| This Week |
Last Week |
Change |
Team |
| #1 |
2 |
+1 |
South Sydney Rabbitohs
A statement was made in their 28-12 victory over the Storm. This team has all the makings of a genuine premiership contender. If they can keep their stars fit, they are a dangerous team. Wins over the Panthers, Storm and Broncos in the past 3 weeks demonstrates this.
|
| #2 |
3 |
+1 |
Brisbane Broncos
Bounced back from a loss to the Rabbitohs in Round 9 with a dominating display against the Sea Eagles. More importantly, confidence appeared to return to this squad in the way they were moving and carrying the ball. A tough road trip to Melbourne to face the Storm is another challenge for this team to prove where they are at.
|
| #3 |
1 |
-2 |
Cronulla Sharks
Went backwards after their 3 previous victories. Outplayed by the Dolphins and had their attacking weapons shut down. Of more concern is that their defence looked vulnerable again. They need to tighten this up and play consistently.
|
| #4 |
8 |
+4 |
The Dolphins
A terrific victory to mark Bennett’s 900th match as a coach. It was also the first time since Round 4 they have kept an opponent under 20-points. They are still developing and have a Bye week to prepare for their Round 12 clash against the Storm
|
| #5 |
5 |
- |
Penrith Panthers
This isn’t the same Panthers team from previous seasons. The fact that they are still winning games while not playing well does give them hope that they will improve. Plenty of players to return, so this will not be a permanent standard.
|
| #6 |
4 |
-2 |
Sydney Roosters
The Roosters are still struggling for answers to several questions. A 14-point loss to the Cowboys only adds to the confusion. Plenty of talent in this team but something is still missing. It doesn’t get any easier with the Panthers waiting in Round 11.
|
| #7 |
6 |
-1 |
Melbourne Storm\
Outplayed for 80 minutes by the Rabbitohs. They couldn’t stick with their opponents in the second half and failed to limit their attacking options. They are one team that will struggle during the Origin period so wins now are vital.
|
| #8 |
9 |
+1 |
New Zealand Warriors
Regardless of who is on the field, the Warriors are a tough team to defeat. They pushed the Panthers and again relied upon strong defence. Now, they need to address their inability to produce points in attack, scoring 1 try in the past 2 weeks.
|
| #9 |
7 |
-2 |
Parramatta Eels
Another step backwards for the Eels following their 26-24 loss to the Titans. The narrow margin only covers the fact that they were poor by their usual standard. Interestingly, they have the same number of wins as the Cowboys and Bulldogs. No Moses this week only increases the difficulty of a road trip to Canberra.
|
| #10 |
10 |
- |
Canberra Raiders
Got the victory over the Bulldogs but will be frustrated that they allowed 30 points in defence. Their attack was impressive at times, although, didn’t exactly face the best defensive structure. Back-to-back home games will allow them to develop some consistency in their team.
|
| #11 |
11 |
- |
Newcastle Knights
There was no magic for the Knights this week, as they had the Bye. News that some players headed over the Bali has raised eyebrows. Expect noise to be made if they lose their fixture this week to the Titans, following their 31-point loss in Round 9.
|
| #12 |
13 |
+1 |
Gold Coast Titans
A solid win for a team that is capable of such performances. The challenge for the Titans is to now maintain this form. It is no surprise that their victory coincided with improved contributions by their star players.
|
| #13 |
12 |
-1 |
Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles
Even with Turbo back, the Sea Eagles were poor. They were outplayed in every area by the Broncos and look a long way off competing with the top sides in the competition. A tough few weeks are ahead for this club, with their character and resilience to be tested against by the Sharks.
|
| #14 |
15 |
+1 |
Wests Tigers
Back-to-back victories for the Tigers and they are playing with renewed confidence. It was exciting to see and appear to be keeping it simple with their style. Can they make it three wins in a row? The discovery of fullback Bula is exciting to watch too.
|
| #15 |
17 |
+2 |
North Queensland Cowboys
Finally, the Cowboys demonstrated what they were capable of. The challenge is maintaining this standard moving forward. There is no doubt that they are a capable team but what has changed since their loss against the Sharks? Only those within the team will know.
|
| #16 |
14 |
-2 |
Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs
The Bulldogs had an opportunity to win and are producing some positive plays but were let down by their defence. Probably unlucky to sit this low on the rankings, as it feels as though they are close to turning it around.
|
| #17 |
16 |
-1 |
St George-Illawarra Dragons
How long does coach Griffin have left? The Dragons stay on the road ahead of their next game, so perhaps a week together will have a positive effect. Either way, something needs to change and quickly.
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