| This Week |
Last Week |
Change |
Team |
| #1 |
2 |
+1 |
Cronulla Sharks
Scored with some impressive passages of play, while also keeping their opponents to just one try. While the quality of their opponent will be questioned, their execution should not. A Bye before a big game against the Broncos gives them a great opportunity to build on that victory.
|
| #2 |
4 |
+2 |
Penrith Panthers
They are getting back to their best. While they didn’t win by as much as was expected, their class and confidence were evident. They will be a competitive team come September. They now need to get through the representative period with minimal injuries.
|
| #3 |
1 |
-2 |
South Sydney Rabbitohs
A reality check with their loss to the Eels. That result might be well timed; it will keep a lid on the hype that was growing. They will lose several players to Origin duty, so expect a few more tough weeks ahead. Nevertheless, they are well placed to feature strongly in September.
|
| #4 |
3 |
+1 |
Brisbane Broncos
Gallant in defeat without Reynolds at halfback. It says a lot about just how capable this team is. Their strong defence will serve them well moving forward. Like a few others, they will be heavily impacted by Origin.
|
| #5 |
6 |
+1 |
Melbourne Storm
Did what was require against the Dolphins. They were clinical over 80 minutes, controlling the game and the result. They will need to improve against other teams in the competition, but they are heading in the right direction.
|
| #6 |
5 |
-1 |
The Dolphins
You have to admire how the Dolphins are performing. While a loss to the Storm wasn’t ideal, their execution and fight says a lot about this ‘new’ club. They might even improve during Origin with few players absent on representative duty.
|
| #7 |
7 |
- |
New Zealand Warriors
A week off to recover from a win over the Bulldogs. They remain at home for the next 2 weeks, with the Broncos waiting in Round 13. It is integral that they maintain their consistency while not sacrificing their flair.
|
| #8 |
11 |
+3 |
Parramatta Eels
Now that was a great performance! Statistically, the Eels are one of the most consistent teams in the competition. Their standing on the ladder doesn’t reflect their potential. Moses needs to be on the field too for them to succeed. Origin should see their climb up the competition ladder.
|
| #9 |
8 |
-1 |
Canberra Raiders
Their winning streak came to a grinding halt against the Sea Eagles. If they can regain their confidence quickly, it will matter little. If not, the inconsistent Raiders may be back and their progress will stall.
|
| #10 |
13 |
+3 |
Wests Tigers
Where has that been? The Tigers were unbelievable against the Cowboys. The way they won was thrilling to watch. Let’s see what they now deliver after such a commanding performance. They’ll have to wait a week though, before facing the Raiders.
|
| #11 |
14 |
+3 |
Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles
A strong return to form with a confidence-building win over the Raiders. It is no coincidence that Jurbo’s return saw an improvement in performance. Their fans will be hoping that this squad can go on with such an effort.
|
| #12 |
9 |
-3 |
Sydney Roosters
What is wrong at the Roosters? A last-play loss to the Dragons was unlucky in one respect but the fact that they allowed their opponents to be in a winning position at the end of the game says a lot about this team. Drastic changes are needed.
|
| #13 |
10 |
-3 |
Newcastle Knights
The Knights look a long way from the same team which demonstrated plenty of fight in recent weeks. What has changed? They need to go back to what was working from previous weeks.
|
| #14 |
16 |
+2 |
Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs
It was a thrilling ‘come-from-behind’ victory over the Titans. The victory appeared to galvanise this team too. While heading in the right direction, they need positive results to assist with accelerating the process.
|
| #15 |
17 |
+2 |
St George-Illawarra Dragons
You will travel very far to find a better or more timely victory than the one the Dragons produced on Friday. The challenge is maintaining such a performing, without their Origin players, and with media noise surrounding the impending signing of a new coach.
|
| #16 |
12 |
-4 |
North Queensland Cowboys
Two steps forward, ten back after conceding 66-points to the Tigers. History says that they cannot win the competition. It was worse that their players appeared to ‘give up’ on the game once they fell behind. Put a line through their 2023 chances.
|
| #17 |
15 |
-2 |
Gold Coast Titans
Their talent abandoned them as they again failed to play for 80 minutes. Always offering the world, they are delivering an atlas currently and improvement appears to be eluding them.
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