Two rounds into the NRL season and there is now officially double the evidence of who’s rising and which teams are still yet to kick into gear.
Manly have caught the eye in the opening fortnight as the most impressive of the five teams with back-to-back wins.
Anthony Seibold’s positional changes, the addition of Luke Brooks and the return of Tom Trbojevic adds up to a team that looks like it could emerge as a genuine threat after an uninspiring 2023 campaign.
There are no alarm bells ringing at the Rabbitohs just yet but they have been the biggest letdown of the four sides propping up the bottom of the ladder with an 0-2 record.
The Knights and Warriors are a trifle unlucky to still be winless while Canterbury at least showed some fight last Friday to suggest they may not stay in last place for too long.
St George Illawarra fizzled in Round 2 after they sizzled to start the year to reinforce the fact that Shane Flanagan has plenty of work to do to undo the damage that’s been done during the past few seasons.
Team by team, here’s how the Power Rankings stack up after Round 2.
Round 2 Power Rankings
1 Panthers (last week 1): There were eyebrows raised when they kept top spot after losing in Round 1. The premiers were not purr-fect in their 26-18 win over Parramatta but very few teams are in Round 2.
They are lucky to have Jarome Luai available this week – he should have copped a ban of at least one week for his high shot which knocked Bailey Simonsson out of the contest.
2 Sea Eagles (up 4 spots): They have two big scalps to start the year in the Rabbitohs and Roosters. Their attack is clicking and while their edge defence is still a work in progress, they look very solid through the middle.
Luke Brooks is in the ideal role now that he is the secondary playmaker to Daly Cherry-Evans and with Tom Trbojevic adding an unpredictable third point of attack from the back, this team can go a long way.
3 Storm (down 1): They were fortunate to get out of jail against the Warriors following Xavier Coates’ gravity-defying last-minute acrobatics.
And with no Cameron Munster for another week due to his groin injury and Jahrome Hughes likely to be out this Sunday due to his ref bump, Melbourne could be in strife with their third and fourth-choice halves lining up in Newcastle.
(Photo by Daniel Pockett/Getty Images)
4 Broncos (same as last week): Reece Walsh was too much for the Rabbitohs to handle but the catalyst for their attacking machine to click into gear is Adam Reynolds so his knee injury is a major concern leading into their Grand Final rematch in Penrith on Thursday.
The Selwyn Cobbo switch to centre looks like a winner, filling the vacancy left by Herbie Farnworth relocating to Redcliffe.
5 Sharks (same as last week): They did what was required to get on top of a committed Canterbury side on Friday night but the result could have been different if Briton Nikora had been sent off, as he should have been, for his hit on Viliame Kikau.
Cronulla’s other second-rower, Teig Wilton, was again impressive – it’s too early for Origin bolter talk but he could loom into NSW calculations this year if he continues his rapid rise over the past 12 months.
6 Roosters (down 3): They lacked creative spark at Brookvale on Sunday. They grinded their way past the Broncos in Round 1 but when it came to shifting the ball wide, Manly made them look second-rate and the Roosters were probably lucky they didn’t lose by more than seven.
Perhaps Trent Robinson should consider shifting Brandon Smith to the bench to make some impact against tired opponents because he’s not generating much dummy-half momentum as a starter.
7 Eels (up 1): They lost no admirers for the way they pushed Penrith.
They have that feeling of a team that will make the lower half of the top eight by beating the sides they should and not upsetting too many above them.
8 Cowboys (up 1): Neither side deserved to win that match at QCB Stadium on Saturday afternoon. There should have been audible groans when the match went to extra time but North Queensland people are too polite for that and they were quickly put out of their misery with the ecstasy of Chad Townsend’s winning field goal.
9 Rabbitohs (down 2): They didn’t have the speed to match Brisbane on the fringes or in the middle of the field.
Losing Jai Arrow to injury for most of the season is a huge dent to their pack – Cameron Murray can’t do it all by himself in the middle.
10 Raiders (up 1): They’re off to a solid start but a trip to NZ this Friday followed by a shorter one to Cronulla in Round 4 and a clash with Parramatta the next week will provide a more accurate gauge of whether Canberra’s encouraging form is sustainable.
11 Warriors (down 1): They deserved to win in Melbourne but there was a hint of panic in their defence in those frenetic final minutes which contributed to the Storm’s two late tries.
(Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)
Roger Tuivasa-Sheck has taken no time flat to find his feet – they’ve got to engineer a way to get him early ball as much as possible.
12 Knights (same as last week): They were much better than Round 1 but still way too loose with the ball to fritter away their chances to put the Cowboys away.
A draw at the end of extra time would have been the right result for a match that both teams tried their best to lose.
13 Titans (up 1): They rise due to the Dragons’ fall. Unfortunately for them, any further rises in the rankings will need to be earned via on-field performances.
14 Dolphins (up 2): Well, that was quite the bounce-back. Losing by 25, winning 38-blot. Carry the two, divide the remainder – that works out to be a 63-point turnaround.
Truth be told, for the first hour at Redcliffe on Sunday night it was a slugfest that was tough to watch before the Dolphins started making inroads out wide with Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, Jake Averillo and Jack Bostock cashing in. Tougher tests await before anyone thinks this team is potential playoff material.
Isaiya Katoa passes. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)
15 Dragons (down 3): The bubble burst quicker than you can say St George Illawarra wasn’t rebuilt in a day.
Shane Flanagan warned in the pre-season to keep expectations low and their insipid performance on Sunday night against the Dolphins was a concern for a team that had shown a steely resolve in Round 1 and the pre-season.
They won’t be in the finals mix but they shouldn’t play that badly again.
16 Bulldogs (down 1): There were some encouraging signs for long-suffering Canterbury fans with the commitment shown against Cronulla but they still look off the pace in more than a couple of areas.
Viliame Kikau looked switched on but when he is the only forward making more than 100 running metres, it’s going to be hard to compete most weeks.
17 Wests Tigers (same as last week): Benji Marshall is clearly investing in youth by starting Lachlan Galvin with Bud Sullivan in the halves and there may be short-term pain but at least he’s taking a direction.
It’s hard for a club to ask fans to be patient after 12 years of missing the finals but they shouldn’t be expecting too much in 2024.
farkurnell
Roar Rookie
I agree the Bunnies backline is not as slick as the 2022 n 2023 versions - maybe Father Time has caught up with Cody an AJ .The teams with the sharp ones out wide make you pay, particularly if you make mistakes with the ball in hand - like Luke Keary last weekend.let’s hope Jack W can have an impact. Otherwise it could be a long season for the Bunnies
Panthers
Roar Rookie
It goes deeper than that. South’s looked very Slow last weekend. As they did against Manly . As did St.George & as have Penrith on a couple of occasions so far this season. Penrith looked slow for 30 plus minutes of last years GF, but got away with it . South’s need Munro back desperately & to get rid of Kennar , Milne . Tass looked too small. Perhaps Wighton will assist to lift them at centre? Or will they play him at 5/8 & Walker at half? Either way. They need changes to speed up their backline to start with . Sides are going, add as many fast players as we can to our side , with some huge forwards. Really just makes good sense . Dragons are huge , but lack pace. If you look at the recipe now. Tall fast wingers, as much pace as you can fit into your backline. Workers in your forwards , with a couple of huge forwards. Also what the Storm have been doing! Roosters have been building towards . Manly have been doing it & take a look at the Raiders side . Ditto for the Broncos . Need any more examples? If you don’t have that recipe for success now , you’re going to go backwards.
steveng
Roar Rookie
I will be calling them gutless and soft and the drums will be beating in Redfern for Dumbo Big Ears to be sent packing as the band strikes up the tune of “Hail to the Chief” :laughing: :laughing: :laughing: :laughing: :thumbup: Good one GB thats a classic!
Glory Bound
Roar Rookie
Are you still making premature predictions based off of 2 rounds of football, FT? Or have you bought your Grand Final tickets already based on Manly's 2-0 start to the season?
Glory Bound
Roar Rookie
"I am liking the look of Manly" So far yes. But don't forget how good Souths looked after 11 rounds last season when they were on top of the NRL ladder. It is way too early to tell anything at this point. At this point, even Souths could become minor premiers and premiers. Anything is still possible... except for the Tigers and the Bulldogs. It is still too early to make long-term predictions, but it isn't too early to make team changes. Not when clearly nothing has been learnt or fixed by Souths alleged post-season review. Ilias being dropped is well deserved and long overdue. Next I would be moving Latrell from FB to left centre to put a rocket up him if he doesn't have a dramatically improved performance this weekend. Neither Latrell nor Cody should feel safe at this point.
Glory Bound
Roar Rookie
Surely that has been a significant factor for all 4 Las Vegas teams and for the Panthers with the WCC. But It doesn't appear to have effected Manly's form or energy. Strange that. Although it is undoubtedly a factor, it can also be used as an excuse. Without any shadow of a doubt, of the 5 teams that have played overseas to start the season, Souths alone have been unrecognisable as an NRL side and look better suited to the NSW Cup! Truth be told, Latrell Mitchell and Cody Walker have turned in back-to-back lazy performances. Latrell is only prepared to play for 20 mins and Cody looks like he is running away from the ball instead of demanding it like he does when he is ON. Playing Murray on an edge instead of at lock also hasn't helped, and neither has the coach persisting with Ilias at HB. Thankfully, the latter, is no longer an excuse for round 3. But there is no point judging Dean Hawkins on just one game against a tough and committed opposition. He needs to be given a proper chance just as Ilias received. If Souths can't put on a committed performance and finally look like an NRL side against their hated rivals this weekend, I will be calling them gutless and soft and the drums will be beating in Redfern for Dumbo Big Ears to be sent packing as the band strikes up the tune of "Hail to the Chief" in preparation for Wayne Bennett's return.
Glory Bound
Roar Rookie
Souths deserve their current place on the NRL ladder and don't deserve to be ranked any higher in the power rankings. Souths fortunes should improve now that Jack Wighton joins the team and now that Ilias has finally been hooked in favour of a natural, if albeit a NSW Cup, HB. I'd still prefer to see Latrell shifted to left centre, Jack to right centre and Murray back at lock. Souths are more than capable of beating the Roosters, but not without a complete change in their attitude and commitment in defence.
DP Schaefer
Roar Rookie
Because if they don't get a %&*$! high rating, Paul gets a $&@# phone call from ^(&%^ you know who and gets his #@%$^ ears @&$*& belted....
DP Schaefer
Roar Rookie
Bonus points for unimaginative linguistic vocalisation.....
DP Schaefer
Roar Rookie
'Tis a puzzle
Dwanye
Roar Rookie
Keep the premiers scoreless would mean something. The premiers not being able to score would mean something. ‘On paper’ playing a big part?
andyfnq
Roar Rookie
So Melbourne start the season with a shutout win against the reigning premiers, then beat last year's preliminary finalists despite injuries to key players... and they are third on the power rankings. Why do you hate Melbourne? Might want to examine your biases if you want to do the power rankings this year :angry:
steveng
Roar Rookie
That’s generous having the Bunnies at 9th as its about time that JD is questioned on his abilities as a coach? The truth is coming out with what Clive Churchill's son Rodney has been critical in the past with and the preferential treatment by JD to certain players, and then we have Mansour who is also coming out with other things that JD does and its no wonder that all of a sudden thing are gelling why the Bunnies are not going too well and what is affecting this sides performance. It’s no coincidence what happened last year, as up to R11 where the Bunnies were equal 1st and then collapsed and ended up an embarrassing 9th, the Bunnies won and beat all the top sides in the comp and were 8 out of 11 in the first 11 rounds and then out of the next 16 rounds they lost 9 and only won 5 games as they had 2 byes. Now its becoming apparent what is going on at the Bunnies if JD is being questioned by so many including players coming and assistant coaches walking out like Sam Burgess that left half way through and Morris left at the end of the season, so there must be problems there. This year 2024 they haven’t done much better than the latter part of 2023, there is NO improvement in this side, they haven’t bought anyone except Jack Wighton as they need forwards especially that Arrow is out for most of the season and Cam Murray can’t do it on his own. Lets see what happens but it aint looking good if the magic doesn’t come back, lets see what happens against the Chooks? Go you Bunnies!
Forty Twenty
Roar Rookie
I was a bit concerned that the Bunnies would be found out as not one of these ''better'' teams but surely the Chooks are?
jimmmy
Roar Rookie
My rankings purely on what I have seen so far are Penrith 1 , Broncs 2, Storm 3 , Manly 4. It has to be judgement based otherwise it just replicates the ladder. Penrith, Broncs and Manly Souths and Roosters all get some slack for playing overseas.
farkurnell
Roar Rookie
I guess ,If you effing say so Bro
Dionysus
Roar Rookie
but still they won the game. A perfect start to the season 2-0 and you go backwards. Heaven help us if we lose one.
jimmmy
Roar Rookie
The Warriors are way better at this stage. I thought they were the better team against Melbourne. The Storm pulled that out of you know where
jimmmy
Roar Rookie
Agree, surely they are 2 or 3.
Harvey Wilson
Roar Rookie
I am liking the look of Manly. So far they are doing well against the better teams which has been a problem in the past few seasons. Go Manly!