After three rounds there are only two undefeated NRL teams. So what has changed from last week’s power rankings?
1. Rabbitohs (3-0)
(Last week: 1)
They weren’t at their best on Sunday Afternoon, but they still did enough to take care of a tough Tigers team. The premiers are looking near unbeatable to start the season, and they should take care of business against the Eels on Friday night.
2. Roosters (2-1)
(Last week: 3)
The Roosters’ only blemish thus far has been a loss to the number 1 side, and a victory over last week’s number 2 puts them in this spot. The Roosters are set for another season near the top of the ladder, and a meeting with the Raiders next weekend shouldn’t provide any issues.
3. Knights (3-0)
(Last week: 4)
If an NRL game only lasted 70 minutes, the Knights would be 1-2. This speaks volumes for the never-say-die attitude we’ve seen from Newcastle this season, an attitude that could lead to success in 2015. They swept their Queensland road trip, and a welcome home meeting with the Panthers awaits them in Round 4.
4. Panthers (2-1)
(Last week: 2)
Although they took the L on Monday night, the Panthers were never out of that game, and a different video ref decision could have changed the result. Nevertheless, the loss does force them down the list, and a Saturday afternoon trip to Newcastle could provide a challenge.
5. Storm (2-1)
(Last week: 7)
It was a vintage Storm performance on Saturday night, as they put the Sharks to the sword early. If the Big 3 can stay healthy this season, it should be another year of finals football in Melbourne.
6. Bulldogs (2-1)
(Last week: 6)
It certainly wasn’t pretty on Friday night, but a win at Brookvale Oval should give any team confidence. Although the football wasn’t great, the Dogs showed enough class to take advantage of Manly’s mistakes, and if this team manages to make it work in 2015, look out.
7. Broncos (2-1)
(Last week: 12)
This was the kind of football Broncos fans were hoping for in 2015, it just came three weeks later than they wanted. Friday night’s performance against the Cowboys was breathtaking, and Brisbane could turn into a fortress yet again in Season 2015. They make the trans-Tasman trip in Round 4, and a win over there would further cement their spot as top-four challengers in 2015.
8. Tigers (2-1)
(Last week: 5)
The Tigers dropped their first game of 2015 on Sunday afternoon, so a move down the list is coming their way. This is still a talented squad however, and they will cause some major headaches before season 2015 is done. A big clash with the Bulldogs awaits them in Round 4, and a win in that game will confirm their status as finals contender in 2015.
9. Warriors (2-1)
(Last week: 9)
The Warriors’ first home game ended with a good result, but the news that Sam Tomkins will be out for at least six weeks keeps them in ninth spot. They looked brilliant in the first half of Saturday’s game, but Tomkins’ absence in the second half was noticeable.
10. Eels (1-2)
(Last week: 8)
For a season that started with so much promise, the Eels are already looking second rate in 2015. Injuries have played a part in their recent struggles, but this squad overachieved in Round 1, and back-to-back losses haven’t given me any confidence in their ability to play finals football in 2015. It doesn’t get any easier for Parramatta, facing the Rabbitohs in Round 4.
11. Sea Eagles (1-2)
(Last week: 10)
They weren’t terrible on Friday night, and they probably won’t spend very long this low on the list, but only one win from their first three clashes will have the Manly faithful worried. Although goal kicking was the only thing that cost them in Round 3, they still have some serious defensive issues to work out. With the Dragons and the Raiders in the next two rounds, expect a bit of a climb from the Sea Eagles.
12. Dragons (1-2)
(Last week: 16)
Hallelujah! A win for the Dragons! Maybe the #SaveOurSaints campaign isn’t necessary just yet! In all seriousness though, this club still has some major shortcomings with the ball in hand, and they’ll need to improve out of sight if they want any part of the finals in 2015. They have the Sea Eagles at home in Round 4, a game that they would see as very winnable.
13. Raiders (1-2)
(Last week: 11)
It looks like we’re seeing another ‘meh’ season in Canberra in 2015. With their only victory coming over the winless Sharks, the Raiders deserve such a low spot on the list. This club is sorely lacking an identity, and until they find one they won’t be getting any higher on this list.
14. Titans (0-3)
(Last week: 15)
Took the undefeated Knights right to the brink on Sunday, and with their suspended stars all back in action, the Titans should be on the winner’s list sooner rather than later. They travel to Cronulla in Round 4, and anything less than a win will be unacceptable.
15. Sharks (0-3)
(Last week: 14)
Cronulla were poor on Saturday, there’s no other way to describe it. They have enough talent to climb the ladder in 2015, yet there’s something off with the club. They have the forward line to stick with the very best in the NRL, and if the back seven can get it together, they may surprise some teams in 2015.
16. Cowboys (0-3)
(Last week: 13)
I’m sorry Cowboys’ fans, but this is where you belong after Round 3. Back-to-back losses at home were compounded by Friday night’s 22-point belting. The Cowboys are looking lost on both sides of the ball. I have full confidence in this club to turn their season around, and they’ll make the finals, but you can almost certainly cross them out for a top-four finish.
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