NRL Round 17 Power Rankings

NRL ROUND 17

Round 16 was a fantastic occasion that saw the NRL and its supporters celebrate the Women in League Round for 2012. It was a great occasion to see so many teams get behind the concept and celebrate the women in our lives that we love so dearly. But now our focus will be taken up by a certain game that will take place in Brisbane on Wednesday week...and what a game it promises to be. People must not forget though that once that game is all said and done, it is back to the NRL action as some teams push towards the finals and hopefully take their place in the first Sunday of October.


Bold = This week  ( ) = Last week

1 (3) Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs = Welcome to the top of the Power Rankings for the first time this season. Played extremely well against a tough Storm team. Despite the Storm not being at full strength, the Dogs still had great defence on their own line. No flying under the radar now for Des.

2 (1) Melbourne Storm = Went to Mackay to face the Dogs and were restricted by some fantastic play. Will definitely be happy that they have their second Bye this weekend. Despite not being at full strength, they are playing very well.

3 (7) Brisbane Broncos = Rocket back up to the right end of the Power Rankings after playing some good footy against the Bunnies. Were definitely lucky with a few tries that could have been called back for forward passes but you make your own luck. Tough game against the Sharks this weekend minus the SOO players.

4 (4) Cronulla Sharks = Had the Bye and a good week for their players to freshen up for their run home. No need to move up or down the rankings as they are tracking along nicely. Will be tested without their SOO stars this week. Not to worry, they play a Broncos team that is in the same boat this weekend.


5 (2) West Tigers = Looked great early getting to a 14-nil lead but then let the Knights score 38 unanswered points! Poor form against a team that is down the wrong end of the table. Did look tired towards the end and will be happy to have the Bye this weekend.


6 (8) North Queensland Cowboys = Great performance at home against the Raiders. Blew them off the park after conceding and early try. This is the attacking Cowboys team that we are accustomed to seeing and the team that has to remain around for them to finish this season strong.

7 (10) Manly Warringah Sea Eagles = Dominated the Roosters after slightly letting them back into the game early in the second half. A few injury worries around key players, but have their halves firing. When all fit, a very strong roster.


8 (5) Gold Coast Titans = Injuries to key players becoming a big problem for the Titans with another SOO star, Ashely Harrison ruled out with a broken toe. Have a Bye this weekend and will need to regroup and refresh to make a run for the Top 8.

9 (6) South Sydney Rabbitohs = Can consider themselves hard done by in a few of the Broncos tries. But then again, they failed to play for the full 80 minutes. When they relise how to do this, the competition better look out. They still are minus some massive names.

10 (11) St George Illawarra Dragons = Finally move up from number 11. They grounded out a tough win but have to start showing more to make the top teams worry about them. They are good in defence but struggle in attack. Face old enemy in the Raiders in Canberra, a must win game for their season.

11 (9) NZ Warriors = Didn't really deserve to drop a place but other teams played better when they had the Bye. Should beat the Cowboys minus their SOO players and then will set their sights on the run home. Need to play with consistency!

12 (16) Newcastle Knights = The Bye week might have helped the Knights players focus on what it means to represent such a proud area of Australia! Played some great footy but one more loss could spell the end to their season.

13 (15) Parramatta Eels = Ground out a tough win in golden point over the Panthers but it could all be too little, too late. Tough run home facing 6 Top 8 teams in 10 games. Will the coach be punted by the end of the season? Keep winning and he won't.

14 (12) Canberra Raiders = Same situation as a few other clubs, their coach is under a mountain of pressure and their star players are under performing. A few more losses and their season is over. Now have Josh Dugan sidelined for 4 weeks. Will it be the Raiders to hire SOO coach Ricky Stuart for 2013 after Origin 3? You heard it here first.

15 (13) Sydney Roosters = Such a talented roster that is not playing the footy that they are capable of. The Roosters PR managers salary should be doubled because the trouble at this club is very well hidden. Coach Brian Smith isn't winning any friends and players are asking for releases. Fingers on the panic button!

16 (14) Penrith Panthers = Coach Michael Cleary is surely desperate for answers. Each time Gus Gould is interviewed he says its a work in progress. Start focussing on 2013 fella's because this season is done and dusted. Must say they should have got a penalty in front of the posts in golden point, but thats football!