This was published 9 years ago
NRL power rankings: Round 14
Stuart Honeysett
1. Melbourne Storm (last time 2)
It’s only fair that the competition leaders returned to the top of power rankings after their impressive performance in the second edition of the grand final rematch against Cronulla. No-one expected them to be much of a threat after coach Craig Bellamy elected to rest Cooper Cronk, but that simply made Cameron Smith and Billy Slater step up in his absence. They are simply too good.
2. Sydney Roosters (last time 1)
The Roosters weren’t up against much in the Wests Tigers but it took them until the second half to run away with the match. Halfback Mitchell Pearce was calling the shots while boom centre Latrell Mitchell made the Tigers defence look silly (which we admit isn’t hard). Even more impressive was they did it without co-captain Boyd Cordner who was given a well-deserved rest.
3. North Queensland Cowboys (last time 8)
The Cowboys are the big movers this week after captain Johnathan Thurston returned from a shoulder injury to do a number on Parramatta. The fact that he hasn’t played since the Anzac Test in May meant little to the Cowboys maestro as he scored a try and had a hand in a several others. As long as he remains on the park they will always be a threat.
4. Cronulla Sharks (last time 3)
The Sharks are the masters of getting into an arm wrestle before coming out on top and the script seemed to be going to plan against Melbourne. They trailed 12-0, fought back to get their noses in front 13-12 but then something strange happened. Melbourne scored a soft try and the game was over. The Sharks had been unable to grind them into dust. It showed they are vulnerable if you’re prepared to scrap it out with them. 
5. Penrith Panthers (last time 8)
At the start of the year the Panthers were specials at finding a way to lose a game. Now they’re finding ways to win them. They were not entitled to beat Canberra on Saturday after trailing 20-12 with a few minutes to go but that’s the sort of challenge they seem to dine out on. Five-eighth Matt Moylan turned the match on its head with a couple of big plays while Dylan Edwards has proved a revelation at fullback. Can they keep it going?
6. Brisbane Broncos (last time 5)
The Broncos were entitled to climb the ladder after their win over South Sydney but drop to sixth following the news that five-eighth Anthony Milford will miss six weeks with a shoulder injury. Milf was the spark behind the Broncos attack and it will be left to either recently dumped halfback Ben Hunt, the unpredictable Benji Marshall or bench warmer Kodi Nikorima to fill the void. That doesn’t inspire confidence.
7. Manly Sea Eagles (last time 7)
The Sea Eagles were expected to make short work of perennial cellar dwellers Newcastle but struggled in atrocious conditions at Lottoland. They also benefited from a dodgy decision that saw winger Akuila Uate awarded a try after he clearly the ball dropped over the line. It was a lucky escape and enough to leave the jury out on whether they’re a genuine contender or a premiership wannabe.
8. St George Illawarra Dragons (last time 4)
It’s a mighty fall from the Dragons who struggled in a low-scoring affair against Canterbury. The high-flying attack that has been putting teams to the sword was sadly lacking and they had no real answers to a Bulldogs side that was prepared to roll up their sleeves and tough it out. They have shown enough this season to suggest it was a bad day at the office but they wouldn’t want to turn in too many more performances like that.
9. Canberra Raiders (last time 9)
The season is following an all too familiar theme for Canberra which must be driving coach Ricky Stuart nuts (some would argue that’s a short trip). The Raiders put themselves in a position to win the game only to have it taken away from them in the cruellest of circumstances. They would be a top four team if half of those results had gone in their favour. Too many more like it and their season will quickly fade.
