| This Week |
Last Week |
Change |
Team |
| #1 |
2 |
+1 |
Brisbane Broncos
A top performance in the ‘Battle of Brisbane’ against their new rival. The Broncos performances are matching the hype. The real test will come in the next few weeks in games which they should win given their start to the season. If they are to be taken seriously, they will extend their winning streak.
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| #2 |
1 |
-1 |
Penrith Panthers
It was a great rally to send the game to Golden Point, but the Panthers are missing an edge. Maybe it is Kikau on the edge, or the edge that Koroisau offered. They are still a quality team who is the benchmark of the competition. Each week teams lift to face them.
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| #3 |
3 |
- |
Cronulla Sharks
Hynes’ return coincided with a dominating display. Sure, it was only the Dragons, but the execution was to a high standard. They are a quality outfit which will be difficult for any team to defeat. I’ve said it earlier in the season, they are a well-coached side.
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| #4 |
4 |
- |
Sydney Roosters
A week off to recover from a bruising contest against the Rabbitohs. They face another tough opponent in the Eels and have still been in the headlines throughout the week. How much will the Suaalii drama impact them? Little if their past is anything to go by.
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| #5 |
6 |
+1 |
South Sydney Rabbitohs
An emotion charged victory that was overdue. The Rabbitohs are still weak in the middle (due to injury). The contribution of their big-name players was better. There is a lot to like about the performance of Ilias too.
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| #6 |
5 |
-1 |
Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles
A loss to the Rabbitohs isn’t cause for concern. The Sea Eagles are a capable team that will only get better. Watch out, this side is a dangerous outfit on their day.
|
| #7 |
8 |
+1 |
The Dolphins
Despite losing, the Dolphins jump a position. They could’ve easily folded with the circumstances against them; yet they pushed the Broncos for 80 minutes. The loss of O’Sullivan at halfback poses a large challenge for the rest of the season.
|
| #8 |
7 |
-1 |
North Queensland Cowboys
They were winners over the Titans, but it was the unconvincing fashion which leaves clouds of doubt. They should be capable enough to manage it, and perhaps they are aiming to peak at the right time of the season. Nevertheless, improvement in execution would be expected.
|
| #9 |
11 |
+2 |
Parramatta Eels
A season defining victory over the Panthers on Thursday. The Eels should only get better. Another tough game awaits against the Roosters. They need to put together similar performances to maintain their momentum.
|
| #10 |
9 |
-1 |
Melbourne Storm
A winning effort against the Tigers. There was an unconvincing manner about their victory, but you cannot knock winning form. A higher standard will be needed against higher level opponents.
|
| #11 |
13 |
+2 |
New Zealand Warriors
A tough, gritty victory for the Warriors over the Bulldogs. They are building nicely into the season and displayed patience and flair in equal measure. As always with the Warriors, consistency is the key moving forward.
|
| #12 |
10 |
-2 |
Canberra Raiders
The Raiders again disappointed with a loss to the Knights. They are yet to produce their best this season and that effort casts further doubt on what they can achieve. They can (frustratingly) produce an improved performance as they can a poor one.
|
| #13 |
12 |
-1 |
Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs
Inconsistency is still hurting the Bulldogs. An 80-minute performance will coincide with a remarkable improvement in their execution. They have the potential but now need the drive and discipline.
|
| #14 |
15 |
+1 |
Gold Coast Titans
Plenty to like about the Titans effort against the Cowboys. Passages of brilliance from their stars will promise hope. That is quickly undone when going over their injury toll. Time to see if their big-name players in other positions are worth the money they are being paid.
|
| #15 |
14 |
-1 |
St George-Illawarra Dragons
Their Round 2 performance against the Titans seems like a long time ago. After a second half capitulation against the Broncos, they were powerless to stop the Sharks the longer the match went. Growing noise about the future of the coach hardly helps.
|
| #16 |
16 |
- |
Newcastle Knights
A spirited victory over the Raiders demonstrates their capabilities but tougher times are still ahead with their injury toll. Their fans will be hoping that their squad finds confidence in such an effort or, at the very least, makes the road trip to Newcastle, a difficult one for opponents.
|
| #17 |
17 |
- |
Wests Tigers
Some of the defensive efforts against the Storm is worrying. It says a lot about this club from the field, into the boardroom. Winning can easily change that and the names in their squad suggests talent but plenty is missing from this team at this stage of the season.
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