NRL Power Rankings 2017: How does your team rate after Round 5?
1 - Melbourne Storm
Five games, five wins and Billy Slater’s back. The Storm have all bases covered. Made an early season statement with the way they dispatched the upstart Panthers on Saturday night. Wingers Vunivalu and Addo-Carr are tremendous finishers.
2 - Sydney Roosters
Turned in their worst 80 minutes of the season but still came close to beating a red-hot Manly. When they’re at their best they’re a better side than everyone – except maybe the Storm. That forward pack isn’t going anywhere – but either are Shaun Kenny-Dowall’s errors.
3 - North Queensland Cowboys
Winning games but nowhere near 100%. The loss of Matt Scott (injured) and James Tamou (left club) from last year’s team are absences they are unlikely to overcome. But with Thurston and Taumalolo still there, the top four is still on the cards.
4 - Manly Sea Eagles
So much of the boo-birds calling for the head of second-year coach Trent Barrett. Dylan Walker is playing like someone who deserved his State of Origin spot back and Tom Trbojevic is something special. Can they keep this up for the next six months?
5 - St George Illawarra Dragons
Just as big a surprise as the Sea Eagles. Gareth Widdop is throwing passes Wally Lewis would be proud of and their forwards are probably the second toughest pack going around after the Roosters. The next three weeks will tell us more – Manly, Cowboys and the Roosters are on the menu.
6 - Cronulla Sharks
If James Maloney hadn’t saved the day against the lowly Knights last weekend people would be asking questions about the premiers. So far they’re yet to replicate what they produced last year with any consistency. They’re capable – but that doesn’t mean it is going to happen.
7 - Brisbane Broncos
They had a tough first month, but that doesn’t excuse their sub-par showing against the Bulldogs. Anthony Milford’s unhappy start to the season will be of particular concern. Hopefully Jordan Kahu has been given a rule book to peruse this week.
8 - Canberra Raiders
If they hang onto the ball they can beat anyone. That hasn’t happened with any great regularity this year. Ricky Stuart’s know he has a team capable of winning a premiership, his task is to turn that into reality before the salary cap strikes and players hit the road.
9 - Penrith Panthers
As far as reality checks go for the team that started among the premiership favourites, the Panthers have already had two. The Dragons bashed them and the Storm taught them a lesson in composure. Their only wins have come against the Knights and Tigers – hardly a convincing first five weeks.
10 - Canterbury Bulldogs
They beat the Broncos, but you can’t help but think the horrible conditions slowed Brisbane a lot more than they did the men in blue and white. They still struggle in attack and their kicking game is quite probably the worst in the NRL. There is still a long, long way to go.
