NRL Round 21 Power Rankings

ROUND 21

Round 20 sure did deliver its fair share of controversy and there will be plenty of talking points for everyone in the lead up to Round 21. The Top 8 is taking some shape but you can not be sure of the final make up of it until the final whistle in Round 26 (I did go off early with my prediction in Round 18). That is the game of rugby league that we have come to love and there is nothing better then plenty of talk before each game. Some teams have surprised the rest of the competition by hanging in their for a semi final spot and others are beginning to cement their spot in the Top 4 assuring that they should have a "second chance" in the semi finals. But momentum at this point in the season is what teams want more than anything and it can mean the difference between dominating a team throughout the game or just scraping home for a close victory. Let's take a look at how Round 20 has effected the teams.


Bold = This week  ( ) = Last week

1 (1) Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs = Went to Brookvale Oval on Friday night and delivered a loss to the home side. They played good tough football and there were soME very positive signs. They are the real deal but will no be tested with a few injuries.

2 (2) South Sydney Rabbitohs = Continued on their winning streak with a dominating win over the Dragons. There will be a nervous week ahead with the possible loss of Inglis to suspension but maybe there is a positive that he'll be fresh for the finals. Will find it tough without him and Isaac Luke. Great defence though and a team willing to fight.


3 (6) North Queensland Cowboys = The Cowboys rocket up to 3rd spot with a good win over the Tigers in a very exciting game. But they can also thank some poor performances by teams around them. Needed this win as their remaining games are very tough and will need every point.


4 (3) Melbourne Storm = Ouch! A loss to the Eels is sure to cut deep but maybe it'll ground the Storm and refocus them on the finals. Perhaps its a post Origin hang over or just poor play. What ever it is they need to snap out of it ASAP!

5 (4) Brisbane Broncos = Loss to the Titans in a local derby and are not without their injury/suspension woes. Lucky they have a long turn around and face the lowly placed Eels. They've been knock out of 4th and need to start winning soon.


6 (5) Cronulla Sharks = The Sharks "slide" continues. They have injuries to worry about and will be hoping that Gallen can return ASAP. Otherwise they could find themselves just scraping into the 8. Teams are circling and desperately need a win over the Panthers.

7 (7) West Tigers = Went down away to the Cowboys and they were out of the contest due to their horror injury toll during the game. They still have the capabilities to win but need everyone fit. In 8th spot with 5 teams breathing down their neck.

8 (10) Gold Coast Titans = A tough win over the Broncos at home to keep their final hopes alive. They need to keep this momentum rolling because they have the roster to give this competition a shake. But they need everyone fit to do this.


9 (11) Newcastle Knights = Overcame one of the toughest road trips in the NRL coming back from a huge first half deficit. They're showing a lot of character and are now in with a chance for the 8. Not without hope once they have a sniff. Need to continue playing well.


10 (9) Manly Warringah Sea Eagles = Were faced with a tough game against the Bulldogs but still did show some promise. They were just outplayed at crucial points. Still believe some of their key players are short of a run and believe they will be hitting their straps very soon.

11 (8) NZ Warriors = Deserve to drop further after they gave up a big lead to the Knights on their home turf. Very embarrassing and had they've won they would've been in the 8. There were a few bad interchanges made which cost them firepower up front. Doesn't get any easier as they face Manly away...in Perth!

12 (13) Canberra Raiders = How can you not be confused watching this team each week The good Raiders team showed up this week and got a win to keep their finals hopes alive. One teams hopes will end as they face Newcastle this week.


13 (12) St George Illawarra Dragons = Lost to the Rabbitohs and it was evident more than ever that there is an inability to score points. Worse still, their defence was also caught out. Tough test against Melbourne to keep their season alive.

14 (15) Penrith Panthers = Another spirited performance but a very dour game. They beat the Roosters and needed to after the Eels won on Saturday to distance themselves from last spot. Now have to continue riding what little momentum they have.


15 (14) Sydney Roosters = All is not well in Roosters-town and it has been stated from some time (see here). They couldn't erase the memory of their heartbreaking loss to the Rabbitohs with another loss to the Panthers. Players not happy and they now have to face an in form Titans team.

16 (16) Parramatta Eels = Stephen Kearny steps down and the Eels get a win...how often do you see that happen? But one win won't lift them here. They need to now go on with the job and try to avoid the wooden spoon.