| This Week |
Last Week |
Change |
Team |
| #1 |
1 |
- |
Brisbane Broncos
Exciting, measured, clinical. These are all words which can be used to describe the Broncos win over the Eels. There were moments which will need to improve against better teams, but there is a high level of confidence within this team which is currently assistance with this.
|
| #2 |
3 |
+1 |
Cronulla Sharks
‘Up, Up’…is just the way this team is trending. They never got out of 2nd gear against the Bulldogs and wins like that only builds confidence. With players set to return from injury and suspension, they are also expected to get stronger. How they handle the Cowboys this Thursday will say a lot about their mentality moving forward.
|
| #3 |
4 |
+1 |
South Sydney Rabbitohs
A top-notch victory demonstrating their capabilities. Again, a successful Rabbitohs performance coincides with positive ball control. Another tough challenge awaits in the Broncos, but they are a capable team. Make sure you are watching that game.
|
| #4 |
2 |
-2 |
Penrith Panthers
The reason for their drop is simple; previous Panthers teams wouldn’t have allowed the Rabbitohs to get in a winning position like they did. It is not time to worry, but if they are to win a 3rd consecutive premiership, much will need to change. They are a better team than that result indicates.
|
| #5 |
5 |
- |
Sydney Roosters
Just got home over the Dragons by 1-point. The shift of Keary to halfback and Manu to 5/8 appeared to work well. It will be interesting to see how they progress. Defence and discipline are still an issue though.
|
| #6 |
7 |
+1 |
The Dolphins
What a win?! On the surface, it was tremendous but digging deeper, concerns should be raised about allowing a 26-point run to their opponents (to start the match). At the risk of overstating their performance, this win was a club-defining victory.
|
| #7 |
8 |
+1 |
New Zealand Warriors
Injuries didn’t help their cause and had circumstances been different, they may have won against the Storm. Still, they are a better team than years gone by and deserve plenty of respect each week.
|
| #8 |
9 |
+1 |
Melbourne Storm
Prevailed on Tuesday against the Warriors but only just. An 8-point victory against a gritty opponent who was down to no reserves for the final stages of this game is hardly a glowing endorsement. Nevertheless, they are a tough team to overcome at home.
|
| #9 |
6 |
-3 |
Parramatta Eels
A 5-day turn around was always going to be a challenge, but the execution of the Eels was poor. The final score only masked what a lowly performance it was. Major questions will be raised around the defence of their outside backs. Expect other teams to exploit this.
|
| #10 |
10 |
- |
Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles
Just prevailed against the Tigers by 6-points when they should easily defeated their opponents. News of another injury to Tommy Turbo will send alarm bells ringing. Time for DCE and others to (again) stand up in his absence.
|
| #11 |
11 |
- |
Newcastle Knights
The pride of Newcastle is back! They may not be winning matches, but they are doing themselves (and their town) proud. They need to keep this momentum going. A tricky road match against the Eels awaits.
|
| #12 |
12 |
- |
Canberra Raiders
A week off with the Bye following a dour win over the Dragons, the Raiders face another difficult game against the Dolphins. They’ve already lost to them once this season, so pride is on the line. How much does the news of Wighton’s departure disrupt them?
|
| #13 |
14 |
+1 |
St George-Illawarra Dragons
A gutsy performance against the Roosters. This should be their new standard for 2023. If so, they are going to be pushing for one of the final spots in the Top 8. They will need to back it up with a similar performance before they prove that they are committed to changing that narrative.
|
| #14 |
15 |
+1 |
North Queensland Cowboys
Scraped home against the Knights in a low-quality match. Their execution in key areas on the field was poor and questions need to be asked about the combinations within their spine. If this doesn’t change soon, neither will their performance (or results).
|
| #15 |
13 |
-2 |
Gold Coast Titans
Surrendering a 26-point lead to the Dolphins hurts the Titans. They showed their class but also how far they can fall (and quickly). Injuries are not giving them every chance, but neither is their execution. A few character-building weeks are ahead.
|
| #16 |
16 |
- |
Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs
Injuries are hurting this team but the shift of Burton to 7 provides renewed hope. They need to scrap and fight through the next few weeks before players return. This period will say a lot more about the club than victories will this season.
|
| #17 |
17 |
- |
Wests Tigers
They are getting closer to a victory but will need to play for longer than 30 minutes to achieve this. Execution in key points on the field is also hurting their cause. Nevertheless, they are heading in the right direction…for now.
|
