2023 NRL Power Rankings: Round 1

Melbourne Storm
It was a tough, grinding win from a team on the road that is still not at full strength. Their departed players were a forgotten though as their dangerous spine masterminded victory. The way they controlled the game was to be admired.

Penrith Panthers
Consecutive losses would leave most other clubs reeling. They need to adjust to teams wanting to ambush them and given this is only their second game for the year, they will be better for the run. Don’t underestimate the value of trial fixtures.

South Sydney Rabbitohs
Won well and now face a tough test against the Panthers. They appear to still have a weakness on their edges but big games from Illias and Cook suggest that confidence is high in this team. Their performance was to be admired with the injuries they suffered throughout.

North Queensland Cowboys
The Cowboys saluted their home fans with a 1-point victory over the Raiders in humid conditions. They looked fit and dominated large parts of the contest. It was a high-octane game where the Cowboys proved what they were capable of.

Parramatta Eels
Not a winner in Round 1 but the Eels have the making of a team which can compete with the top sides. Hodgeson offers plenty at hooker, they just need to keep him fit. They cannot afford to be a 1-hit wonder.

Cronulla Sharks
Great considering Hynes was absent. They are a tough defensive unit. They will need more from Moylan moving forward. Perhaps Trindall at 6 is a better option for them moving forward.

Brisbane Broncos
One of the performances of the week. They have a tough, young team that proved what they are capable of. Reynolds was leading the way and they need him to be fit and playing if their success is to continue. The challenge is now maintaining this standard.

Sydney Roosters
Notoriously slow starters, the key Roosters players appear exhausted to start the year. They will get better as the season progresses, but they could benefit from a better temperament when momentum was building for their opponents.

Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles
Won with authority and sit at the top of the ladder. The quality of their opponent offers little perspective but have the right momentum with a week off (Bye) in Round 2.

Canberra Raiders
Were tough in challenging conditions. The comments of coach Stuart post-match offers more concern than anything. With top-line players waiting to return, the Raiders’ performance should only improve. They need to also focus on playing for 80 minutes.

The Dolphins
A great way to start the year with a tough win over the Roosters. The way they won was even more impressive. Teams will be wary of what they offer. A better understanding will be had of them after they face the Raiders in Round 2.

Gold Coast Titans
Winners against the Tigers in Round 1 with just 44% possession. Probably should’ve been a larger margin of victory considering their opponents 66% completion rate. Some of their stars still need to have a greater influence on this side on a consistent basis.

New Zealand Warriors
Unlucky not to be higher given their grinding win. Their placing was limited by the quality of their opponent (Knights). Still, you cannot knock winning form. A tough test lies ahead with the Roosters, on the road, in Round 2 will provide greater clarity.

Wests Tigers
Passages of positive play mixed with inexperience. The ‘will’ is there but the quality and consistency in execution was not. They need to improve upon their 66% completion rate. Two games to start the year at Leichhardt should yield a minimum of 1 victory.

St George-Illawarra Dragons
Passages of positive play mixed with inexperience. The ‘will’ is there but the quality and consistency in execution was not. They need to improve upon their 66% completion rate. Two games to start the year at Leichhardt should yield a minimum of 1 victory.

Newcastle Knights
Not much went right for the Knights on the road to the Warriors. They were in with a chance of winning with 10 minutes remaining but failed to take their chances. Their ineffectiveness carrying the ball is a concern moving forward though (averaged just 7.9m per carry).

Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs
There was a distinct difference between the names on the team sheet and the execution of this team against the Sea Eagles. Mahoney wasn’t supported when he schemed from hooker, mistakes plagued their momentum and they failed to build pressure. A drastic reversal in form is needed, and fast!