NRL Round 25 Power Rankings

Round 25

There are two rounds to go and it is unclear on who will finish where in the Top 8. The Bulldogs look to have the Minor Premiership in their possession and the Storm should finish second, but beyond that remains a mystery. There are still a few teams that are fighting for the final few spots in the 8 whilst some teams are falling at the final hurdle as they search for a victory to resurrect their season. There is still even a battle for the wooden spoon. It all makes for good rugby league viewing. At this point in the season, teams should only focus on controlling their own destiny. Momentum is everything and each win that a side has increases the confidence within a playing group. It is one of the most open competitions in years and the league is thriving as a result. Lets see how the teams sit in the Power Rankings heading into the penultimate round of the season.

1 (1) Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs = Another round, another Bulldogs victory. They now have 12 on the trot now and are playing some great footy. They relied on a lot of luck to get them a victory against the Tigers. Hopefully they don't use up all of their luck just yet.

2 (2) Manly Warringah Sea Eagles = Victory was never in doubt after a scintillating first half against the Knights. They were unstoppable and sent a warning shot to all other Top 8 sides. Few injury concerns and depth is a problem. Always a team to be feared.

3 (4) Melbourne Storm = Ground out very tough win against the Broncos after conceding points. They are beginning to find their mojo again and each win now makes them a tougher side in the finals. Games left will be a good test for the semis. Looking like the old Storm.

4 (3) South Sydney Rabbitohs = Two consecutive losses but definitely not time to hit the panic button. Yes they did have their full squad back but these losses could be good for their focus. Need to cut the simple errors out of their game to be successful.

5 (5) North Queensland Cowboys = Looked very good early against the Dragons but let them back into the match. Got back into gear and their level of play lifted again to win the match. Playing more consistent football and need to continue on towards the finals.

6 (6) Cronulla Sharks = Bounced back from a poor performance to beat the Rabbitohs which guarantees them a spot in the finals. They played tough football and victory was well deserved. Boosted confidence will be needed with two tough games ahead.

7 (8) West Tigers = Had one of their best performances this season. Could be considered hard done by but they had exactly the same amount of time to win the game as the Bulldogs. Limping into the finals, they'll find it tough with the injury to Farrah. Where is their normal attacking spark?

8 (7) Gold Coast Titans = Keep in the race for the finals but unfortunately it is out of their hands. It wasn't the best performance from this squad but they got the job done. Two must win games if they want to play finals and can only worry about themselves.

9 (11) Canberra Raiders = Still in contention for the Top 8 and are just out of the finals at the moment, on points difference. Tough game ahead against the Bulldogs at home. That is their season on the line. They have struggled to beat lowly placed sides and will need to rise to another level to beat the Bulldogs.

10 (10) Brisbane Broncos = The Broncos losing streak continues, it is now up to 5 games! They are in real danger of missing the Top 8. They look like a very tired side and their senior players need to lift to get them out of this flunk. The answers look to be far away too.

11 (9) Newcastle Knights = Their season is now over after being blown away by the Sea Eagles. To keep their motivation going into 2013, they must finish this season strong. Combinations are looking better. Need to toughen up the defensive line.

12  (12) St George Illawarra Dragons = The game was there to be won for the Dragons and they were unable to produce. It was a much better performance and they are trying extremely hard, things are just not working for them. Not really much recruiting being done though so maybe this poor play will continue into 2013. Will coach Price see the end of 2013?

13 (13) Parramatta Eels = Were back to their usual form of play that fans have been accustomed to this season. There were small improvements and are looking to send their retiring club legends out on a high. Still playing for pride and have two games left to salvage something.

14 (16) Penrith Panthers = Went across the ditch to beat the Warriors. They were always the better side and prevailed when it mattered. Struggled early to put the finishing touches on their plays. Was an ugly win but it moves them closer to missing the wooden spoon.

15 (15) Sydney Roosters = Their forwards were good and they played the game out until the end, but they still lost the game. They are hanging for the end of the season now and with two games to go, they have just about switched off. What is the motivation now for them?

16 (14) NZ Warriors = Absolutely terrible! There is a seriously problem within this squad and it is pretty safe to say that coach Brian McClennan will be sacked before 2013. Remember, this is the same side that played 2011's GF. Now only playing for pride and respect. They have minimal, if any, after their recent performances.