| This Week |
Last Week |
Change |
Team |
| #1 |
1 |
- |
Melbourne Storm
Another victory where the Storm controlled the contest against the Eels. Absorbed pressure early and capitalised once they were given opportunities. Head home to host the Dragons and look well placed to win the Minor Premiership.
|
| #2 |
2 |
- |
Penrith Panthers
Looked several classes above against the Dragons in Wollongong. Cleary led the way with direct attacking momentum which targeted their opponents’ weaknesses. Exciting to see them in full-swing and still have a host of players to return for their home game against the Knights.
|
| #3 |
3 |
- |
Sydney Roosters
A comfortable win against the Sea Eagles where they always appeared in control of the result. Head over to Perth to face the Dolphins. Still have areas which they need to address, including their errors and defensive shortcomings. Conceding 30 points is far too high by their standards.
|
| #4 |
4 |
- |
Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs
They are the real deal. Not only did they upset the Broncos on the road, but they did also so 41-16. A tremendous effort, it is time (if you were not already) to take the Bulldogs seriously. Host the Raiders at Belmore in what is anticipated to be a packed venue.
|
| #5 |
7 |
+2 |
Cronulla Sharks
Competitive against the Cowboys in a losing performance. Lucky to be moving up the rankings but it showed that they still have fight within them. Will want to easily account for the Rabbitohs this week if they are to stay inside the Top 4.
|
| #6 |
12 |
+6 |
North Queensland Cowboys
A statement win against the Sharks. They should be pleased with the victory but there are still areas which need improvement. Nevertheless, they are building confidence and finding form at the right time. Travel to face the Tigers on Thursday and will want to perform well to entrench themselves inside the Top 8.
|
| #7 |
6 |
-1 |
Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles
Outclassed against a superior team in the Roosters. Didn’t have things all their own way but a better, more consistent performance was expected. Have a Bye in Round 21 to address issues which must be fixed to contend with the stronger teams in the competition.
|
| #8 |
5 |
-3 |
The Dolphins
Leading 14-nil and cruising against the Titans, the Dolphins fell asleep. Failing to score any more points, they allowed their opponents back into the match and were defeated by 7-points. They were let down by their defence; host the Roosters in Perth and will want to improve in this area first.
|
| #9 |
8 |
-1 |
Brisbane Broncos
It has all fallen apart for the Broncos following an upset 41-16 drubbing by the Bulldogs at home. Unsure of how they got themselves into this position as they are too talented to be performing at this level. Must now win all their remaining matches to make the Finals and start with a road trip to play the Titans.
|
| #10 |
9 |
-1 |
St George-Illawarra Dragons
Outclassed by the Panthers over 80 minutes. Were not without hope ahead of that match but were dealt a reality check. Still on the same points as 8th and need to regain winning form. Another tough challenge is ahead as they travel to face the Storm in Melbourne.
|
| #11 |
11 |
- |
Newcastle Knights
Had a week off with the Bye to prepare for their push for a spot in the Finals. Have some winnable games ahead but need to get back to basics and play to a consistent standard over 80 minutes. A tough start to this quest as they travel to face the Panthers.
|
| #12 |
13 |
+1 |
New Zealand Warriors
Returned to winning form with a comfortable win over the Tigers. Entitled to be better but were seemingly in control of the result. Stay at home and will want to improve further as they host the Eels. Their Finals aspirations are hanging in there…for now.
|
| #13 |
14 |
+1 |
Canberra Raiders
Looked good against the Rabbitohs and executed accordingly. They were obviously up for that contest. They need to maintain this level; every bit of positive attitude and execution will be needed as they travel to face the Bulldogs at Belmore.
|
| #14 |
15 |
+1 |
Gold Coast Titans
Impressive fighting back from a 14-nil deficit against the Dolphins. Should probably sit higher but their inconsistencies are holding them back. Host the Broncos in a huge match for both teams with the Finals on the horizon.
|
| #15 |
10 |
-5 |
South Sydney Rabbitohs
Had everything to play for against the Raiders but were comprehensively defeated. Injuries are hurting their strength; they still make too many mistakes over 80 minutes. With their finals chances ended, they hit the road for another tough game against the Sharks.
|
| #16 |
16 |
- |
Parramatta Eels
Put up a fight for 20 minutes against the Storm but once their opponents found their groove, they were powerless to stop them. Hit the road to face the Warriors. They are the only threat to the Tigers and ‘winning’ the Wooden Spoon.
|
| #17 |
17 |
- |
Wests Tigers
Tried hard against the Warriors and were good in passages. Still lacking class and consistency in their performances. Each loss brings them closer and closer to the Wooden Spoon. Have another tough task this week as they host the Cowboys.
|
