NRL Power Rankings: Round 9

With only four of last week's power rankings top eight winning this weekend there has again been plenty of movement in the rankings.

We have a clear number one and the bottom three pick themselves, but everywhere in between is up for debate.

1. Dragons (Last Week: 1)

It's official, we have a clear competition favourite. Yes it is early and the Dragons have had a dream run with injuries but they just pasted the team I had placed second last week to the tune of 32-14. It would not be criminal to overlook Euan Aitken for an Origin spot following his two try effort. Cameron McInnes did his chances no harm with another super human effort. I'm running out of words to describe this red hot Dragons side.

2. Warriors (Last Week: 4)

Following last week's slip up on Anzac day, the Warriors answered their critics in a big way. They managed to maintain 57% of possession and outplayed the Tigers over 80 minutes. The 26-4 scoreline could really have been anything, especially if Johnson and Luke had not suffered injuries. It was really the only negative in an otherwise dazzling performance. Karl Lawton scored a double while the Fus scored yet again.

3. Rabbitohs (Last Week: 7)

If the Bunnies hadn't fallen to the Broncos last week they would probably be in second spot right now such has been their form over the past month-or-so. I'm not the least bit ashamed to say I look forward to the red and green going on the attack each week. Cody Walker is arguably my favourite player in the competition right now. If not it's Damien Cook. Dane Gagai had a far improved game and with Sam Burgess returning the Bunnies have all their weapons on deck and firing.

4. Storm (Last Week: 2)

The NRL premiers travelled to Kogarah on the back of a huge win and plenty of momentum but were played off the park for long stretches of the contest. On the positive they only lost four tries to three but their discipline let them down allowing the Dragons to kick four penalty goals. The Fox is now an Origin must have after scoring a hattrick against the competition's best defence.

5. Panthers (Last Week: 3)

The Panthers almost overcame a downright disgusting first half effort to snatch a late victory but to be honest it probably would not have felt right. Amazingly they scored four tries to equal the Cowboys' four, after being as comprehensively outplayed in the opening 35 minutes as you'll see this season. Phillips and Wallace scored two tries each. Trent Merrin's injury in the warm out could not have helped.

6. Broncos (Last Week: 8)

I never thought I'd say this but the Broncos are flying hugely under the radar right now. For the second week in a row the Broncos have won a scrappy game by a small margin. Forget the refereeing decisions, the Broncs were probably worth their two competition points despite not playing all that well. New studs are on the shopping list after a series of slips cost them points on numerous occasions. A brave win considering their injury list. Jack Bird needs to find form or he'll be playing QLD cup.

7. Sharks (Last Week: 9)

The Sharks are on the most low key three game winning streak of all time. They've held on to win by two points, a point and two points in three games they should have iced with twenty minutes to go. The opening 72 minutes were top eight certainty form. The last five minutes belong in park footy. Rumour has it the squad was suffering with a virus but they were lucky Moses sprayed that kick left of they were shot ducks in golden point. A win all the same and on paper the Sharks are in good form.

8. Raiders (Last Week: 10)

The Raiders are another side sneaking under the attention of the majority of fans. They've put together a handy, little winning streak of their own without really blasting sides off the park as we have become accustomed to seeing. That said, this was pretty close to that destructive Green Machine we all know and love. An 82% completion rate considering the brand of footy they play is impressive. Host a huge game next Sunday afternoon against the Sharks. Jordan Rapana looks in the mood.

9. Knights (Last Week: 6)

This is what I was afraid of for those in the Hunter. The Knights, on their day, can play some amazing footy, but there are more weeks where they are below par than not. Yes they scored four tries, but to concede six, at home, does not bode well. They really need to find a place kicker if they want to challenge for a finals spot. If Sio or Ponga can't find their range they'll have to go up in fours. Speaking of Ponga, even in defeat he was spectacular.

10. Roosters (Last Week: 11)

When is this Roosters side going to click? A win is a win but they struggled to put away a distracted and out of form Manly side, at home. This was not pretty but ultimately the two competition points are banked. Cooper Cronk is struggling to impose himself and James Tedesco is not performing anywhere near the level expected. That said, the tri-colours won and should be happy as such.

11. Tigers (Last Week: 5)

The Tigers drop a long way due to their winless run over the past few weeks. Unfortunately they look a far different side to that that lit up the competition in the early rounds. Completing at only 65% over 34 sets, the Tigers never gave themselves a chance to win this game. It was great to see Fonua score again but otherwise it was pretty grim for the fallen high flyers. Michael Chee-Kam is an underrated weapon.

12. Cowboys (Last Week: 14)

That opening 35 minutes was exactly what I have been waiting for from the Cowboys all season. They were absolutely ruthless in sprinting to a huge lead. It should have been game over when the Panthers went to 12 men but the Cowboys let their guard down and allowed a try before half time. Ultimately they hang on but the second half was more like the 2018 Cowboys we've seen thus far. Worrying but a victory all the same.

13. Eels (Last Week: 12)

The Eels simply left their run too late. For 72 minutes they were nowhere near in the game against the Sharks. Yet in the final eight minutes they were almost unstoppable. If Mitch Moses had landed that after the siren conversion I have no doubt in the world they would have downed the Sharks. Three tries in the closing minutes will put the previous, dismal 72 minutes in a good light, but that final play was special. They should focus on that.

14. Titans (Last Week: 13)

Oh no. Danger signs for the Titans. After a few impressive performances the Titans have fallen back into old habits and look a long way off the pace. I straight up don't like the Bryce Cartwright in the halves experiment, it has to end now. Jai Arrow and Jarrod Wallace were injured adding to the increasing injury toll. There's way too much pressure on young Ash Taylor and it's showing.

15. Bulldogs (Last Week: 15)

It was a case of what could have been for the Bulldogs. Despite being outplayed at times they probably should have won on Thursday night. For the record I thought they were hammered by the officials but good sides can overcome such decisions. Rhyse Martin had a brilliant debut and should play a big role moving forward. Dean Pay's controversial decisions pre-game seemed to pay off. The Dogs really need Foran to start dominating though.

16. Sea Eagles (Last Week: 16)

Where is the next win for the struggling Sea Eagles going to come from? They fell just short against a hugely uninspiring Roosters. Marty Taupau is running for monster metres week in, week out, but the rest of the Sea Eagles just aren't going with him. Tommy Turbo had a forgettable game with his hands while his brother Jake really needs his role defined. I don't want to sink the boot but DCE is not justifying his massive pay cheque.