NRL Power Rankings: round 19
1. Melbourne Storm
If there was a spot higher than No.1 you’d put the Storm there right now. While other teams in the top four keep providing more reasons why they won’t win the comp, Melbourne are looking better than ever. They’ll probably rest their Origin stars in the coming weeks, but the wins may still keep coming.
2. Manly Sea Eagles
These guys are for real. The Maroons aren’t overly fussed on him, but Daly Cherry-Evans is having a great season. Add to that the ultra-impressive Trbojevic brothers and some hard-working forwards and you have a great platform. A top four finish – if not better – is on the cards.
3. Sydney Roosters
They’re not going great but they’re definitely capable. They need to get back to their tough, grinding best in the next seven weeks if they want to be serious contenders come the finals. There is work to do.
4. North Queensland Cowboys
The way this team has played in the absence of Johnathan Thurston has been a real head-turner. We all thought that with JT went the Cowboys, but the rest of Paul Green’s side are forcing a reassessment. All of a sudden a spot in the top four is in the picture.
5. Brisbane Broncos
They are looking pretty good on the ladder, but like the Roosters they need to get better – and more consistent - if they are to challenge for the title. It’s definitely there, Wayne Bennett just needs to find out a way to make it appear on a weekly basis.
8. Parramatta Eels
They are in the top eight, and barring a return of Parramatta-itis they should stay there. They don’t provide much in the way of confidence, but the teams below them (with the exception of Penrith) provide less. There are going to be a couple of ordinary teams in the finals this year.
12. Canterbury Bulldogs
This is the beginning of the darkness. Massive under achievers in 2017, Canterbury have spent the last few months battling to score points. They should have lost to the Knights in their most recent outing - that says it all.
15. Wests Tigers
The season cannot end quickly enough. The men in black, gold and white will surely find a little something extra when they face Mitchell Moses on Sunday. If they don’t, the problems facing coach Ivan Cleary are worse than anyone had imagined.
