| This Week |
Last Week |
Change |
Team |
| #1 |
1 |
- |
Melbourne Storm
Outlasted the Titans in a close match. Their try scoring efforts were superb and this team is traveling well. An injury to Papenhuyzen shouldn’t halt their momentum too much. With confidence high, they are one team who should only get better. They will need to be at their best as they host the Sharks.
|
| #2 |
3 |
+1 |
Penrith Panthers
Such is their strength, they were afforded the opportunity to rest Cleary against the Rabbitohs and barely missed a beat in a commanding display. They are relentless, rewarded in the back end of matches for their hard work up front. The possibility of them reaching the Grand Final is high if such performances continue. First, they must account for the Bulldogs.
|
| #3 |
4 |
+1 |
Cronulla Sharks
Maintained a strong record with a solid win over the Dragons. Did enough in their performance and such victories often indicate how well a team is traveling. The best thing for them moving forward is to have their players overlooked for representative selection, to further fuel the fire that they have a point to prove. Their biggest test awaits with a trip to Melbourne to face the Storm.
|
| #4 |
2 |
-2 |
Brisbane Broncos
Injuries to key players will require other stars to fill the void. They were poor against the Roosters before and after that was suffered. They will want to move past such an effort quickly and head down to Sydney to face the Eels. Who will now lead this team around? |
| #5 |
6 |
+1 |
Sydney Roosters
A performance against the Broncos which reminded everyone just what they are capable of. They should only improve upon that effort and if that is their benchmark each week, they will be a contender at the business end of the season. Head home to face a struggling Warriors outfit in a game they should win.
|
| #6 |
7 |
+1 |
The Dolphins
Continue to prove the doubters wrong. This time, they overcame a tricky Cowboys team and a tough road trip to Townsville to get the win. A quick turnaround to face the Sea Eagles at home but there is a lot to like about this team moving forward.
|
| #7 |
5 |
-2 |
Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles
Failed to deliver at home and were embarrassed by the Raiders. They are a better team than that performance however, it does indicate how they can ‘switch off’ from time to time. They must be more consistent each week.
|
| #8 |
10 |
+2 |
Newcastle Knights
Performed well against the Warriors and captured a character-building win at home. Others are standing up to fill the void left by Ponga; they appear a more balanced team in most areas. They hit the road to face the Tigers in Tamworth. This game, in which they are favourites, will indicate the mentality of this squad.
|
| #9 |
11 |
+2 |
Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs
There is a lot to like about the Bulldogs. They overcame a deficit against the Tigers in testing conditions. While expected to perform better, such a performance will only increase their confidence. Will need every bit of it this week as they head to Penrith to play the Panthers.
|
| #10 |
8 |
-2 |
North Queensland Cowboys
Again failed to play to their potential. They are dynamite in attack but have an issue with limiting their opponents’ attacking options. Conceding far too many points to be competitive. They must improve on their loss to the Dolphins if they want to avoid losing to the Titans and extending their losing streak to 5 games.
|
| #11 |
12 |
+1 |
Gold Coast Titans
Were competitive against the Storm and indicated that this team is improving each week. News floating around that Fifita is looking to leave could destabilise the momentum they are building. They remain at home to host the Cowboys and, if they play to their current level, should be in with a chance of winning.
|
| #12 |
9 |
-3 |
New Zealand Warriors
Are a remarkably different team to the one which started the season. They are playing without confidence, failing to build pressure in their attacking sets and loose in defence. They remain on the road to face the Roosters and must improve to capture their first win since Round 5.
|
| #13 |
14 |
+1 |
Canberra Raiders
Unlucky not to be higher such was their performance in their victory over the Sea Eagles. Exactly what you expect from a Stuart-coached Raiders team. They have a week off with the Bye to enjoy that performance before opening Magic Round against the Bulldogs.
|
| #14 |
15 |
+1 |
St George-Illawarra Dragons
Tried hard against the Sharks but were outplayed in all areas. It was a better performance than Round 8, but there is still plenty of improvement needed from the Dragons against the better teams in the competition. They host the Rabbitohs in a tricky game that they should win.
|
| #15 |
3 |
-2 |
Wests Tigers
Were their own worst enemy in their loss to the Bulldogs. They were in a winning position but were let down by their own discipline. Perhaps a road trip together out to Tamworth is exactly what this team needs. The Knights will be a challenge but one they can overcome if they are of the right mindset.
|
| #16 |
17 |
- |
Parramatta Eels
Had a week off with the Bye and news of an injury sustained by Gutherson only further complicates their search for success. They host the Broncos in a blockbuster contest, but time is running out for them to get their season back on track.
|
| #17 |
15 |
- |
South Sydney Rabbitohs
Started well against the Panthers but were outclassed over 80 minutes. News that they are without Cameron Murray is a huge blow for a team that needs him on the field. With not much going right, they must focus on positive individual performances and winning the smaller battles against opponents. Tightening up their defensive structure would be the ideal starting place.
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