NRL Round 4 Power Rankings

4 Rounds in, two undefeated teams and one new coach. It is never a dull moment in rugby league and this week promises to be just as exciting. Let's take a look a how each team is looking in this weeks Power Rankings:

1 = Melbourne Storm (no change) - 4 from 4 for the Storm and this time they were impressive against a resurgent opponent. Their defence was resolute and providing they keep everyone fit, they are deserving competition favourites.

2 = Sydney Roosters (no change) - The Roosters are also undefeated, with plenty of improvement left. Winning without hooker, Jake Friend, showed their depth. Many other injuries are hampering their play, nevertheless, they're not showing that it is bothering them.

3 = Brisbane Broncos (+1) - It was a great performance by the Broncos to overcome the Raiders. Their defence was again impressive and other teams can take plenty away from them. Sooner or later though, these draining games will hamper their play.

4 = North Queensland Cowboys (-1) - The Cowboys won, yet dropped a position? That is because the Titans are hardly a quality team and despite several opportunities, they were unable to put their opponents away. This team cannot wait for Taumololo to come back and tighten up the middle.

5 = Cronulla Sharks (+1) - The Sharks picked apart the Eels over 80 minutes and managed to keep them to just the one try. This win also came amid a poor completion rate but Segeyaro offers a new attacking dimension moving forward.
6 = Canberra Raiders (-1) - The Raiders showed grit and determination to lose by 1-point in Brisbane. They do not deserve the record that currently is afforded to them and have a chance to head home to bounce back against the Eels. They appear to have the makings of a contender.

7 = Penrith Panthers (+2) - Wow! It was a no-nosense effort that had the Panthers dominate the Knights 40-nil. Their execution was clinical and more importantly, they didn't switch off once they accumulated a lead. The maturity is growing within their team...

8 = St George-Illawarra Dragons (+2) - Yet another 180 turn-around by the Dragons, as they produced a dazzling display in the first half to run all over the Warriors. Maintaining this level and execution is their toughest challenge but they appear to have more potential than a lot of other teams.
9 = Parramatta Eels (-1) - Corey Norman coming back into their team didn't solve any problems. They were beaten in most areas of the field by the Sharks. A mountain of errors means that they have themselves to blame and need to bounce back in a tough match against the Raiders.

10 = Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles (+4) - Back-to-back dominating displays and their opening weeks appear to be forgotten. This team is firing now and keeping the Bulldogs to nil will improve their confidence. Biggest test is ahead this week against the Roosters.

11 = South Sydney Rabbitohs (-4) - Injuries and player unavailabilities hurt the Rabbitohs even before they took the field. They showed fight to keep within striking distance of the Roosters but their bitter rivals were always in control. Handling errors were also their downfall.

12 =  Gold Coast Titans (+1) - It doesn't make sense that the Titans lose and gain a spot but their effort agains the Cowboys was great. They are light on personnel and managed to push their opponents for the entire 80 minutes. Some teams below them should watch and learn from the Titans.

13 = Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs (-2) - If the Tigers have set a precedent, then Hasler should be careful in coming weeks. It wasn't so much the loss that was bad (it was in many respects), rather the poor level of execution. They looked losses and their defence was beaten by a faster team. Alarm bells are beginning to sound...

14 = Newcastle Knights (-2) - It was a night to forget for this team. After 3 strong weeks, fatigued got the better of them as they were outplayed by a superior opponent. 38% possession didn't help their cause.

15 = New Zealand Warriors (no change) - The Warriors lost their match in the first half. They struggled to match the intensity of their opponents early on and were always pressured by the scoreboard. The withdrawal of Foran hurt their cause just before KO but other players need to stand up!

16 = Wests Tigers (no change) - After a week of turmoil and dramatic change, the first half pointed towards an attitude shift. Yet for the third consecutive week, the Tigers have been kept scoreless in the second half. Some of their defence around the ruck leading to long-range tries was juvenile to say the least.