NRL Power Rankings Round 20

Round 20

Rivalry Round has been and gone and the Top 8 begins to take a little more shape. There is now a great battle that will unfold in the remaining weeks. Not only will it be to make the Top 8, but also where the teams are placed. Every team will want to be in the Top 4 to get a second chance if they lose in week 1 and they also will have home field advantage. Some teams are beginning to steak their claim, whilst others are only hanging by a thread. Some teams will need to win in Round 20 or it could almost be their season done and dusted. The run home continues and it is the fans that benefit most. You have to love Rugby League!


Bold = This week  ( ) = Last week

1 (1) Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs = Did the job against Parramatta and never really got out of second gear. The Bulldogs may be missing a few key players in a massive clash against the Sea Eagles at Brookvale Oval on Friday night. They're equal first and looking like the team to beat.

2 (3) South Sydney Rabbitohs = Scored a terrific last minute victory and it couldn't have been any sweeter coming against the Roosters. It was a tough game and whilst they weren't at their best, they still found a way to win the game. Now sit equal 3rd on the table and have a good winning streak going.


3 (2) Melbourne Storm = Drop another spot after a close loss to the Cowboys at home. They still have a few players to return from injury and perhaps they will lift to another level. People must be worried that they've peaked too early, but remembers the Storm are always a class act.

4 (6) Brisbane Broncos = A good, tough win in appalling conditions. They look the goods when they have all their representative stars back. They are playing with confidence and are definitely a team to look out for. A big game ahead away to the Titans.


5 (4) Cronulla Sharks = Were again missing a few key players but were able to make the Dragons really work for their two points. Momentum is slipping slightly but they can easily get back on track with a win. Need all their players fit.

6 (9) North Queensland Cowboys = A good win against the Storm. Will now look to push for a Top 4 finish. They definitely have the roster to do it and they also have the added advantage of one of the best players in the competition in Thurston. Must continue this momentum and play with consistency. 

7 (7) West Tigers = Beat the Panthers only by 8 points and their points difference is still a poor one. They will want to hope that their finals hopes don't rest on it. But the win gives them momentum at the right end of the season and it is this point when the Tigers play their best footy.

8 (8) NZ Warriors = Were locked in a tough battle against the Broncos and they did score more tries than the Broncos. But goal kicking didn't cost them the game. They needed to find a way to win. They're still in the hunt for a Top 8 spot and return home to face the Knights in a must-win game.


9 (5) Manly Warringah Sea Eagles = So maybe there is an attitude problem at the Sea Eagles. Only time will tell in the remaining rounds. They do not have much time to dwell on their woeful performance with a massive game against the Bulldogs ahead.

10 (11) Gold Coast Titans = Played a great first half against the Raiders away from home and switched off towards the end. They still have two SOO players to return to their lineup but they showed what they are capable of. A loss this week to the Broncos could be the end of their season.


11 (12) Newcastle Knights = Great win against Manly at home and in the words of their coach, "their side is really starting to come together under their new system". It's probably a bit late for that to happen this season but if they play like that they'll build a great basis for next season.

12 (13) St George Illawarra Dragons = A good win against the Sharks but it was also a depleted Sharks side. The Dragons had their fair share of problems prior to kick off and also during the game so perhaps this was a better win than it seemed. Must keep their season alive with a win over the Rabbitohs.

13 (10) Canberra Raiders = Raiders fans must be wondering what happened within the week of their win over the Storm. It just adds support to the argument that the Raiders are an inconsistent side. They weren't the same side. Dropping off easy tackles and poor in attack. The scoreline flattered them, the Titans switched off.

14 (14) Sydney Roosters = In a Round 1 reversal, the Roosters went down on the bell to their bitter rivals, the Rabbitohs. They played well in parts but still lack the killer blow. Their right side attack is very strong but saw minimal ball.

15 (15) Penrith Panthers = A very spirited performance and can say that their fans would've been proud of that performance. Unfortunately spirit doesn't get you 2 competition points. The Panthers need to find a creative spark in attack to use off the good platform their forwards set.

16 (16) Parramatta Eels = Were a better side than the team that lost to Manly, but they were still disappointing. The Dogs never really got out of second gear but still did it easily. Why does Nathan Hindmarsh keep spending so much time off the field?