| This Week |
Last Week |
Change |
Team |
| #1 |
2 |
+1 |
Penrith Panthers
They look hard to defeat. Even if their opponents are down on quality, they still execute to a level that shuts out their rivals in a contest. Cleary is clearly leading the way. They will again need his guidance against the Roosters.
|
| #2 |
6 |
+4 |
Sydney Roosters
It wasn’t just the victory which was satisfying, it was the way it was achieved. If this is their standard for the season, they will be difficult to stop. A few tough weeks are ahead but they are well equipped to deal with it.
|
| #3 |
1 |
-2 |
Melbourne Storm
Down on numbers but didn’t hand over victory easy. Whoever occupies this jersey appears to play to a particular level. They have a week off to rest and get their players back, fit and firing before taking on the Broncos.
|
| #4 |
3 |
-1 |
Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles
Were resilient against the Eels and needed to be. They didn’t have things go their way for majority of the match but stayed in the game with a chance of winning. There is a lot to like about the Sea Eagles moving forward. Brooks’ doubters are very silent.
|
| #5 |
4 |
-1 |
Brisbane Broncos
Injuries hurt their cause, but you cannot be alarmed. The spirit they displayed is one to fill a supporter with confidence. Perhaps they were getting themselves ready for a blockbuster match against the Cowboys this Friday.
|
| #6 |
9 |
+3 |
North Queensland Cowboys
3 from 3 and the competition leaders. They will be up for this game, and they will need to be at their peak. There is a sense that the Cowboys are managing matches rather than winning them, but their record speaks for itself. Let’s see how they go this week.
|
| #7 |
8 |
+1 |
Parramatta Eels
Plenty to like about the Eels. There are several question marks being raised about them but a tough win against the Sea Eagles suggests otherwise. A lot more will be known about their form/attitude with how they handle the Tigers in Round 4.
|
| #8 |
10 |
+2 |
New Zealand Warriors
Grabbed their first win of the year against the Raiders. It was needed. A tough, resilient result places this club in the right position moving forward. They now host the Knights in another challenging assignment to start the season.
|
| #9 |
7 |
-2 |
Canberra Raiders
Faced their most difficult task to start the season and failed to deliver. Perhaps that is being harsh, but it was a chance for this team to make a statement. They have a similar opportunity this weekend against the Sharks.
|
| #10 |
5 |
-5 |
Cronulla Sharks
What the hell was that?! Where was the tough, resilient Sharks team from the opening 2 rounds? They are afforded a poor performance so more will be known this week with how they bounce back against the Raiders this week.
|
| #11 |
11 |
- |
Newcastle Knights
Victorious against the Storm at home for a much-needed win. It will hardly ease the uncertainty around their form given they struggled against a team missing so many quality players, but it was a win nonetheless. A road trip across to NZ will pose another challenge altogether.
|
| #12 |
12 |
- |
The Dolphins
A week off with the Bye following their dominating victory over the Dragons. A great opportunity to make it consecutive victories with a match against the Titans. It will say a lot about how capable this team is.
|
| #13 |
15 |
+2 |
Wests Tigers
Unlocked the spirt of the Tigers at Leichhardt Oval on Saturday. If they can bottle that up and continue with it each week, they will be difficult for any team to overcome. Perhaps journalists might look at reducing their working hours also…
|
| #14 |
16 |
+2 |
Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs
It wasn’t just the victory which made people take note, it was the commanding nature of it. A 32-nil win over the Titans gives them the confidence needed to face the Rabbitohs this week. They are a team trending in the right direction.
|
| #15 |
13 |
-2 |
South Sydney Rabbitohs
Insipid and disinterested. There are real concerns for this team moving forward. Injuries are on excuse; inaction and poor attitude are reality. Expect another week of headlines (and defence) detraction away from the real issue(s). A tough start of the season will be measured against how well they play against the Bulldogs in Round 4.
|
| #16 |
14 |
-2 |
St George-Illawarra Dragons
A shocking last two weeks whereby they have conceded too many points. They are a better team than that suggests, and their attack still appears to have ability. They host the Sea Eagles in another difficult matchup this week.
|
| #17 |
17 |
- |
Gold Coast Titans
Look away Titans fans…your season is about to get worse following the injury news relating to Tino. If there is a shining light, it is that they are not last on the ladder. Although, that only appears a matter of time with a matchup against the Dolphins ahead in Round 4.
|
