| This Week |
Last Week |
Change |
Team |
| #1 |
1 |
- |
Brisbane Broncos
No Reynolds, no worries. The Broncos were strong against the Raiders in their 11-point victory without their halfback. They have already signalled their intent to rest a few more and give Reynolds another week off ahead of the Finals. The Minor Premiership is on the line against the Storm, but they have indicated they have other priorities.
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| #2 |
2 |
- |
Penrith Panthers
Upset by the Eels at home 32-18, with a few late tries making the score line respectable. Despite resting a few players, they were still the stronger team but failed to execute accordingly. How they cover the loss of Luai will be interesting.
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| #3 |
4 |
+1 |
Newcastle Knights
It is time to believe in the Knights! Hosted the Sharks and powered away in the second half to prevail by 26-points. They are confident in attack, resolute in defence and playing well above their form from earlier in the season. They finish off the regular season with a match against the Dragons.
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| #4 |
3 |
-1 |
New Zealand Warriors
Did enough to defeat a tricky Dragons team 18-6. More would’ve been expected from them, but critics should be satisfied with what the Warriors are doing, not what they are failing to do. They travel to face the Dolphins with a home Final likely in coming in the following weeks.
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| #5 |
5 |
- |
Melbourne Storm
Clicked into another gear in the second half against the Titans and prevailed 37-16. Still some question marks linger about this team but the return of Papenhuyzen adds another dimension to their attack; a dangerous team which should not be discounted. A few other injury concerns need to be navigated this week.
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| #6 |
6 |
- |
Cronulla Sharks
Not the result they were hoping for, but it was always going to be difficult without Hynes. His absence highlighted just how crucial his contribution is each week. They host the Raiders next week and need a win to regain confidence.
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| #7 |
7 |
- |
Sydney Roosters
Are hitting form at the right time of the season but may have left too much to do. Must defeat the Rabbitohs this Friday if they want to make the Finals but also have a poor points difference to also overcome. The absence of a few key players will make it even more difficult.
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| #8 |
10 |
+2 |
North Queensland Cowboys
Won with authority against the Dolphins and kept their Finals hopes alive. Travel to face the Panthers and must win if they want to be a chance of extending their season. Performing well against the top teams has been a limiting factor all season.
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| #9 |
8 |
-1 |
Canberra Raiders
Couldn’t deliver for a few of their departing stars in their last home game of the season. They can still miss the Finals altogether with a loss to the Sharks in Round 27. A week of headlines involving coach Stuart will ensure the heat is off his players.
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| #10 |
9 |
-1 |
South Sydney Rabbitohs
No shortage of headlines written about the Rabbitohs this week as they had a week off with the Bye. They face their bitter rivals in the Roosters for a spot in the Finals. How much of an impact the past week has had on them will only be understood once that game kicks off.
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| #11 |
11 |
- |
Parramatta Eels
Have the Bye in Round 27 and even a spirited victory over the Panthers was not enough to give them a chance at featuring in the Finals. It is somewhat lucky, because a few other their stars would be lucky to take the field in coming weeks. Time to plan for 2024.
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| #12 |
12 |
- |
Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles
Powered past the Bulldogs but that performance is nothing to get excited about. With nothing to play for in 2023, the momentum they generate ahead of their preseason is vital. Such performances will create a positive environment. Another meaningless game against the Tigers awaits in Round 27.
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| #13 |
13 |
- |
St George-Illawarra Dragons
Are a much-improved team on earlier in the year but were unable to overcome the Warriors on the road. Plenty of positives to focus on ahead of their 2024 preseason. They will earn a break with a tough match against the Knights their final fixture for 2023.
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| #14 |
14 |
- |
Wests Tigers
Unable to match it with the Roosters, outplayed in most areas in their 32-8 loss. Hanging out for the end of the season, the Tigers are another team which is playing better than they were at other points in 2023. They will sense an opportunity to finish off the season with a victory against the Sea Eagles.
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| #15 |
15 |
- |
Gold Coast Titans
Limping towards the end of 2023, the Titans tried hard against the Storm but were outclassed 37-16. They finish 2023 with a meaningless match against the Bulldogs but, like their opponents, will want to win the game to salvage some pride in 2023.
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| #16 |
17 |
+1 |
The Dolphins
Their inaugural season is quickly becoming one they would rather forget. Another abysmal performance against the Cowboys highlighted the inept depth of their squad. Host the Warriors in their final game in 2023 and will be desperate to reach the end of the season.
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| #17 |
16 |
-1 |
Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs
The less said about the Bulldogs, the better. They are performing poorly. The return of big-name players isn’t producing the quality it was expected to. Coach Ciraldo and his squad have a tough preseason ahead of a career defining season in 2024.
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