Power Rankings: Week 12

1. Rabbitohs (1)

We're not looking much into the Friday night loss to the Eels and I don't think Wayne Bennett is either. The Bunnies have been borderline unbeatable this season, with only a golden point loss to Manly tainting their record before this week. Their good form has seen Cody Walker and Cameron Murray claim Origin spots out of nowhere. They've been the form team all season and are worthy title favourites. Adam Reynolds looks to be fine after a horrible scare. Bennett has said he'll rest their stars during the Origin period, they're in such a strong position.

2. Storm (2)

The Storm enjoyed the bye this week although with plenty of stars on show on Wednesday night they'll be holding their breath a little. Cameron Munster has been one of the top few players across the competition in 2019 and is leading the Dally M count. Cam Smith looks as though he doesn't age. Jahrome Hughes has hugely softened the Billy Slater retirement blow with some amazing performances. Young Ryan Papenhuyzen has been a break out star for the Storm.

3. Knights (3)

The Knights are sitting 4th and are on a five-game winning streak thanks to their two megastars Ponga and Pearce. The way the season started, it's fair to say I didn't see this coming. The Ponga move into the halves was a disaster but since the move back to fullback the Knights have been nearly unstoppable. Pearce had won four straight man of the match awards before his injury. The bye came at a good time, hopefully, he won't miss more than a handful of games. The Knights sent a big message last Friday night by smashing the Roosters.

4. Roosters (4)

The Roosters were flying prior to back-to-back losses. The Premiers were looking tired and will enjoy their Origin break. Luke Keary was one of the form players of the competition over the opening two months but looks set for a long injury lay off. Tedesco and Mitchell are flying and are key for the Blues over the next two months. Joey Manu is yet to fire but Daniel Tupou is enjoying a career revival. SST is arguably the best prop in the game right now.

5. Raiders (6)

The Raiders were one of few teams to move this week after a much-needed win. The 12-10 win over the Dogs won't feature in many highlights packages but to win without all the cattle they're missing has to build confidence. The Raiders started the season well but have been in free fall for the past month. This week's win will make Wednesday's Origin a little more enjoyable. John Bateman has been incredible all season and hugely improved the side upon his return. Nicoll-Klokstad has been one of the signings of the season.

6. Sea Eagles (5)

Manly may have dropped a second straight game to an out of form team but overall they must surely be over the moon with their 2019. The 15-12 loss to the Panthers was pretty dire but truthfully there isn't much to be taken out of this game. Brendan Elliott has played well beyond himself after an injury to Tommy Turbo, while Cade Cust has been a real find. Fainu has also come along in a big way. That said, they need their stars to return after the Origin period to make a run for the eight.

7. Cowboys (8)

The Cowboys were one of the big winners this weekend but also look to have lost Jordan Kahu for six weeks. The two-point win over the Titans summed up the weekend, uninspiring, but the two points are vital. The Cowboys are on a roll with three straight wins, and four from five. Taumalolo was, again, unstoppable. The less said about this weekend the better but considering their off-season, the Cowboys can be very happy sitting on 12 points.

8. Sharks (7)

The Sharks were unlucky in that they fell a position without playing but the club and its fans will be very happy sitting in sixth spot heading into Origin. The injury tally in the Shire has been ridiculous. Strangely it has allowed youngsters such as Xerri, Nikora and Hamlan-Uele to emerge. Matt Moylan is back with Johnson and Graham due back in the next fortnight. Aaron Woods is not too far away either. The baby Sharks have done really well to be where they are with plenty of talent set to return soon.

9. Broncos (9)

The Broncos currently sit in ninth position and I'm struggling to state whether that is good, bad or average. A month ago they looked shot but four wins in five games has saved their season. Nikorima and Roberts have been moved on allowing the retention of their young forwards. Fifita, Hass and Ofahengaue are all playing Origin despite their young age, such is their talent. Some of the Broncos stars have been well below average yet are coming good as we enter Origin.

10. Tigers (10)

The Tigers have produced exactly the kind of results we expected in the pre-season. Brilliant one week, horrid the next. Sitting in 10th the Tigers have won some games no one expected them to win, but have also dropped games they shouldn't have. Benji and Robbie look younger than in previous seasons while Mbye has proven himself worthy of an Origin bench spot. Ryan Matterson has been a brilliant pick up. They need to find the consistency to challenge for the eight.

11. Warriors (11)

The Warriors are another side who are brilliant one week and awful the next. They've struggled to replace Shaun Johnson despite some promising efforts from their young options. Kodi Nikorima now partners Blake Green in the halves. RTS has been his usual, brilliant self. The Warriors sit in 12th but have probably been a little better than that. They'll cause some troubles in the next few weeks.

12. Eels (13)

The Eels' 26-14 win over the Bunnies on Friday night has lifted them to eighth. That spot perfectly sums up their season. They've been far from the best yet way above the worst. Gutherson was one of the form players of the competition until the last few weeks. Mitch Moses has been incredible at times. Blake Ferguson started the season in incredible form. The best is yet to come for the Eels in 2019.

13. Panthers (14)

The Panthers, despite two straight wins, will be shocked with their current standing. One of the title favourites pre-season, it has all gone wrong for the mountain men. Two scrappy wins look set to turn their season around, at least that's what Panthers fans will hope. DWZ has gone from captain to outcast, James Maloney looks set for a move, Origin stars RCG and Mansour have played NSW Cup this year and the less said about the fullback spot the better.

14. Titans (12)

The Titans are in a battle with the Warriors for the Jekyll and Hyde tag. They sit in 15th ahead of only the Dogs on points difference, but they whacked the Knights and Sea Eagles and beat the Panthers. Ash Taylor has failed to justify his price tag while the likes of Peachey and Cartwright have struggled to find their spot. There are some good signs there but this is not the season they wanted after a good recruitment drive. Injuries have hurt the club.

15. Dragons (15)

The Dragons, as usual, started the season breathing fire but have been terrible over the past month and a bit. McGreggor seems to have 30 ideas in his head re his line up every week yet never allows the team to settle. Matt Dufty has gone from attacking weapon to NSW Cup. Lomax has played multiple positions yet is no closer to a regular spot. Their forwards have been good at times, bad at others. They need to rest up and come back a different side after the bye.

16. Bulldogs (16)

The Bulldogs have shown signs of incredible advancement at times, yet have been a NSW Cup side at others. Another side who seems to line up differently every weekend. CHN and Napa have produced some brilliant displays while Foran has had his moments. Okunbor burst onto the scene in a big way. Dean Pay needs to get his team set if they're any chance of making a post-Origin impact.