| This Week |
Last Week |
Change |
Team |
| #1 |
2 |
+1 |
Melbourne Storm
A tough and determined victory against the Broncos. The return of their spine was exciting to see. They are heading in the right direction and remain at home to host the Bulldogs next Friday. Such games will only increase the confidence within their team.
|
| #2 |
3 |
+1 |
Brisbane Broncos
Equally as good as the Storm but narrowly went down. The fact that they played so well without Reynolds highlights the belief within this team. While unsuccessful, such performances will motivate a squad moving forward. They host the table-topping Dolphins in a blockbuster Friday night match.
|
| #3 |
1 |
-2 |
Penrith Panthers
Ambushed by the Sea Eagles and dealt a reality check. Rare for this team, and you can be sure that they will be a difficult side to defeat next time out. With a Bye in Round 6, they will have extra time to prepare for their match against the Tigers in Round 7.
|
| #4 |
6 |
+2 |
New Zealand Warriors
Dynamic in their dominant victory over the Rabbitohs. The way they performed in this match highlights the development of this team. They now head home to face the Sea Eagles in a blockbuster match.
|
| #5 |
7 |
+2 |
Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles
Were classy against the Panthers and bounced back from a poor match in Round 4. They are yet to find consistency this season but will hope such efforts are a regular occurrence moving forward. A tough road trip to New Zealand to face the Warriors is ahead.
|
| #6 |
5 |
-1 |
North Queensland Cowboys
Did what was needed against the Titans, but it wasn’t as convincing as it should’ve been. It will hold them back from defeating the top sides if it continues. They hit the road to face the Eels, in a tricky match that they should win.
|
| #7 |
8 |
+1 |
Cronulla Sharks
Had a week off with the Bye to prepare for the Rabbitohs. They took winning form into the break and would’ve enjoyed a week out of the spotlight after an inconsistent start to the season. How they perform against a desperate opponent will say a lot about this squad.
|
| #8 |
4 |
-4 |
Sydney Roosters
Were horrible against the Bulldogs. They also look set for a tough run ahead, with several key players likely to be out for this week (at the very least). They are a talented squad but appear to be suffering from the same, poor habits, as previous seasons.
|
| #9 |
10 |
+1 |
The Dolphins
Are the competition leaders after 5 rounds and have benefitted from a kind draw. It will get difficult from this point onwards, but you cannot argue with their standing. First up is a grudge match against the Broncos at Suncorp.
|
| #10 |
9 |
-1 |
Canberra Raiders
Unlucky to drop a spot on the ladder given their impressive win over the Eels. They had to overcome several challenges but did it well. They remain at home and host the Titans. Another game they should look to dominate.
|
| #11 |
13 |
+2 |
Newcastle Knights
Good in horrible conditions against the Dragons. Something is still missing from them, but it was a better performance in attack. They remain at home and host the Roosters, with both teams out to prove a point.
|
| #12 |
12 |
- |
Wests Tigers
Their 2-game winning streak came to an end against the Dolphins. They were good in parts but need a consistent level over 80 minutes. They have a good opportunity against the Dragons to return to winning form in Round 6.
|
| #13 |
11 |
-2 |
Parramatta Eels
Struggling without Moses but even his presence wouldn’t improve their defence as much as is needed. They were poor in their attitude in this area. Another tough match is ahead as they host the Cowboys. Something needs to change and fast.
|
| #14 |
16 |
+2 |
Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs
A tough, gritty, and determined victory over the Roosters. That win demonstrated just how capable they are. They are no ‘easy beats’ this season and will continue to shock teams who underestimate them. A tough road trip to face the Storm is ahead.
|
| #15 |
15 |
- |
St George-Illawarra Dragons
Had moments in their performance against the Knights which were positive, but they were few and far between. Are consistently inconsistent in their performances. They face the Tigers this week and how they perform in this match will say a lot about their squad moving forward.
|
| #16 |
14 |
-2 |
South Sydney Rabbitohs
A disgraceful display in their 30-point loss to the Warriors. Things are only going to get increasingly difficult with Mitchell suspended. Pressure is building on coach Jason Demetriou and a tough draw ahead could mean he doesn’t last past May. Up next, the Sharks.
|
| #17 |
17 |
- |
Gold Coast Titans
Slightly better against the Cowboys but still find themselves winless for the season. You would’ve thought that Hasler might have had a better impact, but such is the rot within this club, even he is finding it difficult. They stay on the road to face the Raiders.
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