Statement: The below is a referee reference free zone.
Today we are here to focus on the footy. It may be hard in some entries but I am losing my hair over the ... talking about non player related matters.
This weekend saw three teams have the bye, although I'd argue another side or two almost took the week off despite "playing".
Where did your team land following Round 13's round of action?:
1. Canberra Raiders (Last Week: 1)
I honestly don't know the Raiders keep doing it. That said, they absolutely keep on doing it!
Kaeo Weekes amazing effort to set up Ethan Strange for the match-winner in the 73rd minute sums up the Raiders perfectly. They're capable of anything at any time. Amazing!
Josh Papalii will celebrate a record for appearances for Canberra this weekend as the Raiders host the Bunnies. Then they'll finally have their first Bye of the season.
2. Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs (2)
The Dogs had a busy week off the field with the addition of Lachlan Galvin. It will be interesting to see where he fits in.
The table topping Bulldogs can look forward to a monster clash with the Eels on Monday afternoon. It's always a beauty in front of a huge crowd.
3. New Zealand Warriors (3)
The Warriors dream season continued as Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad's monster effort let the visitors to a 36-30 win over South Sydney.
Roger Tuivasa-Sheck crossed for a double while Chanel Harris Tavita and Luke Metcalf combined for three try assists. Metcalf, who is firming as a Dally M favourite, also scored a ripper try.
The Warriors stay in Sydney to face the Sharks on Saturday evening. This is the game of the round!
4. Melbourne Storm (5)
The Storm were well below their best in beating the Titans yet still got the job done.
As per my opening statement, nothing controversial happened. Sualauvi Faalogo and Grant Anderson both crossed for doubles on the flanks.
Melbourne host the Cowboys on Friday evening in a game that promises to be far too good for that time slot.
5. Cronulla Sharks (4)
The Sharks fall here, despite not playing, as a make good for not slipping last week. Although they beat the Storm, it's a tough argument to say they belong higher than their old rivals.
Cronulla are back this weekend against the high flying Warriors. The result, and performance, off the bye should tell us a lot about this side.
6. North Queensland Cowboys (7)
The Cowboys absolutely ran riot on the poor old Tigers for the majority of the Saturday night points feast!
Tom Dearden had five try assists while Jaxon Purdue and Jaxson Paulo were both awesome on the night. John Bateman had to enjoy that early try.
A monster Friday evening match up against the Storm, in Melbourne awaits. This could prove just how real the Cowboys are.
7. Manly Sea Eagles (8)
Manly continued to be one of the more difficult sides to predict in 2025. This past weekend they lapped the Broncos to the tune of 34 points to six.
Clayton Faulalo and Haumole Olakau'atu both crossed for try doubles while Daly Cherry-Evans put a below par Origin performance behind him in a big way.
Manly have a brilliant opportunity across the next two weeks and they travel to Newcastle then the Gold Coast. Both very, very winnable games.
8. St George Illawarra Dragons (12)
The Dragons returned from the bye and thumped the hapless Knights at Kogarah.
Nathan Lawson enjoyed a brilliant league debut while Kyle Flanagan is starting to look the part. Jack de Belin was huge and King Gutho was, well the King!
A virtual four-pointer awaits this weekend as they travel to play the Dolphins on Friday night. The result here will be huge in a few months time.
9. The Dolphins (9)
The Dolphins maintain their spot in ninth here. They are literally better than half the competition yet not as good as half the competition.
A huge clash with the Dragons awaits on Friday night. Both teams are on five wins. This game could be vital in deciding who sneaks into the eight come Finals time.
10. Brisbane Broncos (6)
I'm officially off the Broncos. Their recent record is diabolical and the effort just isn't there.
Despite boasting the best prop combination in rugby league, they were bossed off the park by a Manly side missing plenty of cattle.
If they can't get past the Titans this weekend, I'm calling it for the season!
11. Penrith Panthers (13)
Is that the sound we all dreaded? The sound of Penrith perhaps ... being back? Not entirely but this was good.
Nathan Cleary backed up from Origin to lead his side to victory against a very game Eels side. Brian To'o was simply massive, himself backing up also.
Penrith "travel" to play the Tigers on Sunday afternoon. A second straight battle of the west is there to be won by the suddenly re-energised Panthers.
12. Sydney Roosters (10)
The Roosters came within a play of recording a second boilover win a row. Unfortunately they fell just short in overcoming the Green Machine.
James Tedesco was a monster and could very easily have been picked for NSW duties. I was glad to see Victor Radley overcome a scary head knock to return. Not sure he should have though.
A bye this weekend is well timed as Sam Walker looks to return to the park via NSW Cup. If ready, his return will be massive in the coming weeks.
13. South Sydney Rabbitohs (11)
Latrell Mitchell's stint in the second half had many, myself included, thinking that the Bunnies could beat the Warriors. Alas, it was not to be.
Keaon Koloamatangi has put his name in lights in the past few weeks and now looks certain for an Origin call up. He can confirm that this weekend.
The Bunnies travel to Canberra this weekend in what shapes as a big ask. That said, they have the stars to set it up.
14. Parramatta Eels (14)
The Eels were good against the Panthers on Sunday afternoon. Real good at times. Unfortunately they fell short.
Props to both sets of players who backed up from Origin. Jack Williams is low key putting together a case for under the radar signing of the season.
Monday afternoon's King's Birthday contest is set to host a monster crowd. This game should be a beauty. The Eels need to cause the massive upset.
15. Wests Tigers (15)
A magnificent 20 minute spell on Saturday night both excited and frustrated Tigers fans.
Starford To'a's try in the 62nd minute kicked off a period that will have Tigers fans excited about what they can produce and frustrated at why it took so long to do so.
Sunday afternoon's battle of the west against the Panthers should see Commbank rocking! If they can play as they did for that final stint, who knows!?
16. Newcastle Knights (16)
I so wanted to put Newcastle at 17 here after yet another listless performance on Friday night.
To have only scored 159 points across 12 games is almost unthinkable. Kai Pearce-Paul crossed for a try that for 65+ minutes looked as though it would not arrive.
They simply have to beat the Sea Eagles in Thursday night's home game. They have to!
17. Gold Coast Titans (17)
The Titans were super brave against the Storm on Saturday afternoon. I wanted to move them up but the fact they've conceded 110 more points than Newcastle made it impossible.
Jayden Campbell is a supreme talent. I just don't know where his best position is. He looked so good at fullback, but they desperately need a halfback.
Saturday night's local derby with the Broncos could be season defining. Finals looks a long, long way off right now but a win here can light the fire of hope.
