| This Week |
Last Week |
Change |
Team |
| #1 |
1 |
- |
Melbourne Storm
Did enough to get a victory over the Knights at home. Would’ve wanted to put the result beyond doubt earlier than they did. It is a victory that they will take and, for a team who will only get better with returning players, it is a dangerous sign for the rest of the competition. They now hit the road to face the Warriors.
|
| #2 |
2 |
- |
Penrith Panthers
Clinical in every sense of the word with a controlled 32-22 victory over the Sea Eagles. They will be frustrated by the fact that they conceded so many points to an inferior opponent but, like the Storm, they will only get better as players return. They head north to face the Knights.
|
| #3 |
4 |
+1 |
Cronulla Sharks
A spirited victory over the Broncos on the road. Doubts which might linger of this team were again questioned. They need to perform when it is expected from them to silence the criticism. A blockbuster match against the Dolphins awaits.
|
| #4 |
3 |
-1 |
Brisbane Broncos
Will be frustrated they performed so poorly against a fellow contender. They are better than their 22-12 loss suggests. No time to dwell on that effort, they will want to bounce back with a strong performance against the Rabbitohs on the road. Returning players can only help their cause too.
|
| #5 |
5 |
- |
Sydney Roosters
Enjoyed a week off with the Bye but failed to stay out of the headlines. Smith is proving an interesting issue for this club. If he comes out and performs strongly in the next few weeks, all will be forgiven. They travel to face a desperate Eels team in a testing clash.
|
| #6 |
7 |
+1 |
Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs
A tough, gritty performance in their win over the Eels. Showed every bit of promise and rewarded loyal home fans. The perfect momentum for an improving club to carry into the Bye. They now must maintain this standard.
|
| #7 |
8 |
+1 |
The Dolphins
A week off with the Bye and will be well prepared for their road match against the Sharks. Needed time away to allow players to return to full fitness. They will be desperate to make amends for their 1-point loss to the Raiders in Round 12.
|
| #8 |
9 |
+1 |
New Zealand Warriors
A spirited and commanding 42-12 victory over the Cowboys on the road. It was a timely performance, with many doubting their credentials moving forward. Getting back to their best and will face another challenging test as they host the Storm.
|
| #9 |
6 |
-3 |
Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles
Had numerous opportunities to take the contest to the Panthers but failed to do so. Most would be happy with scoring 22 points, but it is in vain as they allowed their opponents to score 32. Consistently inconsistent. A tricky home match against the Dragons should provide an accurate guide with the mindset of this club.
|
| #10 |
11 |
+1 |
Canberra Raiders
Enjoyed the Bye on the back of their 1-point victory over the Dolphins. Still, plenty of unknown about this club but you cannot knock winning form. They’ve jumped to 5th on the competition ladder and remain at home to host the Cowboys in Round 15.
|
| #11 |
10 |
-1 |
Newcastle Knights
A spirited display which has been vastly different to what they have produced in recent weeks. Were a chance of upsetting the Storm but fell short in their 36-28 loss. If they play to this level each week, they are a chance of defeating anyone in the competition. They head home to host the Panthers in another difficult fixture.
|
| #12 |
14 |
+2 |
St George-Illawarra Dragons
Were trailing 10-nil at one point but went on to score 56 points in their commanding victory over the Tigers. When they are playing with confidence, few teams can halt their momentum. Their opponents were powerless to do so. They need to find the secret to producing this each week without the negatives which hold them back.
|
| #13 |
16 |
+3 |
South Sydney Rabbitohs
Excitingly good in their 46-12 win over the Titans on the road. Looked to have their ‘mojo’ back, with the form of key individuals positively contributing to the success of the team. If they can maintain this standard, they will push for a spot in the Top 8. A tough challenge awaits as they host the Broncos.
|
| #14 |
15 |
+1 |
Parramatta Eels
Upset by the Bulldogs, with a spirited team getting the better of them. They can learn a lot from their opponent’s desire and drive. They head home to face the Roosters and, with several players a chance at representative honours, could be ready to bounce back strongly.
|
| #15 |
13 |
-2 |
Gold Coast Titans
Failed, yet again, to capitalise on several factors in their 46-12 loss to the Rabbitohs at home. The key to unlocking the potential of the Titans is going to take all Halser’s experience. Even still, it appears as though the challenge is too much.
|
| #16 |
10 |
-6 |
North Queensland Cowboys
What is going on at the Cowboys?! Payten is likely to be the next coached sacked if similar performances to their 42-12 loss to the Warriors at home continue. It doesn’t get any easier either as they head on the road to face the Raiders. Could this be the coaches last hurrah?
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| #17 |
17 |
- |
Wests Tigers
Things were looking promising as they lead the Dragons 10-nil. That quickly changed, as they were handed a 56-14 loss. Noise around young players wanting to leave only returns the Tigers to the ‘dark old days’ and the media will take any opportunity to kick this team while they are down.
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