1. Rabbitohs (1)
The Bunnies overcame the early loss of star halfback Adam Reynolds to record a 10th win from 11 games. Walker, Gagai, Murray and Cook have all earned Origin call ups on the back of incredible form that has also taken the Rabbits to outright first. Murray scored a double, Cook scored a cracker with Reynolds and young Knight also crossing the line. Burgess lead the metres with 188. They face some tests during the Origin period but are by far the best team in the competition right now.
2. Storm (2)
The Storm put last week's scare behind them with a thumping 28-6 win over the Bulldogs. Josh Addo-Carr lit up Belmore Sports Ground with two tries including an absolute gem to open the scoring. Will Chambers had his best game in a while as he prepares for Origin. The Storm wasn't at their absolute best but this game was never in question. Very professional effort by the purple haze.
3. Knights (6)
It was a brilliant Friday night in the Hunter for the Knights as they recorded a fifth straight win. The 38-12 win over the Roosters will be a highlight for the Knights regardless of what happens from here. Conor Watson had a brilliant game against his former side, much like his halves partner Pearce. Ponga was his usual, ridiculously talented self. An 88% completion rate set the platform for the huge win. This was fun to watch and I think it's now clear that this side if for real.
4. Roosters (3)
The Roosters have now lost two straight games for the first time in literally my memory. The awful and disrespectful decision to rest Cooper Cronk was compounded early by a failed HIA by Luke Keary. A 68% completion rate was an unbeatable handicap they allowed the Knights. James Tedesco had a monster game with two line breaks and almost 300 running metres. Unfortunately, not many others went with him. Joseph Manu is a passenger right now. Daniel Tupou went very close to an Origin call up.
5. Sea Eagles (4)
Manly's incredible run came to an end on Friday evening against a shockingly good Titans side. Manly, however, produced the performance many, myself included, expected from the side since DCE and Turbo got hurt. Manly was held to just 43% at home although their completion rate was under 70% so they did themselves no favours. Brendon Elliot continues his incredible rise and young Garrick scored yet again but the Manly forwards didn't do enough against a side missing James and Arrow.
6. Raiders (5)
The Raiders dropped a second straight game in the capital despite looking as though they'd steal it late. The six-point loss to the Cowboys probably should have seen Canberra fall further here but they've been so good despite the defeat. All the stats were really close here and this could have gone either way but the Raiders just lacked the class that a Michael Morgan brings. An injury to Josh Hodgson adds to their horror injury toll.
7. Sharks (9)
The Sharks enter the Origin break with a 6-5 record which is incredible considering their injury toll. Matt Moylan was the star on his return and made the Sharks a much more dangerous outfit. Young Bronson Xerri crossed for a hattrick and looks set for a huge rest of 2019. They overcame a possession-starved first half to storm home over their battered hosts. With Graham and Johnson due back soon after the bye, the Sharks aren't in a terrible spot.
8. Cowboys (10)
The Cowboys are on a bit of a run yet continue to go under the radar of most fans. The 22-16 win over the in-form Raiders proves that they're more than just nuisance value. Jason Taumalolo has been absolutely unstoppable since his return from injury. Another 250 metres here for the Tongan monster. Tom Opacic is finding form. Kyler Feldt has improved his side since his return from injury. Good performance. Michael Morgan is a superstar, enough said.
9. Broncos (11)
The Broncos continue their revival with an 8-2 win over the Warriors in Auckland. Anthony Milford crossed for the only try of the game with 20 minutes to go. All the stats here were super close, it was just Milford's moment of brilliance that proved the difference. Payne Haas will debut for NSW after yet another monster effort. The Broncs are way under the radar right now but if they can survive the Origin period, who knows?
10. Tigers (7)
The Tigers, for the second week in a row, pushed a Premiership favourite right until the end but fell short. Benji Marshall turned back the clock and played incredibly, but it wasn't enough. David Nofoaluma ran for almost 220 metres in a strong return to the top grade. Corey Thompson is one of the game's most underrated players. Surely the Tigers extend his stay at the club. Big four week period coming up for a club with only one possible Origin rep.
11. Warriors (8)
The Warriors fought and fought but couldn't find a wine across the line against the Broncos. The 8-2 loss has them sitting one win outside the eight as we enter the Origin period, but they've probably been a win better than that. There wasn't much to report here attach wise but only a moment of Milford magic denied them a shot at extra time.
12. Titans (15)
The Titans delivered arguably their best performance of the season by defeating the high flying Sea Eagles 36-18. An 89% completion rate allowed them almost 60% of the ball and they used it well. Brimson at fullback is now surely locked in for the rest of the year. Dale Copley scored a hattrick and continues his good form since returning to the top side. Moeaki Fotuaika lead the way with 200+ metres and helped make up for the loss of Jai Arrow.
13. Eels (12)
The Eels sunk to a third straight loss in an absolute bludger of a game. After running riot at Bankwest for two games, they were dire here. Blake Ferguson was awful and has to return to the wing ASAP. 14 errors were the story of this game for the blue and golds. Sivo scored early and looked to have set the Eels on their way but it would be the only time they'd cross the line on the night. Gutherson needs to return to his early season form.
14. Panthers (16)
It may have been one of the most horrid games of the season but Penrith fans won't care. They needed a win and they'll take an ugly one over western rivals the Eels. Nathan Cleary did enough to retain his sky blue number seven jumper and scored the winner. Young Brian To'o recorded over 215 run metres and looks set for an extended run in first grade. Waqa Blake looks set for a long injury lay off. Maloney returns and needs to find form during the Origin weeks.
15. Dragons (13)
The Dragons' losing streak has continued after a brilliant start to the season. A horror in-game injury toll certainly played a big role but they just didn't take their opportunities in the second half of their 22-9 loss. I don't like the first half field goal but it did gift them a deserved half time lead. They were overrun in the second half after having three players ruled out. 16 errors made it tough to come back.
16. Bulldogs (14)
The Dogs hung with the Storm, to a point, but were never in this game. The 28-6 loss in front of a big crowd at Belmore was not the effort many expected. They weren't played off the park and two late tries probably made the scoreline worse than it deserved to be, but they didn't threaten. The only try by the Dogs came from a scrappy bust over by Sausaso Sue.
