Townsville but it was tougher than the 26-20 score line suggests. The match also saw Cleary return; the Panthers were a dangerous team and will only get better. Unusually, their defence conceded more points than their season average. Watch out for an improvement this week against the Rabbitohs.
|
| #4 |
4 |
- |
Cronulla Sharks
Quietly going about their business but should gather attention with their 40-nil romping of the Raiders. They are underrated by most, but this isn’t worrying them. A derby match against the Dragons awaits and you can bet that they will have the comments of former coach, Shane Flanagan, in their minds.
|
| #5 |
6 |
+1 |
Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles
Finished strongly against the Eels to win 32-18. It was a lacklustre first half, but their response from a 14-6 deficit says a lot about the resolve within this team. Plenty to still improve upon though. They remain at home and will host the Raiders in a match they should win
|
| #6 |
7 |
+1 |
Sydney Roosters
Not only bounced back to form with a 60-18 win over the Dragons but made a statement that they are a quality team. It has been a long-time coming and is undoubtedly their most complete performance this year. If they are to be taken notice of, they will want to perform well against the Broncos on the road in Round 9.
|
| #7 |
5 |
-2 |
The Dolphins
Should’ve performed better against the Knights but they were let down by poor execution at key stages of the game. If they put such a performance behind them and improve, it will be no issue. A tough match-up against the Cowboys on the road will test this sides resilience.
|
| #8 |
10 |
+2 |
North Queensland Cowboys
Tried hard at home against the Panthers but were outclassed. Their finish added some respectability, but they left it too late to win the match. They must be better if they want to compete with the contending teams in the competition. They remain at home and host the Dolphins in a key game to their momentum moving forward.
|
| #9 |
8 |
-1 |
New Zealand Warriors
Lost a big match at home against the Titans after leading 12-nil after 8 minutes. A disappointing display considering their talent and potential. They are now winless in two games and will be desperate to win against the Knights this week. They must achieve it on the road though.
|
| #10 |
14 |
+4 |
Newcastle Knights
No Ponga, no worries as they delivered a gutsy 18-14 win over the Dolphins on the road. In some way, it does create freedom with their attack, but they would definitely have him back in an instant. They head home to host the Warriors in a tough fixture for them but a big one in terms of their 2024 campaign.
|
| #11 |
12 |
+1 |
Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs
Had the Bye following a win over the Knights. It should allow them to be well prepared for their match against the Tigers. Suddenly, the Bulldogs are looking like a capable team on their day.
|
| #12 |
16 |
+4 |
Gold Coast Titans
Grabbed their first victory of the season over the Warriors on the road. It wasn’t just the win which moves them up the rankings, but the way it was achieved. Overcoming a 12-nil deficit early in the match demonstrates growth within this team. Will need to take that momentum into their match this week against the Storm.
|
| #13 |
13 |
- |
Wests Tigers
Were outplayed by the Broncos but tried hard. Had a few chances but were defeated in multiple areas. They must improve this week if they are to be competitive against the Bulldogs. They will be hoping their key players overcome any fitness issues too.
|
| #14 |
11 |
-3 |
Canberra Raiders
Performed poorly at home, embarrassed 40-nil by the Sharks. Despite being down on talent, they still should’ve performed better. A tough road trip awaits against the Sea Eagles. Coach Stuart will need to dig deep into his bag of tricks to motivate his team this week
|
| #15 |
9 |
-6 |
St George-Illawarra Dragons
Beaten into submission by the Roosters. The comments of coach Flanagan in the post-match press conference did little to distract away from their 60-18 drubbing. They will want to produce an improved performance in their grudge match against the Sharks.
|
| #16 |
17 |
+1 |
Parramatta Eels
Played far better than they did last week but still only delivered a 60-minute performance. Run down by the Sea Eagles at home and will sense they missed an opportunity to cause an upset after leading 14-6 at HT. They now have a much-needed Bye ahead of a tough match against the Broncos.
|
| #17 |
15 |
-2 |
South Sydney Rabbitohs
Back to the bottom of the rankings courtesy of a 54-20 loss to the Storm on the road. Only garbage time tries added some credibility but even that was low. With key players set to return, they must improve, or their coach (and perhaps some players) will be looking elsewhere for employment. It doesn’t get any easier up against the Panthers this week.
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