| This Week |
Last Week |
Change |
Team |
| #1 |
1 |
- |
Penrith Panthers
Went down to Melbourne and produced an outstanding team performance. Overcoming a 14-nil deficit, they worked their way into the game and ran away with the result in the second half. A real statement of their chances and desire to win another title.
|
| #2 |
2 |
- |
Parramatta Eels
On a 5-game winning streak and enjoyed the Bye after a dominating display against the Dolphins in Round 17. The Warriors are ahead, and the Eels will need to continue winning to consolidate their spot in the Top 8. Upcoming opponents are not exactly difficult ones either.
|
| #3 |
4 |
+1 |
Brisbane Broncos
Needed to bounce back and did so with a grinding, yet flashy, win over the Dolphins. Doing what was needed, the Broncos always appeared in control and when they weren’t, they didn’t panic. A few of their representative players look in need of a rest though. This will need to be managed as they are vital to their success.
|
| #4 |
5 |
+1 |
South Sydney Rabbitohs
Made a statement by traveling across to NZ and defeating the Warriors. If they are back on track, look out. Most impressive for them would’ve been their ability to limit their opponents to just one try. Next up, the Bulldogs.
|
| #5 |
3 |
-2 |
New Zealand Warriors
Not disgraced in horrendous conditions but their previous form suggested they would be more competitive against the Rabbitohs. A loss, in that manner, at this stage of the season, could be perfect timing to refocus them ahead of the Finals. They will be tested again this week with a road trip to face the Eels.
|
| #6 |
8 |
+2 |
North Queensland Cowboys
An amazing performance in demolishing the Tigers 74-nil. While their opponents were poor, they executed to a high standard. They have won their past 4 matches and have a Bye in Round 19. Ideal timing to assess where they sit in a push towards the Finals.
|
| #7 |
9 |
+2 |
Cronulla Sharks
Were on a different level against the Dragons but still allowed instants for their opponents to generate momentum. They are a capable team but need to ensure they are limiting their opponents’ opportunities. Better teams will make them pay for things which are currently going unpunished. They have the Tigers in Round 19.
|
| #8 |
7 |
-1 |
Canberra Raiders
Fell over the line against the Titans and were entitled to a larger margin of victory. They have won 4 of their past 5 games and snuck into 5th on the ladder. They now need to consolidate this position to feature in the Finals. Their Power Ranking standing is a greater indication of their form (and chances) than their position on the competition ladder.
|
| #9 |
6 |
-3 |
Melbourne Storm
A poor effort against the Panthers considering they were leading 14-nil after 30 minutes. They were simply outplayed by a better team and that is concerning to their premiership credentials. A timely Bye awaits in Round 19 before traveling to face the Roosters.
|
| #10 |
10 |
- |
The Dolphins
Competitive against the Broncos and needed to be. This doesn’t mean they are back on track, but it did demonstrate that they are still a capable team. It is no surprise that this effort coincided with key players returning. A tough match is ahead against the Titans though to further challenge them.
|
| #11 |
11 |
- |
Gold Coast Titans
Defeated by the Raiders on the road and had their chances. Such results could be the difference between them making the Finals or not. Equal with 8th on the ladder but have had all 3 Byes. They are two victories behind those sides on equal points with them.
|
| #12 |
13 |
+1 |
Newcastle Knights
A thrilling attacking display against the Bulldogs. While their opponents were poor, they (like the Cowboys) executed well. That performance is rewarded with the Bye, before facing the Tigers. They are clinging to a small hope of featuring in the Finals.
|
| #13 |
12 |
-1 |
Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles
Narrowly defeated the Roosters but their opponents were just as poor as they were. The loss of Trbojevic at the back is going to continue to haunt them. They have the Bye in Round 19 before hosting the Cowboys.
|
| #14 |
14 |
- |
Sydney Roosters
A poor performance which has relegated them to 13th on the ladder. This is not the same Roosters team as previous seasons. Something is wrong and needs to drastically change if their on-field performances are to also. Injuries are not helping their cause.
|
| #15 |
16 |
+1 |
St George-Illawarra Dragons
Shouldn’t be moving up the rankings, it was just that the Tigers were far worse. It is alarming when you lose to a rival by 36-points. That outcome says a lot more about the mindset of the players and the direction which this squad is heading. Unfortunately, it doesn’t appear as though it will be getting any easier moving forward.
|
| #16 |
15 |
-1 |
Wests Tigers
Hammered by the Cowboys and there was a sense that such a performance was coming. This squad is down on quality but the lacklustre efforts, after a tight 14 minutes (when the Cowboys opened the scoring), were disappointing to see. They have now conceded 140 points in their past 3 games.
|
| #17 |
17 |
- |
Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs
A horrendous display from every player in a Bulldogs jersey in their 66-nil hammering by the Knights. A rebuild ahead of next year needs to also factor in the attitude of squad members if they want to achieve success. Another tough challenge in the Rabbitohs awaits.
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