| This Week |
Last Week |
Change |
Team |
| #1 |
1 |
- |
Brisbane Broncos
The Broncos won like a team that was undefeated, facing off against a last placed opponent. Despite already playing stronger opponents, this was one of their biggest tests and they passed with flying colours. They are an exciting team to watch.
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| #2 |
2 |
- |
Penrith Panthers
This was the first time the Panthers have scored 20+ points this season. They were at their best in this game; it was a reminder just what this squad is capable of. Performances like this will only build confidence within this team.
|
| #3 |
4 |
+1 |
Sydney Roosters
A week out of the headlines after a strong performance will serve the Roosters well. It was an impressive display against the Eels. They face another tough test against the Storm but appear to only be getting stronger. Their combinations are also beginning to look more comfortable.
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| #4 |
3 |
-1 |
Cronulla Sharks
Not the performance a team who wishes to be considered a contender, would want. It’s not panic stations though; if anything, it will be a match that will recalibrate this squad moving forward. It would be surprising to see them suffer a similar loss again this season.
|
| #5 |
5 |
- |
South Sydney Rabbitohs
Mistakes are still the biggest killer for the Rabbitohs. 11 errors against the Storm again halted their momentum. It will begin to become a major issue should they not address it. When they control possession, they are a difficult team to stop.
|
| #6 |
10 |
+4 |
Melbourne Storm
That 18-10 victory over the Rabbitohs was just what fans expect from the Storm. More importantly, their effort on both sides of the ball appeared to be back. They now need to maintain this and face another tough test against the Roosters.
|
| #7 |
9 |
+2 |
Parramatta Eels
Still with only one win to their name, the Eels are trying hard to perform well. They are not with the contending teams in the competition just yet, but they face an ‘easier’ opponent for the first time this year in the Tigers. This should not coincide with a drop in execution.
|
| #8 |
11 |
+3 |
New Zealand Warriors
Down 20-nil on the road to the Sharks, the Warriors proved just how far this team has come with a stirring 32-30 victory. There is something different about this squad; even Shaun Johnson is playing with more confidence. Their execution was good, and they are an exciting team to watch.
|
| #9 |
8 |
-1 |
North Queensland Cowboys
Suffering another loss, this time to the Bulldogs, something is missing from the Cowboys. Not just the players who are suspended, there is a difference in the level of execution this season. Something needs to change for them quickly, otherwise they will slide down the ladder (and rankings). This team is far too talented to be performing poorly.
|
| #10 |
7 |
-3 |
The Dolphins
The gloss is starting to wear off. Injuries and road trips have hit this team hard, and they need to return to their tough, gritty, efforts. A challenging stretch of matches lies ahead as the depth of their squad continues to be tested.
|
| #11 |
6 |
-5 |
Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles
What did we just witness? With all the strength in the world, the Sea Eagles were underwhelming. There were no excuses for such a performance either after jumping to a 10-nil lead inside as many minutes. They are a much better side than that result suggests.
|
| #12 |
13 |
+1 |
Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs
They hung in the contest and found a victory when it appeared unlikely. The Bulldogs can hold their heads high. The challenge is now producing another strong performance with a 5-day turnaround against the Rabbitohs.
|
| #13 |
15 |
+2 |
St George-Illawarra Dragons
A much-needed win to (temporarily) silence the noise around Griffin. The players seem to want to play for him, so the negative headlines shouldn’t matter. The talent available, they just have to perform.
|
| #14 |
14 |
- |
Gold Coast Titans
A bye following a 12-point loss to the Cowboys. They now face the Dragons in Round 6, a team who defeated them 32-18 under a month ago. Assuming their stars fire, they are capable of performing better than that fixture.
|
| #15 |
16 |
+1 |
Newcastle Knights
Perhaps the Knights have more spirit than their earlier performances suggest. Injuries and suspensions have made it difficult to perform but the easy option would’ve been to succumb to a superior opponent. They opted for the more difficult option and made a statement about what this team is capable of.
|
| #16 |
16 |
-4 |
Canberra Raiders
Sure, they were playing a red-hot team but the way they lost this match suggests the Raiders are a team which is void of answers. They have another week without Wighton is another test they could do without. Ricky Stuart is about to prove just how good a coach he is.
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| #17 |
17 |
- |
Wests Tigers
Where to for the Tigers? Nothing appears to be going right. The less said about them, the better. Effort is present but execution is amiss. At least coach Sheens still has a sense of humour.
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