The Roosters proceed their surge up the ladder and remarkably discover themselves within the thick of the finals hunt because the Rabbitohs’ latest struggles imply they’re wanting within the face of a stunning early vacation.
Meanwhile, the Knights proceed their historic profitable streak with the Panthers, Broncos and Warriors all holding agency within the high 4.
Read under for the newest NRL Power Rankings.
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1. PENRITH PANTHERS
Last week’s rating: 1st (no motion)
Analysis: The Panthers juggernaut rolls on they usually prolonged their profitable streak to eight video games in Round 25 with a win over the Titans. Their 20 minutes wasn’t as clean as they might have favored, however from the thirty third minute onwards Ivan Cleary’s aspect recorded 5 tries and put the Gold Coast to the sword. They additionally obtained the job completed with out Brian To’o, Scott Sorensen and Mitch Kenny who has suffered a hamstring harm. It stays to be seen how Cleary will go about resting a few of his large title stars with a minor premiership already in a single hand and two powerful fixtures to come back. Izack Tago may additionally return this week from a lingering leg harm, whereas Spencer Leniu additionally was able to go for the Titans recreation. The Panthers are sitting fairly coming in to the ultimate rounds of the season and will likely be a well-oiled machine come finals.
Injuries/suspensions: Izack Tago (leg, Round 27), Mitch Kenny (Round 27), Taylan May (knee, season)
Run residence: Eels (h), Cowboys (h)
2. BRISBANE BRONCOS
Last week’s rating: 2nd (no motion)
Analysis: The Broncos loved the bye in Round 25, giving Kevin Walters aspect a much-needed relaxation heading in to the finals interval. A high 4 end is locked in however an harm cloud is lingering over veteran halfback Adam Reynolds. He will sit out this week with a calf harm and isn’t any certainty for Round 27 both and can reportedly be monitored by membership medicos. Aside from Reynolds’ blow, every little thing is working easily in Red Hill and they’ll welcome veteran enforcer Martin Taupau in to the aspect. Haas’ contract scenario has additionally been resolved and Brisbane powerbrokers will likely be wanting to lock within the long-term futures of each Reece Walsh and Ezra Mam who will change into free brokers come November 1. Walters has his aspect in effective form heading in to the finals interval and they are going to be hoping to increase their six-game profitable streak in opposition to the Raiders.
Injuries/suspensions: Corey Oates (knee, Round 26), Martin Taupau (suspended, Round 26)
Run residence: Raiders (a), Storm (h)
Reynolds dominated out with a calf pressure | 00:56
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3. WARRIORS
Last week’s rating: third (no motion)
Analysis: The Warriors as soon as once more did it the laborious method in opposition to the Sea Eagles, however they obtained the job completed and secured two factors. With six wins in a row already posted, Andrew Webster’s New Zealand outfit look nearly sure to win eight in a row with video games arising in opposition to the Dragons and Dolphins who sit mounted on the backside finish of the ladder. The Warriors will solely proceed to bolster their premiership credentials earlier than the finals and the type of halfback Shaun Johnson can’t be ignored. The veteran halfback is among the main contenders to win the Dally M Medal whereas forwards Tohu Harris, Jackson Ford and Addin Fonua-Blake are additionally in effective type.
Injuries/suspensions: Wayde Egan (throat, TBC), Te Maire Martin (leg, Round 26), Ali Leiataua (hamstring, late season), Brayden Wiliame (leg, late season), Valingi Kepu (foot, season)
Run residence: Dragons (h), Dolphins (a)
4. NEWCASTLE KNIGHTS
Last week’s rating: 4th (no motion)
Analysis: Another week, one other Knights victory. Adam O’Brien’s Newcastle aspect can’t be stopped at current and bested the Rabbitohs with a complete win in Round 25. That efficiency threw South Sydney’s season in to turmoil and all however secured a high eight end for the lads from the Hunter. Even with out key halfback Jackson Hastings, Adam Clune stood tall and obtained the job completed alongside one of many NRL’s type gamers in Kalyn Ponga. He has been electrical and an important determine in his aspect’s profitable streak, and one other stellar efficiency in Round 26 may see Newcaslte greatest a Sharks outfit contemporary off a sensible victory over the Cowboys. Doubt the Knights at your individual peril, as a result of O’Brien’s aspect look the true deal this season.
Injuries/suspensions: Krystian Mapapalangi (shoulder, indefinite), Bailey Hodgson (shoulder, season), Jayden Brailey (knee, season)
Run residence: Sharks (h), Dragons (a)
Last week’s rating: fifth (no motion)
Analysis: It was a patchy efficiency in opposition to the Dragons in Round 25, however Craig Bellamy’s aspect obtained the job completed. Backrower Eliesa Katoa was nearly unstoppable and skipper Christian Welch mentioned post-match he had crammed the opening left by the departed Kenny Bromwich and Felise Kaufusi completely. Meanwhile, Jahrome Hughes’ type can’t be ignored leaving Cameron Munster to take a again seat. The truth Munster has been quiet is a scary proposition for groups who may doubtlessly face them within the finals, and Harry Grant may additionally explode at any time after he suffered an eye fixed poke in opposition to the Dragons which noticed him go away the sphere for a HIA. While the Storm ought to get the job completed in opposition to the Titans, they’ve an important match-up in opposition to the Broncos within the closing spherical of the season that would resolve who they face within the first week of finals.
Injuries/suspensions:Aaron Pene (ankle, indefinite), George Jennings (knee, season), Dean Ieremia (knee, season)
Run residence: Titans (h), Broncos (a)
6. CRONULLA SHARKS
Last week’s rating: sixth (no motion)
Analysis: The Sharks desperately wanted to remain on monitor and beat the Cowboys in spectacular trend in Round 25. The win was their third in a row and Craig Fitzgibbon’s aspect may now push for a spot within the high 4, with finals soccer all however secured. Nicho Hynes was robust in opposition to the Cowboys and the group’s defensive construction was spectacular, one thing Cronulla coaches pleasure themselves on. Fullback Will Kennedy may even return come finals however the type of stand-in Connor Tracey can’t be ignored and the surface again utility is doing an admirable job. However, they face one other powerful check this week in opposition to a red-hot Knights group which may sign how ready they’re going in to the finals interval. If Cronulla end exterior the highest 4, there may be additionally the real chance the 2 groups may face off within the first week of finals.
Injuries/suspensions: Oregon Kaufusi (finger, TBC), Will Kennedy (hamstring, finals), Teig Wilton (knee, season), Kade Dykes (knee, season), Dale Finucane (bicep, season)
Run residence: Knights (a), Raiders (h)
7. SYDNEY ROOSTERS
Last week’s rating: ninth (up two spots)
Analysis: Cometh the hour, cometh the Roosters. Trent Robinson’s aspect are firing proper once they must be, albeit leaving their run late. With the Tigers in Round 25, which they are going to be assured of taking two factors away from, all eyes will likely be on their closing spherical conflict with the Rabbitohs which can show make or break for each groups. They have gained three in a row and want to spice up their factors differential with different groups nonetheless within the hunt, nonetheless Robinson’s aspect will likely be assured they’ll scrape in to the highest eight. However, in Round 26 they are going to be with out fullback James Tedesco who’s going through an 11-day stand down after a concussion in opposition to the Eels. The break may show to be a optimistic, giving the membership’s skipper every week off to arrange for one final dance in Round 27.
Injuries/suspensions: Naufahu Whyte (knee, TBC), James Tedesco (head knock – Round 27) Paul Momirovski (shoulder, indefinite), Connor Watson (knee, indefinite), Sitili Tupouniua (neck, indefinite), Angus Crichton (knee, indefinite)
Run residence: Tigers (h), Rabbitohs (a)
8. CANBERRA RAIDERS
Last week’s rating: eighth (no motion)
Analysis: The Raiders obtained an almighty scare in opposition to the Bulldogs, however in the long run proved too good for Cameron Ciraldo’s aspect. Jordan Rapana was glorious at fullback andnow the group from the nation’s capital have gotten their type again on monitor. However, they leaked 72 factors throughout their final two video games and face a scary prospect in Round 26. Kevin Walters Broncos will likely be determined to place the Raiders to the sword and Ricky Stuart’s aspect must win another recreation to safe a finals look. Without any extra factors, they might end on 32 with the Cowboys, Roosters and Rabbitohs all holding the potential to complete on the identical quantity. What goes in opposition to Canberra is their ugly factors differential which sits at -108. The Raiders must put up a struggle in Round 26 to show they need to play finals soccer.
Injuries/suspensions: Seb Kris (hamstring, Round 27), Corey Harawira-Naera (seizure, indefinite), Danny Levi (jaw, season), Elijah Anderson (knee, season)
Run residence:Broncos (h), Sharks (a)
9. SOUTH SYDNEY RABBITOHS
Last week’s rating: seventh (down two spots)
Analysis: The Rabbitohs season is at a crossroads now with Latrell Mitchell copping one-game suspension for a late elbow on Tyson Frizell. South Sydney had been bested by the Knights in full trend however do have a slight enhance with a bye in Round 26 to arrange for what is ready to be a season-defining conflict in opposition to the Roosters in Round 27. Luckily for the underfire Jason Demetriou, he has a ready-made fullback substitute in Blake Taaffe who has been spectacular each time he will get the call-up. It’s do or die for the Rabbitohs and in the event that they miss the finals this season, it is going to be a convincing failure with potential adjustments incoming from Rabbitohs powerbrokers.
Injuries/suspensions: Jed Cartwright (again, TBC), Latrell Mitchell (suspension, Round 27), Tom Burgess (suspension, finals)
Run residence: bye, Roosters (h)
10. NORTH QUEENSLAND COWBOYS
Last week’s rating: tenth (no motion)
Analysis:The Cowboys had been disappointing in opposition to the Sharks in Round 25 and solely have themselves accountable in the event that they now miss out on a finals spot. North Queensland’s probabilities of making finals now relaxation on profitable each of their closing two video games, and it looms as a troublesome activity. While Todd Payten will likely be assured his aspect can greatest the Dolphins, they then face the reigning premiers within the Panthers. One optimistic might be that Ivan Cleary rests a variety of his big-name stars, however it stays to be seen if Penrith put out a below energy group come the back-end of the season. Jeremiah Nanai made a profitable return to the sphere in opposition to Cronulla, whereas Valentine Holmes will solely characteristic once more in 2023 ought to his group make the highest eight. It’s win or nothing for the Cowboys who gave themselves to a lot to do after a horror begin to the season.
Injuries/suspensions: Semi Valemei (knee, TBC), Jeremiah Nanai (shoulder, Round 27), Valentine Holmes (suspended, finals), Tom Chester (knee, season)
Run residence: Dolphins (a), Panthers (a)
Schuster deal may ‘break the membership’ | 01:48
11. MANLY SEA EAGLES
Last week’s rating: twelfth (up one spot)
Analysis: Manly’s destiny was sealed when the ultimate whistle rang out in opposition to the Warriors. Anthony Seibold did not take the Sea Eagles in to the finals in his first season in cost and it hasn’t been clean crusing in Brookvale. Josh Schuster hasn’t lived as much as his hefty pay packet whereas famous person fullback Tom Trbojevic suffered a season-ending harm in Origin which significantly harm the Sea Eagles. Seibold’s aspect have an opportunity to complete the season robust although and have two winnable video games in opposition to the Bulldogs and Tigers and will take that confidence in to subsequent 12 months once they welcome Luke Brooks in to the aspect to companion veteran halfback Daly Cherry-Evans.
Injuries/suspensions: Taniela Paseka (knee, finals), Josh Aloiai (shoulder, season), Tom Trbojevic (pectoral, season), Matt Lodge (knee, season)
Run residence: Bulldogs (a), Tigers (h)
Chances of constructing Top 8:
12. PARRAMATTA EELS
Last week’s rating: eleventh (down one spot)
Analysis:It’s been a horror few weeks for the Eels. First they misplaced halfback Mitchell Moses, then their finals destiny was all however sealed with a loss to the Roosters, and a convincing one. After taking part in for the premiership in 2022, Brad Arthur’s aspect look set to overlook out on the highest eight in a surprising fall from grace. Where has it gone flawed? It might be a mixture of a large number of points which plagued the membership. From the wave of high quality gamers Parramatta officers let stroll to Dylan Brown’s off-field points which led to a protracted exile — all of it provides up. It’s again to the drafting board for Arthur who gained’t have something to fall again on if the Eels as soon as once more miss post-season soccer in 2024. They even have one closing shot at taking one thing away from their season with a conflict in opposition to the Panthers in Round 26 which shapes as their final recreation of 2023. However, Penrith might be out for blood and it may show to sum up a season which can shortly be forgotten.
Injuries/suspensions: Andrew Davey (head knock, TBC), Zac Cini (hand, finals), Matt Doorey (ankle, finals), Mitchell Moses (eye socket, season), Josh Hodgson (neck, season)
Run residence: Panthers (a), bye
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13. GOLD COAST TITANS
Last week’s rating: 14th (up one spot)
Analysis: The Titans carried out valiantly in opposition to the Panthers and took one enormous optimistic out of their Round 25 fixture — Tom Weaver. On debut, the younger halfback was robust and confirmed he can minimize it in opposition to one of many NRL’s premier groups. He arrange fellow younger gun Klese Haas early within the recreation a kicked for over 700 metres in a formidable, debut. Elsewhere, the Gold Coast outfit may have one eye in the direction of 2024 with Des Hasler arriving and a bunch of gamers probably match and firing together with hooker Sam Verrills, AJ Brimson and Beau Fermor whose season was over earlier than it begun after a knee harm.
Injuries/suspensions: Jayden Campbell (knee, season) Sam Verrills (shoulder, season), Beau Fermor (knee, season), Phil Sami (foot, season)
Run residence: Storm (a), Bulldogs (h)
Chances of constructing Top 8: N/A
14. ST GEORGE ILLAWARRA DRAGONS
Last week’s rating: fifteenth (up one spot)
Analysis: The Dragons had been strong in opposition to the Storm, albeit dropping their Round 25 conflict. There had been some good indicators for incoming coach Shane Flanagan, with fullback Tyrell Sloan exhibiting his class in assault. Their efficiency even noticed the opposing captain, Christian Welch, admit the Red V have the nucleus of a great group and with some useful additions may return to finals soccer. Undoubtedly Flanagan has a giant job on his fingers, and with two extra powerful video games to shut out the season they may end on their present 16 factors. That offers the Tigers an opportunity to leapfrog them within the wood spoon race, nonetheless that feat stays unlikely contemplating their run residence.
Injuries/suspensions: Zac Lomax (shoulder, TBC), Francis Molo (head knock, TBC), Jayden Sullivan (hamstring, Round 26), Jack de Belin (suspension, Round 27), Tyrell Fuimaono (hip, season), Cody Ramsey (sickness, season), Jaydn Su’A (shoulder, season), Jack Bird (shoulder, season)
Run residence: Warriors (a), Knights (h)
15. DOLPHINS
Last week’s rating: thirteenth (down two spots)
Analysis: It has been a catastrophic finish to the season for the Dolphins and Wayne Bennett’s aspect couldn’t get the job completed in opposition to a struggling Tigers outfit. They misplaced on the bell to a controversial penalty, however the finals dream that the NRL’s latest franchise held early within the season is now lengthy gone and Bennett will likely be waiting for subsequent season once they welcome Herbie Farnworth and Tom Flegler in to their aspect. Depth has emerged as the important thing situation of their group and accidents to Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow and Jeremy Marshall-King after Round 24 proved to be the essential and closing blow to their season. Bennett’s aspect will check the Cowboys this week although, who’re determined for a win earlier than going through a high-flying Warriors group getting ready for a finals cost.
Injuries/suspensions: Jeremy Marshall-King (shoulder, TBC), Ray Stone (toe, Round 27), Brenko Lee (leg, indefinite), Tom Gilbert (shoulder, season)
Run residence: Cowboys (h), Warriors (h)
“Latrell can win us a premiership” | 00:55
16. CANTERBURY-BANKSTOWN BULLDOGS
Last week’s rating: sixteenth (no motion)
Analysis: The Bulldogs confirmed glimpses of the aspect they may change into in opposition to the Raiders, however it was the identical previous story and defence was the problem. They leaked 36 factors in opposition to Canberra, compounding their document because the NRL’s worst defensive group. Canterbury-Bankstown have conceded 71 factors greater than the Dragons who maintain the second worst document and still have the worst differential, 85 worse than the Tigers to sit down at -309. It has been honest from clean crusing in Ciraldo’s first season on the helm. Viliame Kikau’s damaging ball-running was spectacular in opposition to the Raiders, whereas Toby Sexton and Matt Burton’s partnership did appear to gel higher than in earlier weeks, so anticipate some enchancment within the coming weeks in opposition to the Sea Eagles and Titans.
Injuries/suspensions: Karl Oloapu (neck, indefinite), Ryan Sutton (neck, indefinite)
Run residence: Sea Eagles (h), Titans (a)
17. WESTS TIGERS
Last week’s rating: seventeenth (no motion)
Analysis: Tim Sheens was absent from the coach’s field for his aspect’s conflict in opposition to the Dolphins, leaving Benji Marshall to steer the merger membership to victory. Apisai Koroisau was the hero in Round 25 and kicked a formidable penalty to seal his aspect’s destiny, albeit in controversial circumstances. Marshall’s determination to shift Koroisau to the halves paid dividends and the Tigers might want to win and win properly in the event that they need to keep away from the wood spoon in back-to-back seasons however face a stiff activity arising in opposition to an in-form Roosters outfit and the Sea Eagles. It has been a season to neglect for the Tigers, however their Round 25 win gave followers a glimmer of hope forward of a contemporary begin in 2024.
Injuries/suspensions: Charlie Staines (hamstring, TBC), Adam Doueihi (knee, season), Jake Simpkin (head knock, TBC)
Run residence:Roosters (a), Sea Eagles (a)
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