| This Week |
Last Week |
Change |
Team |
| #1 |
2 |
+1 |
Penrith Panthers
Nathan who? They took their game to another level with a dominant display against the Roosters. Their star halfback makes them a better team, but their depth covered his loss. Several more (similar) efforts will be needed to avoid missing a spot in the Top 4, which is crucial to their Finals chances.
|
| #2 |
1 |
-1 |
Brisbane Broncos
Unlucky to drop a position considering they were victorious. Their underwhelming performance didn’t help their cause. They should’ve defeated the Knights by far more. Better performances will be needed against contending teams but still, they recorded a victory.
|
| #3 |
3 |
- |
South Sydney Rabbitohs
A horror injury toll isn’t helping their cause, yet they still were only defeated by 6-points. Several more difficult weeks are ahead but this squad is well placed to perform strongly beyond that period. Thankfully, they have the Bye in Round 16.
|
| #4 |
5 |
+1 |
Parramatta Eels
Slowly building momentum and confidence. Always expected to defeat the Bulldogs, the way they went about their victory was most impressive. I hope you’ve been paying attention to the weekly rankings because you are due for a collect; this team is destined to finish inside the Top 8.
|
| #5 |
6 |
+1 |
New Zealand Warriors
Took emotion out of their contest against the Raiders and played to their potential. Such a performance from the Warriors demonstrates their maturity and class. If they continue to maintain such standards, there is no reason why they cannot feature strongly in the Finals.
|
| #6 |
7 |
+1 |
Melbourne Storm
Hammered the Sharks with an impressive attacking display. It highlighted what they still possess while also ensuring confidence returned to their play. It is a shame that Origin will disrupt their momentum because they were building towards something.
|
| #7 |
4 |
-3 |
Cronulla Sharks
Put at line through the Sharks in 2023; they have been defeated by 50 points. It was a horrible display from a team that is capable of much better. Unfortunately, it proves that they are unable to perform well against leading teams in the competition when it counts.
|
| #8 |
8 |
- |
The Dolphins
Perhaps the gloss has worn off the Dolphins. They’ve been defeated by 62 points in the past two weeks. Always due for a drop in form, few predicted the outcome of their last two matches. Time for this team to recoup with the Bye in Round 16.
|
| #9 |
9 |
- |
Canberra Raiders
Were unable to give Croker the fairy-tale victory he deserved. Worse was the fact that they were defeated at home, by the Warriors, by 22-points on an important occasion. They remain inside the Top 8 but that gave a clear indication of the capabilities (and fight) of this team.
|
| #10 |
15 |
+5 |
Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles
An inherently better team with Turbo on the field. They looked like they could score from anywhere (and just about did). The challenge for them is to maintain their form and keep a spot in the Top 8 alive. Similar performances will all but guarantee that.
|
| #11 |
11 |
- |
North Queensland Cowboys
A week off with the Bye, the Cowboys will look to build on their strong efforts in Round 14 against the Storm in their match against the Panthers. Previous history this season leaves doubt but, on their day, they are a talented outfit.
|
| #12 |
12 |
- |
Newcastle Knights
Tough in their loss against the Broncos. They played perfectly well in the opening 60 minutes but were unable to close out the match. Such a performance indicates that the talent in present, it is just a matter of putting it together on gameday.
|
| #13 |
14 |
+1 |
St George-Illawarra Dragons
Performed well to defeat the Rabbitohs but will be concerned by the last 5 minutes and how they almost let the match slip away. Importantly, it gives them winning momentum into a Bye, ahead of facing the Warriors in Round 17.
|
| #14 |
10 |
-4 |
Wests Tigers
The match was there to win but the Tigers couldn’t do what was needed. They allowed their opponents too much momentum in the middle stages of the match and were unable to pull back the lead. It was a step backwards in their performance after what they had recently shown.
|
| #15 |
13 |
-2 |
Sydney Roosters
Something is wrong at the Roosters. Tempers boiling over with some of their players is a fair indication that all is not well. A great team on paper, they can easily turn it around but maintaining such a standard, to make the Top 8, could be their biggest hurdle.
|
| #16 |
17 |
+1 |
Gold Coast Titans
A strong, and much needed win, over the Tigers on Friday. Their defence held strong as their attack fired again. Great momentum to carry into a Round 15 Bye but probably would’ve preferred to remaining playing to keep their momentum rolling.
|
| #17 |
16 |
-1 |
Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs
Void of answers against the Eels. The Bulldogs injury toll is appearing to catch up with them. 2023 will not be their season but they are building well towards being a successful team beyond this year. They must not let such performances dent their confidence.
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