NRL Round 19 Power Rankings

ROUND 19

Well now every team is on a level playing field as no team has any byes remaining. All teams have already shifted their focus to the remaining 7 games of the regular season. But some teams will be hoping to achieve very different things. Some teams will be looking to consolidate their position in the Top 8 and finish off the season very strong, with plenty of momentum going into the finals. Others will be hoping that teams above them drop a few games and they are the ones that can make a run for the 8. Then you have the teams that will be looking to just avoid the dreaded wooden spoon and perhaps have players out there playing for their pride. It does ensure that the remaining games of the competition are going to be extremely close and exciting to watch. It is going to also be very interesting (only for some) to hear all of the rumours floating around and player signings and coaches who are about to be sacked. This is the part of the season where everyone is desperate. So lets sit back and enjoy the great rugby league that awaits us in Round 19.

Bold = This week  ( ) = Last week

1 (1) Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs = Great football played by the Bulldogs as they fought back in the second half to beat the Tigers. They now move within two points of Melbourne and can win the Minor Premiership. Forwards are playing well, defence is tough and their backs can finish.

2 (2) Melbourne Storm = WOW! Nobody saw that one coming. I am pretty sure that no one knew that Cameron Smith would be out either. The Storm must refocus and put that woeful performance behind them. Best they have it now rather than when it counts most. Will still be without Slater for Cowboys game.

3 (6) South Sydney Rabbitohs = Another good performance by the Rabbitohs that saw them restrict the Knights to only 4 points in the second half. They are still switching off at different points in the game but when they're on, they look really good. They have 7 weeks to make sure this doesn't become a part of their game.


4 (3) Cronulla Sharks = Were missing a lot of players against the Roosters but still should have put them away. They let them score more tries than them but perhaps this could act as a wake up call to the Sharks and drive them towards better things. Have a relatively easy run home.


5 (8) Manly Warringah Sea Eagles = What a great win! It was against Parramatta but they embarrassed them in the game, the way a Top 4 team should be the last place team. They are one side that other teams will not want to face in the semi's. They do need to get all of their stars fit ASAP.

6 (4) Brisbane Broncos = Had the bye and a well earned rest for all their players, but particularly their SOO players. A tough game ahead against the Warriors and then a fairly tough run home. Must now consolidate their position in the Top 4.

7 (5) West Tigers = Had a very tough game against the Bulldogs and certainly did miss Robbie Farrah. They will welcome him back this week but alarmingly, they have fallen out of the Top 8 (on points difference). Should look to beat the Panthers with ease and build momentum.

8 (9) NZ Warriors = A good win over the Titans after they were tested early and they were rewarded with 8th spot on the ladder. Two weeks in a row they have put in fairly consistent performances but they must cut out the mistakes


9 (7) North Queensland Cowboys = Enjoyed a week off with the bye and just like the Broncos, it was well deserved for the SOO players. They now need to regroup as they face a tough road trip down to Melbourne to face the Storm. Nothing would make the competition take notice of them more than a win.

10 (13) Canberra Raiders = Deserve to move up three places after beating the Storm in Melbourne...and not just beating them either. It will be interesting to see in coming weeks if the two wins were luck or a young team starting to believe in themselves. Can they now beat the Titans in Canberra?


11 (10) Gold Coast Titans = Were missing a host of players through injury and also lost some during the match. If the Titans are all fit, they can spring an upset to a Top 8 side. Tough trip down to Canberra but they should have their SOO stars back for a must win game.

12 (11) Newcastle Knights = Showed some promise against the Rabbitohs, but not enough to get the win. They must now focus on finishing the season strong and building momentum for next season. Some of their players would also want to lift their performances as they are not worth the money they're paid.


13 (12) St George Illawarra Dragons = A week out of the spotlight would help the Dragons after a below par effort this season. Coach Price must start making some tough calls on out of form players with an eye on developing the team for next season.

14 (14) Sydney Roosters = Their season is over but it hasn't stopped the young Roosters team from playing their hearts out. Certainly cannot questions their effort but their play is lacking an "X factor". They should've won in golden point with the field position they had. Hopefully they're build for next year and maybe that'll include SBW.

15 (15) Penrith Panthers = Have been last on these rankings for a number of weeks but moved up a spot after a week out of the spotlight. But then again, they didn't make things easy in the end after announcing the departure of Luke Lewis. Have a grudge match against the Tigers to focus on. Will want to send Lewis out the best way possible.

16 (15) Parramatta Eels = Woeful. Terrible. Embarrassing. It would take a brave person to try and find any positives in their performance against Manly. There are some serious problems at this club and fans have every right to ask questions. Give them the spoon now!