5 Rounds down, 21 to go! The "welcoming period" is over for now and it is time for each team to play consistently an establish a strong platform to build form.
1 = Melbourne Storm (no change) - The only undefeated team in the NRL and the Storm showed their class on Saturday. They are renowned for starting the season strongly and are setting themselves up well for a difficult time during the representative period.
2 = Sydney Roosters (no change) - They suffered their first loss of the year to the Sea Eagles and it was a sign of the improvement that is still needed. The positive news is that they are a strong team already and can only get better from this point. They will learn a lot from this loss...
3 = North Queensland Cowboys (+1) - The Cowboys came out and won as expected over the Rabbitohs. It was more pleasing to see them limit their opponents scoring and shut them out of the game earlier than they did against the Titans the week before.
4 = Cronulla Sharks (+1) - They Sharks made things difficult for themselves against the Knights but did enough to walk away with the win. The reward for their win, a Grand Final rematch against the Storm away from home. This performance will be the most accurate guide to how they are developing.
5 = Canberra Raiders (+1) - This was a performance that the Raiders did exactly what was required of them for victory. It was only their second win for the year but a pleasing one at that. A few "easier" matches ahead but games that they need to win to continue to climb up the ladder.
6 = Brisbane Broncos (-3) - The Broncos were upset by the Bulldogs and fall down the ladder courtesy of their lack of their inability to finish off attacking sets. This limited the pressure they were able to build, despite having a good completion rate in testing conditions.
7 = Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles (+3) - 3-in-a-row for the Sea Eagles and they are looking every bit of the contender this year. Confidence is an amazing thing in the NRL and this team is playing with a high level of it. The Sea Eagles will be tested further with a tough 5 weeks of fixtures ahead.
8 = Penrith Panthers (-1) - The Panthers didn't disgrace themselves by an measure, they simply met a better team that gave them a lesson in where they need to be. Thankfully, they have plenty of time to perfect and improve their play. They will lose no respect with their effort and should only improve.
9 = St George-Illawarra Dragons (-1) - The Dragons were great in their win but drop a place based on the quality of their opponents. Things are looking up for them, although they will have a tough time if injuries suffered on Sunday turn out to be worse than expected.
10 = Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs (+3) - Just when you doubt the Bulldogs, they come out and produce a great win over the Broncos. It was tough win that demonstrated their fight; they just need to make wins like this a habit in weeks to come.
11 = Parramatta Eels (-2) - Their record in and against Canberra remains unchanged. They only have themselves to blame with 44 missed tackles, failing to pressure the Raiders attack. There is plenty of upside and they will need to stop their losing streak sooner rather than later.
12 = South Sydney Rabbitohs (-1) - Brave in defeat against the Cowboys, yet still a noticeable gap between them and the better team in the competition. They need to focus on remaining in contests and beating teams below them if they are to make a run for the Finals.
13 = Gold Coast Titans (-1) - It it going to be a few difficult weeks for the Titans with more injuries hampering their chances. They were gallant again against the Warriors and their spirit is something to be admired. If they were at full strength, they would have a lot more than the solitary win to their name.
14 = New Zealand Warriors (+1) - The Warriors escaped with a win but did it the hard way. They were unable to gain the upper hand until late against the Titans and a slow start meant that they had to fight their way back into the contest. A win will give them confidence to go on with it though.
15 = Newcastle Knights (-1) - The Knights probably do not deserve to drop a position but have given the lack of quality within their team. They are not without their chances, although you cannot help but think that teams are taking them lightly. Make no mistake, they will certainly win a few more games in 2017.
16 = Wests Tigers (no change) - Again, they were terrible. A reality check is needed within this squad; you're not as good as you are being told you are and if you are, perform to that level. On a positive, at least they could score points in the second half for the first time in 3 matches.
