The upsets continued in Round 9 of the NRL, with one team’s performance, in particular, putting them ahead as the competition’s clear front-runners.
1. Dragons
No surprise really, as St George Illawarra sit atop the table all on their own.
Many questioned whether they would fall, as in previous years, but after a convincing win over the Storm they’re arguably the only tier one team in the NRL at the moment.
2. Warriors
Nine rounds in the Warriors are 7-2 – yes, 7-2. While there is still plenty of footy to come, they are certainly living up to expectations.
Despite being the only team to defeat the Dragons, I put them at the top of the second tier.
3. Rabbitohs
There’s a lot to like about the Bunnies this year – their backs are arguably the best in the league and their forwards are laying a platform.
With Sam Burgess back this week, an upset could be on the cards.
4. Panthers
Penrith are a seriously good footy team. Decimated by injury, they still sit firmly in the top four.
5. Roosters
The Roosters are far too talented not to be considered a premiership force, but at the moment there are too many cooks in the kitchen.
James Tedesco is still trying to find his feet now that he is no longer required to be the dominant hand.
6. Storm
Neither Brodie Croft nor Ryley Jacks have set the world on fire and it has forced Cameron Smith to play a lot of first receiver. Losing your 7 and then forcing the best hooker to ever play the game into a different position is a recipe for disaster.
7. Cowboys
The Cows are on the up. Jason Taumalolo is back to his best, and Johnathan Thurston isn’t far behind. The reason they are so low on this list is simply their start to the season – watch this space.
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8. Sharks
Cronulla have struggled largely due to the fact that they have three fullbacks in their side.
9. Wests Tigers
All the Tigers’ players are on the bus, but does that bus have a few flat tyres? Their league-leading defence is starting to be found out, as teams continue to turn their attack against the grain.
10. Knights
Kalyn Ponga, remember that name. This kid is something special, and will continue to single-handedly make the Knights competitive.
While I can’t see them winning the competition, they’ll be far closer than a lot of teams.
11. Raiders
Despite winning on the weekend, Canberra find themselves in the third tier: the non-contenders. They’ve got plenty of talent to turn it around but as it stands they will have little to no impact on this year’s finals series.
12. Eels
Parramatta have had the worst possible start to the season and find themselves on life support. They finally managed to get on the board a few rounds ago, but are yet to get off the bottom of the table.
13. Manly
Another team that looks great on paper, but injuries to key personnel and off-field drama have prevent the Sea Eagles from being the force they should be.
14. Broncos
It may be unfair to have Brisbane so low when they sit ninth on the ladder, but there is a lot to be desired from a team tipped to make the eight. Anthony Milford has been off the pace and Jack Bird is lacking confidence.
They have the talent to turn it around but they’ll need to find form soon.
15. Titans
Nothing much to write home about here. Gold Coast are awful at the moment.
16. Bulldogs
So close yet so far. A heartbreaking loss and a hefty fine is the highlight of the Dogs’ season thus far.
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