| This Week |
Last Week |
Change |
Team |
| #1 |
2 |
+1 |
Penrith Panthers
It was business as usual for the Panthers as they were at their attacking best against the Sea Eagles. They have now scored 97 points in the past two weeks and could easily raise their average against the Knights in Round 7. Such performances will only enhance their confidence.
|
| #2 |
1 |
-1 |
Brisbane Broncos
Not a game the leading team in the competition would want to drop. The loss could be good timing, as it resets this team and doesn’t overhype their confidence. A grudge-match against the Titans is the perfect test to see how this young squad bounces back.
|
| #3 |
4 |
+1 |
Cronulla Sharks
A week to rest with the Bye. The Sharks will be ready for their match against the Roosters. Quietly going about their business, there is a sense that they have been overlooked to start the season. They will want to make a statement in this contest.
|
| #4 |
3 |
-1 |
Sydney Roosters
Not an effort they will want to remember anytime soon. It doesn’t get any easier with a trip to Cronulla. The Roosters will want to address their poor ball control if they are to pressure the better teams in the competition.
|
| #5 |
5 |
- |
South Sydney Rabbitohs
A dominant display against a weaker opponent. Nevertheless, they executed as expected. Much like the Panthers, it will give this squad a confidence boost and their star players are expected to continue to dominate match if they are to succeed.
|
| #6 |
6 |
- |
Melbourne Storm
A ‘Storm-like’ performance has restored confidence in this team (and likely within the squad too). It is no secret that they need Munster, Grant and Hughes firing, together, if they are to win matches. Providing this happens, they will be difficult to defeat.
|
| #7 |
7 |
- |
Parramatta Eels
It was another 60-minute performance which almost brought about their downfall. While they always appeared in control, the Eels cannot afford to ‘switch off’ against better teams. Their climb up the ladder continues and they now need to maintain this standard.
|
| #8 |
10 |
+2 |
The Dolphins
That victory is exactly what this club wants to be defined for; tough, gritty, and always going to compete. The Dolphins have another tough task in Round 7 against the Rabbitohs, but such performances will continue to prove people wrong.
|
| #9 |
8 |
-1 |
New Zealand Warriors
Perhaps several difficult weeks caught up with the Warriors. They remained in the contest for longer than previous teams would have and that provides hope for this squad and their fans. As always, they would benefit from greater consistency.
|
| #10 |
9 |
-1 |
North Queensland Cowboys
What is wrong at the Cowboys? They appear to be a vastly different team to the one which finished 2022. It is still early enough in the season for them to turn around their fortunes, but it isn’t going to be easy for them. A road trip across to New Zealand also awaits.
|
| #11 |
11 |
- |
Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles
The sight of Tommy Turbo receiving medical attention at halftime will leave the Sea Eagles fans nervous. They should be more concerned with their team being comprehensively defeated by the Panthers; that was the third time this season they have conceded 30+ points (in 4 matches).
|
| #12 |
14 |
+2 |
Gold Coast Titans
A much-needed victory for the Titans against the Dragons. While it will hardly lead to a climb up the Power Rankings ladder, it will give some (out of form/inexperienced) players a boost of confidence. Had they lost that match, pressure would’ve only built on this squad (and their coach). A difficult challenge awaits in their grudge match against the Broncos. Now, we will see what they are made of.
|
| #13 |
13 |
- |
St George-Illawarra Dragons
The result was there for the taking but the Dragons failed to deliver. Even with positive moments in their game, they are still not executing consistently enough to compete with the better teams in the competition. Ben Hunt also needs more support from his teammates.
|
| #14 |
15 |
+1 |
Newcastle Knights
Another spirited display for the Knights. Perhaps this squad is better than we are giving them credit for. A real test awaits (vs Panthers), and they will want to avoid a ‘reality check’ if they can. Nevertheless, you cannot knock their attitude to date.
|
| #15 |
16 |
+1 |
Canberra Raiders
Caused an upset against the Broncos on the road, the Raiders are well placed to make it 3 victories against the Dragons. They ‘arm wrestle’ style of match is just the contest they thrive in. Expect plenty more performances involving them to follow this trend.
|
| #16 |
12 |
-4 |
Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs
Another step backwards for the Bulldogs against the Rabbitohs. The depth of their squad continues to be tested also. If they are not careful, losing performances can quickly build pressure. Consistency is also needed from their key players.
|
| #17 |
17 |
- |
Wests Tigers
Effort was present in the Tigers performance against the Eels. The quality in execution was (unfortunately) absent. They now have the Bye in Round 7, and they will need it to prepare for a tough run of fixtures ahead (Sea Eagles, Panthers and Dragons).
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