1. Cowboys (Last week: 1)
The Cowboys continue their amazing winning streak, which now stands at seven, with a brilliant win over QLD rivals the Broncos. Itโs a shame that theyโll have to look for number eight in a row without their superstar halves combination, and their equally star studded front row. Michael Morganโs hat-trick cemented him as a genuine star of the game, which was rightfully rewarded with an Origin selection. Every player across the park is performing for the Cowboys right now. I hope the Origin break doesnโt totally destroy their momentum.
2. Dragons (3)
It was always going to be interesting to see how the Dragons bounced back from defeat last up. Fans of the red V will be very happy with the way their side responded, with a dominant victory over the Raiders. The Dragons halves combination has really come of age with both Marshall and Widdop producing match winning performances. Theyโll be able to put their feet up slightly this weekend and watch the likes of Dugan and Merrin slug it out in Origin, and can be extremely pleased with their efforts thus far in 2015.
3. Storm (4)
An extremely important win for the Storm heading into the Origin period, and one that has them sitting top of the table. In a scrappy, yet entertaining game, the Storm did just enough to hold off the fast finishing Bunnies, although to be fair, a win was what their efforts deserved. Jesse Bromwhich may be the form front rower of the competition right now racking up another 200+ metre effort, and even chipped in with a try. The Storm are a side whose 2015 season can be shaped over the new few weeks, but as it stands, theyโre far exceeded expectations.
4. Broncos (2)
A close(ish) loss to the red-hot Cowboys isnโt going to have too many Broncos fans overly worried. Although theyโve lost their outright lead on the competition, Wayne Bennettโs men are in a brilliant spot pre-Origin. Perhaps of worry though, is the fact that the Cowboys big men were able to steam roll their way through the game at times. Brisbane raced out to an early lead, but then lost the battle in the middle, with Tamou especially making them pay. Theyโll be better for the return of QLD rep Josh McGuire.
5. Panthers (8)
The Panthers, quite frankly, looked as though they were going to be on the end of an absolute pasting at Brookvale after 15 minutes. The Sea Eagles couldnโt convert their chances and allowed Penrith to score against the run of play. From then, the game was an arm wrestle, until the Panthers snatched it late. Matt Moylanโs field goal was worth every bit of 2 competition points, especially considering the far more experienced Daly Cherry-Evans was unable to convert from similar range. Five wins and five losses perfectly sums up the Panthers season thus far, however considering their casualty ward, they can be very happy.
6. Roosters (11)
The Roosters have well and truly put memories of their early-season slump behind then with a second big victory in a row. Although theyโll be venerable during the Origin period, having lost a mountain of talent to the series, a big win over the Bulldogs was just what the doctor ordered. Incredibly, despite the fact theyโve lost half their games, they have the best for and against differential in the competition, with 84. It just goes to show that when they are on, theyโre capable of putting sides away.
7. Rabbitohs (5)
The Rabbits continue their poor form sans Adam Reynolds. Although a four point loss away to the Storm is far from a disgrace, it does continue a worrying trend. Souths had their chances to win in Melbourne, and despite their unavailable talent, should have little trouble in beating the Eels on Friday Night. Alex Johnson gets a great opportunity to show what he can do in the number one spot following his shock omission from the Blues squad.
8. Raiders (6)
The Raiders win-streak comes to an end at three, after their loss to the Dragons. Although they were well outplayed, Canberra still managed to score 18 points. Canberra signs of years gone by have often shipped plenty of points, to nil, or not so many. On another day 18 points could be enough to win a game. That said, they were never really at the dance against the Dragons, and you get the feeling they must beat the further depleted Bulldogs if they hold genuine top eight aspirations.
9. Warriors (10)
Another week, another indifferent performance from the Warriors. I was happy to see them go for a try in the usual field goal-a-thon that is golden point. An away win is good at any time, but although the Eels have a proud home record, the Warriors wouldnโt have expected to be taken to extra time to get the job done. BUT get the job done they did, and thatโs a second straight close win for the Warriors. The fact they sit five and five after ten is a perfect snapshot of their season to date.
10. Titans (7)
Probably lucky to drop three places on this list, but they should have parcelled their game with the Sharks by halftime. The fact they lost in golden point is hard to believe considering how much of the game they had in their favour. That being said, they showed enough to write the one-point loss off as just one of those games. Ryan James earned an Origin camp call up, which indicates he is in future plans for the Blues.
11. Tigers (9)
Poor Tigers fans never really know what to expect from their young side. Travelling to play a horribly out of form Knights outfit, they would have been confident of picking up two competitions points, only someone forget to tell the Knights. Jason Taylor would be pulling hair out at some of the mistakes being made, and opportunities missed by his side, but will know itโs an exercise in patience. Brooks and Moses are brilliant, young, attacking halves, but unfortunately theyโre being found out on defence.
12. Knights (12)
The Knights have snapped their five game losing streak with a confidence boosting win over the Tigers. An incredible, and rare, scrum win against the feed turned out to be the match winning play, as it looked as though demons of weeks gone-by would haunt them again. The jury is still out regarding young Gagaiโs move to fullback, but he has shown some encouraging signs, especially when running the ball back. After going 4-0 to begin the season, the Knights would probably be a little upset that they are 5-5, but considering the past few weeks, they just needed a win.
13. Sharks (14)
Despite looking completely out of the game at times, the Sharks left the Gold Coast with two precious competition points. Valentine Holmes had an indifferent start to the game, but answered with two tries, and the match winning field goal. Sharks fans were shaking their head as it seemed as though they would let yet another winning position slip, but a near perfect set in defence in golden point allowed them the shot they needed to win the game. There is still plenty to work on for the Sharks, but Saturday afternoon may have been the kick start they needed.
14. Bulldogs (13)
The Dogs looked a different side with the return of their influential captain James Graham. They took an early lead and looked far more assured, but when their front rower went off injured, they lost belief and were overrun by the Roosters. Iโm not 100% sure how Trent Hodkinson retained his NSW Origin spot, as he has hardly set the world on fire for the Bulldogs. Tim Lafai is back this week, while Brett Morris is only two weeks away. The Dogs need fit players back on the park, and quickly.
15. Sea Eagles (15)
After 15 minutes, it looked a question of โhow much?โ for the red hot Eagles, however once that initial burst had subsided, they offered very little. Simply put, Brookvale Oval is not the fortress it once was. Brett Stewart did everything within his power to win the game for his side, however he didnโt have enough support. The fact that Daly Cherry-Evans couldnโt slot a simple field goal to send the game into golden point was just the icing on a horrible cake for Sea Eagles fans.
16. Eels (16)
Unfortunately for Eels fans, theyโre again in the papers for all the wrong reasons. On the park, it was a slightly improved effort, but they are far from a polished football side at the moment. Their big name, and big money, stars are not performing, and there just isnโt enough talent coming through to displace them. Chris Sandow had a blinder in the NSW Cup and Eels fans will hope he is able to replicate this at the NRL level upon his likely return. Parra need a win, and soon.
