NRL Round 23 Power Rankings

Round 23

As is the case at this point of the season, teams are preparing themselves for the finals with some very impressive performances. There are also other teams that are out of contention and are more concerned with avoiding the dreaded wooden spoon. Some players are playing for contracts and coaches are coaching for their careers. It all makes for very interesting viewing. In a week where the Olympics took the centre stage, there were some great game of rugby league (also some poor ones) that gave us some guide towards the finals. SOO seems to still be effecting those teams which had players heavily involved but they need to get their momentum back as soon as possible. So lets take a look at where the teams rank with only 4 games to play.


Bold = This week  ( ) = Last week

1 (1) Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs = 10 wins in a row and will push for 11 against the Broncos. They keep surprising people when they're expected to falter. Their attack was great, scoring 24 points within the first half. Even better was their defence, holding the Knights to just 10 points at home.

2 (2) South Sydney Rabbitohs = 6 wins in a row and the South Sydney show rolls on. Another good performance without Inglis and Luke against a quality side in the Titans. Face a real acid test this week against Manly and it will be the best measure yet of where they're at.

3 (5) Melbourne Storm = They were on a slide and rectified it the best way possible with a dominating performance against the lowly placed Panthers. It could've been a danger game for them but they got through it with ease and definitely built momentum back for their run for the finals.

4 (8) Manly Warringah Sea Eagles = Other teams should begin to be afraid of the Sea Eagles as their squad returns back to full strength. They fought out a hard victory against a very good Cowboys team at home. Big game against the Bunnies ahead. 

5 (3) North Queensland Cowboys = The Cowboys are still a very good side and the best positive to take away from their narrow loss to the Sea Eagles is that they played consistent football. They are still in the 8 and have good run home against teams lower than them, but it will still be a tough contest for them and need to continue playing well.

6 (9) Cronulla Sharks = They've stopped their slide down the ladder with a very impressive performance against the Warriors. They're back on track now and if they continue to play like that they will be very dangerous for all teams to play. More so as they get players back to full fitness.


7 (4) Gold Coast Titans = They were spirited in defeat but were just outclassed all over the park. They're still missing a killer blow, maybe Bird will offer that when he returns. They're still in with a very good chance of making the Top 8. Next in their way though, is the Storm.

8 (10) West Tigers = Are momentarily back on track but were definitely on shaky ground against the Eels in the first half. They need to continue building momentum and consolidate their position in the Top 8. They'll have to work hard for a win against the Dragons.

9 (6) Brisbane Broncos = Two losses on the trot for the Broncos makes for a very poor point in their season. Especially when those teams are the Eels and the Raiders. Their job doesn't any easier this week with a trip to the Bulldogs. Still affected by injuries but they're in danger of losing every bit of momentum they once had.

10 (7) Newcastle Knights = Were ok in defeat against the Bulldogs but still have a lot of work to do with their defence. This is one area of their game they need to improve on. Time is running out for them to make their run for the finals.

11 (14) Canberra Raiders = That is what the Raiders are capable of but they do still way to inconsistent. It's said every week, you can never be sure which Raiders team will turn up. If they're looking towards building for next season, they should keep up these performances.

12  (11) St George Illawarra Dragons = Well the Dragons season is all but over now with a very disappointing loss to the Roosters. Dragons fans have every right to be frustrated and as Soward was dropped to NSW Cup, no one really stood up. This is an under performing roster.

13  (12) NZ Warriors = Their season was on the line when they hosted the Sharks and they could not stand up and deliver. Disappointing when they could push themselves back into the 8. They have a decent run home but like the Raiders, are too inconsistent. Overall, they should be higher than where they currently are.

14  (16) Sydney Roosters = Played some good footy against the Dragons and just wanted the victory more on the day. Their finals hopes are gone but some players may be playing for their contracts. They certainly have a capable roster.

15 (15) Parramatta Eels = Looked at one stage, that they would hand the Tigers a shock loss. But after scoring 22 points in the first half, they were limited to just 4 in the second. Worse still, they let the Tigers scored 35 in the second. That is what a team with nothing to play for can offer though. It's a "spoon-off" against the Roosters this weekend.

16 (13) Penrith Panthers = Were always going to have a tough game against a Storm side that was desperate to get a good victory. A good victory was an understatement and the Panthers felt the full force of the Storm. Playing to avoid the spoon (since about Round 12!) and it could be a close call with the Eels and Roosters.