This time of the year is... Strange.
On one hand, I am salivating at the idea of the interstate clash tomorrow night.
On the other, this past weekend was dire. I had to force myself to watch the games. That from the biggest league fan in the world.
Rankings wise, it can be a difficult time, but also a fun one. It's good to see the depth of teams, and also the seriousness in which they take these Origin period games.
We will see teams drop here, despite not playing this weekend.
While this isn't fair, the other teams will have their chance over the next few Origin period bye weeks.
With that said; where did your team land on this week's Power Rankings following Week 12?:
1. Canberra Raiders (Last Week: 3)
The Raiders have knocked off the Bulldogs from top spot. Their form is simply irresistible, as is their effort.
Joseph Tapine took Sunday evening's clash personally and would absolutely not be denied.
Canberra host the Roosters on Sunday evening. Strangely, despite a host of teams having two byes, Canberra are yet to enjoy their first.
2. Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs (1)
An Origin-depleted Dogs fell to the Dolphins is horror circumstances on Thursday night.
It was their second, massive loss of the season. Both came in the rain, to southern Queensland sides. I wouldn't worry though Dogs fans.
A bye this week is perfectly times with Lachlan Galvin coming on board and a big Origin contingent.
3. New Zealand Warriors (2)
The Warriors lost a close home game to the high flying Raiders on Sunday evening.
The Warriors did throw everything at the Raiders late but couldn't force Golden Point.
A Sunday afternoon clash with the Bunnies is a brilliant opportunity to return back to the winner's circle. People keep waiting for the Warriors bubble to burst. I don't think it'll be this week.
4. Cronulla Sharks (4)
I wanted to hammer the Sharks here but the fact the Storm didn't play, coupled with the win over Melbourne last week, sees them avoid a deserved drop.
Major red flags flew on Saturday evening as the Sharks were played off the park by a rookie littered Roosters outfit. Only Addin Fonua-Blake and KL Iro earned they match day payment.
The bye came a week late for the club. You better hope Craig Fitzgibbon instils a new attitude within the playing roster during the break.
5. Melbourne Storm (5)
I don't think it's unfair to suggest that the Storm have underachieved thus far in 2025.
This despite sitting in the top four and not having hit their straps yet with any regularity. That scares me.
The Storm have had a week to stew on their loss to the Sharks. They host the Titans this weekend. Watch out Gold Coast.
6. Brisbane Broncos (7)
The Broncos move up by default due to Manly being so dire against an Origin hit Eels team.
Brisbane still present as a top class side. The return of Ezra Mam has them looking all the more dangerous. They're just yet to find that consistency.
A Saturday night clash with Manly will likely see a host of Origin stars back up. Toss a coin I guess.
7. North Queensland Cowboys (8)
The Cowboys are the second team to benefit here due to Manly being so bad.
They've lost games they should have won. They've won games they were favoured to win. That perfectly sums up this side right now.
A home game against the Tigers should provide great entertainment and a good opportunity for a win.
8. Manly Sea Eagles (6)
Let's be blunt here. Manly were disgusting on Friday night against an Eels side missing their two megastars.
Lehi Hopoate's early double was all she wrote for a Manly side who looked like they were missing several Origin stars rather than just the one.
A monster Saturday night clash with Manly should excite regardless of who backs up from Origin.
9. The Dolphins (10)
The Dolphins played their best game of the season on Thursday night in tearing the table topping Dogs to shreds.
We all know who was missing, for both sides, but it's time to admit that Isaiya Katoa is one of the game's brightest stars. Herbie Farnworth may be the best signing in many years.
The Dolphins can celebrate their win via a very long turnaround thanks to a bye this weekend.
10. Sydney Roosters (12)
The Roosters sent a big reminder to the competition on Saturday night in destroying the Sharks.
James Tedesco, Mark Nawaqanitawase and Victor Radley lead a team of rookies into the clash and won every contest. Huge Savala is looking like a real future star.
Their Sunday night clash with the Raiders this weekend shapes as the game of the round.
11. South Sydney Rabbitohs (9)
The Bunnies are unlucky to fall here but it feels like a levelling out.
A brilliant last up win over the Tigers pushed a few below-par performances to the back of the mind.
Souths return from the bye with a home clash against the Warriors on Sunday afrernoon. Should be a cracker!
12. St George Illawarra Dragons (13)
The Dragons rise a spot through their win over the Broncos two weeks ago. Also Penrith needed to fall.
I didn't know what to make of the Dragons heading into the season. 12 weeks in and I'm not exactly sure yet either.
We'll know more this Friday night when they host the Knights. A win here could set up a run through Origin.
13. Penrith Panthers (11)
Ok, the Panthers were missing a heap of Origin stars. But they still sit last and lost to Newcastle.
The depth of previous seasons just isn't there for a Penrith side I still expect to make a run. They are running out of time though.
A monster clash against the Eels could see both teams Origin depleted, unfortunately!
14. Parramatta Eels (15)
No Moses? No Lomax? No worries! The Eels ran riot against the Sea Eagles on Friday night to the tune of 30 points to 10.
Dean Hawkins had four try assists on the night while Joash Papalii celebrated his NRL debut with a try. Jack Williams is proving to be a magnificent pick up.
The Eels play Penrith on Sunday afternoon at Commbank. I have no idea of the makeup of either team post Origin. Should be fun though.
15. Wests Tigers (14)
I don't like to drop teams who didn't play but if you asked me who is the better team, right now, between the Eels and the Tigers? The Eels!
It looks as though the Lachlan Galvin saga has finally drawn to a close. Hopefully the distractions end.
The Tigers return to action via a trip to Townsville to play the Cowboys. They'll likely have players backing up from Origin.
16. Newcastle Knights (17)
What a win from the Newcastle Knights! Ok, they did beat a Panthers side missing millions of dollars of Origin stars, but a win is a win.
Fletcher Sharpe is the future of the club, you can't convince me otherwise. Dylan Lucas scored a hatty and should have had a fourth.
Newcastle have a chance to prove it was no fluke when they play the Dragons on Friday night.
17. Gold Coast Titans (16)
I know they didn't play this weekend but the fact the Titans sit second last, on 10 points, having been gifted four of those points via byes, says it all.
The Titans entered the season with big expectations but on and off the field it has been a horror show.
They play the Storm, off a loss, this weekend. Alarm bells anyone!?
