| This Week |
Last Week |
Change |
Team |
| #1 |
1 |
- |
Penrith Panthers
Welcomed back a host of players to their starting team and easily accounted for the Bulldogs. They will want to continue winning maintain the pressure on the Broncos in the race towards the Minor Premiership. A genuine chance to win their 3rd consecutive title.
|
| #2 |
2 |
- |
Brisbane Broncos
An impressive display against the Rabbitohs and somewhat unlucky not to be up the top of the rankings. Things are looking bright at the Broncos and several key players are having a positive impact. A tricky game against the Roosters awaits but their form suggests they should win.
|
| #3 |
3 |
- |
New Zealand Warriors
A narrow 1-point victory over the Raiders in Golden Point. Conceded the final two tries to head to overtime but displayed poise when it mattered most got them over the line. A crucial victory with the Bye ahead in Round 22. A genuine Top 4 chance with a kind run towards the Finals.
|
| #4 |
6 |
+2 |
North Queensland Cowboys
Got the job done against the Eels, with two late tries reducing their margin of victory. They’ve moved into 7thon the ladder and need to keep winning to solidify their standing. Plenty to like about them moving forward and they need to have the same standard this week against the Titans.
|
| #5 |
4 |
-1 |
South Sydney Rabbitohs
Faded out in their match against the Broncos after leading at HT. This won’t be an issue if it doesn’t happen again. Perhaps match-fitness of some returning stars gave out. They are gifted a match against the Tigers to regain winning form.
|
| #6 |
5 |
-1 |
Parramatta Eels
Unable to overcome the Cowboys, with two late tries flattering them on the scoreboard. They will need to be better and must improve their defence. A tough road trip to face the Storm, who are coming off a loss, will test their character further.
|
| #7 |
8 |
+1 |
Canberra Raiders
Lost in Golden Point to the Warriors but were not without positives in their match. They will need to overturn their -56 points difference and return home to face the Knights. Their performance here will be key to their chances moving forward.
|
| #8 |
9 |
+1 |
The Dolphins
Had the Bye to prepare for a run towards the Finals. They head on the road to face the Bulldogs and will need to regain some of their early season momentum which made them successful. Otherwise, they will fail to extend their season.
|
| #9 |
7 |
-2 |
Melbourne Storm
Upset on the road against the Knights. This was a game that the Storm usually win and the fact that they didn’t indicates where this team is at. They now head home to host the Eels and will want to produce a strong performance to rediscover form.
|
| #10 |
12 |
+2 |
Newcastle Knights
Produced an impressive 80 minutes to overcome the Storm. They grinded their opponents out of the contest and were able to take their opportunities. This is a squad which is playing with confidence. Another tough test awaits with a road trip down to Canberra.
|
| #11 |
13 |
+2 |
Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles
Dominated the Sharks in the opening 45 minutes, jumping to a 30-nil lead. Allowed their opponents back into the match though but eventually prevailed by 4-points. DCE was the difference, and his form has been superb this season. Still a chance of featuring in the Finals.
|
| #12 |
10 |
-2 |
Cronulla Sharks
A woeful display which was masked by a strong finish. Allowing an opponent to jump to a 30-nil lead is not the mark of a premiership contender. Drastic changes are needed at the Sharks because they are not producing what their talent suggests they are capable of.
|
| #13 |
14 |
+1 |
Sydney Roosters
Returned to winning form with a 36-18 victory over the Titans. Took their chances and played with confidence, evident in their free-flowing attack. While their opponents were poor, they still executed well. A difficult challenge against the Broncos will provide a reality check of how this squad is moving forward.
|
| #14 |
11 |
-3 |
Gold Coast Titans
Hardly a performance worthy of acknowledgement. Trailed 36-nil after 45 minutes and only scored 3 ‘garbage time’ tries to narrow the margin. Fact is, they were outclassed in all areas, including effort. They remain at home and must bounce back against the Cowboys, with their Finals hopes on life support.
|
| #15 |
16 |
+1 |
St George-Illawarra Dragons
Victorious against the Tigers by 4-points but it was hardly a performance to get excited about. One positive is that they move further away from getting the wooden spoon. They host the Sea Eagles this weekend and will hopefully take confidence into that match.
|
| #16 |
15 |
-1 |
Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs
Outclassed from the opening moments against the Panthers. Negative stories emerging out of Belmore will not go away until this team begins winning. They host the Dolphins this week and need to continue building towards their 2024 campaign.
|
| #17 |
17 |
- |
Wests Tigers
Defeated by the Dragons in a dour affair. They will benefit when some of their injured stars return but at this stage, they are not up to the standard required of them to compete for 80 minutes. Some players are but collectively, they are disappointing. It doesn’t get any easier, with the Rabbitohs waiting in Round 22.
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