Power Rankings: Week 17

1. Storm (1)

The Storm celebrated Cam Smith's 400th game with a huge win over bitter rivals the Sharks. They also overcame a huge amount of Origin outs to beat the Dragons two weeks back. There is no doubt that they are, by far, the best team in the game right now. When challenged by the Sharks they weathered the storm and went on to post 22 unanswered points. It's hard to see who can beat the Storm, who right now have exactly zero weaknesses.

2. Panthers (4)

Outside of the Storm, the Panthers are the form team of the competition. Their 24-2 win over the Titans on Friday evening was their sixth win in a row and by far their most convincing. The four try to none win sees the Panthers finish the round in the top eight, something that looked almost impossible just over a month and a half ago. Penrith looks a side full of belief right now on the back of their Origin star Maloney and backed up by youngsters To'o and Naden. What a turn around.

3. Raiders (5)

The Raiders used the bye round well, resting up before delivering a comprehensive win over the Dragons in the Gong. The Raiders now sit in third position and look like a genuine top four side. The 36-14 win over the Dragons was a brilliant display in both attack and defence. They outscored their opponents despite being down to 12-men which further proved this side's mettle. Jarrod Crocker became the club's leading try scorer at just 28 years of age. Nick Cotric faces a stint on the sidelines but otherwise they're flying right now.

4. Sea Eagles (3)

Manly will be seething to have come so close to beating the Bunnies. A win would have taken them, temporarily, into second spot on the ladder. The 21-20 loss came despite their scoring four tries to three. Down 18-6 at halftime, the Sea Eagles showed that they're made of something different in 2019. Curtis Sironen is having a magical season while stock in Cade Cusk continues to rise with every performance. Jurbo made almost 50 tackles after playing 80 minutes on Wednesday night.

5. Knights (2)

The Knights suffered two straight losses since the last rankings went live. Despite the Origin disruption the Knights would have expected at least a win across games with the Warriors and the Dogs, both in home games. They're really missing a certain fullback but it's tough to win games conceding 20 points without their star playmakers. Conceding four line breaks to the Dogs, with respect to the Dogs, isn't great. A Gavet sin bin didn't help either.

6. Roosters (7)

The Roosters missed an opportunity to move into second spot when they lost a shoot out to the Cowboys. The Premiers will be happy that the Origin period is over and they can field a full strength side again. That said they had multiple shots at a field goal to win this but couldn't land one. Jake Friend was good on return. This game was screaming for a Latrell play in the final stages but it did not happen. They'll welcome Tedesco back next week. They did beat the Tigers a week prior.

7. Eels (9)

The Eels ruined Benji Marshall's 300th with a brilliant 30-18 win. Although it was an away game the Eels have turned Bankwest into a fortress. Brad Takairangi had a brilliant game scoring a hattrick. Although this was four tries all, Moses was the difference with the boot. He haunted his former side with 7/7. Nathan Brown didn't take long to return to his best.

8. Rabbitohs (8)

South Sydney arrested an almighty losing streak with a one-point win over the Sea Eagles on Saturday afternoon. A field goal to Adam Reynolds was the difference in a brilliant top four clash. Liam Knight really stood up in the absence of the Burgess brothers with a team-high 164 metres. The Bunnies needed a win after a winless Origin period, and at 18-6 at halftime the Bunnies looked on. They were made to work hard for it but this should kick start their push for the finals.

9. Cowboys (10)

The Cowboys survived multiple shots on their goal to win a beauty in Gosford. Young Clifford landed an amazing field goal after twice coming close previously, before a penalty goal after the siren went over. Taumalolo was a beast and was the go-to in the field goal set up. An 88% completion rate was incredible. This win was made even better by the absence of Michael Morgan. Great win.

10. Tigers (6)

The Tigers managed to score four tries against the Eels yet fell short in honouring their legendary number six. They allowed three penalty goals, while only landing one conversion out of four themselves. Too much drop ball gifted the Eels too many opportunities. A 24-16 loss to the Origin-affected Roosters the week prior was a bit of a letdown. Again, kicking off the tee hurt them.

11. Warriors (12)

The Warriors picked up three away points over the past fortnight with a brilliant win in Newcastle followed up with a draw in Brisbane. The teams couldn't be separated despite golden point but the Warriors will be happy with the point. A week earlier they overcame some horror officiating to beat the Knights. They host the out of sorts Sharks this Friday night with a chance to push for a finals spot on the line.

12. Broncos (14)

The baby Broncos got the chocolates in brilliant fashion against the Sharks before a draw against the Warriors. Three very valuable points have kept their season alive. The win in the Shire came despite a big injury toll and Origin call ups. They probably should have beaten the Warriors but it's been a very positive week for the Broncos.

13. Bulldogs (15)

The Bulldogs have recorded consecutive wins for the first time this week after a 20-14 win over the Knights. Again it was the defence of the Dogs that stood out, keeping Newcastle to just 14 points. Trailing 6-0 at halftime the Dogs used a man advantage to take the lead and managed to hold on. The Dogs have moved off the bottom of the ladder and have a winnable game against the Broncos on Thursday night.

14. Dragons (13)

The Dragons had a horror fortnight with a painful two-point loss to the Storm followed up by a home thumping to the Raiders. They failed to take advantage of a one-man advantage after Cotric was sent off and only finished on 14 points due to a last-minute intercept try. The two-point loss to Melbourne was brave and unlucky but they didn't get close to the Raiders. Their Origin halves offered very little and their Origin forwards were bashed. 2019 looks gone.

15. Sharks (11)

The Sharks have 'enjoyed' a dire month with four straight losses. Their loss to the baby Broncos will live in infamy as one of the worst in the club's history. Although on the end of a 40-16 fulltime score in Melbourne, they were much improved against the Storm. Two major injuries overshadowed their brief comeback but ultimately the Sharks are a side in serious trouble right now. They need a win, and soon, but they'll travel to New Zealand sans Moylan, Johnson, Dugan and possibly Gallen.

16. Titans (16)

The Titans have hit rock bottom. They sit bottom of the NRL ladder, two points adrift of the Bulldogs, and yesterday they lost their coach. Garth Brennan wore the brunt of the Titans' disastrous form although more than a few players should go with him if there's any justice. To score only two points, at home, to a side being lead by a guy who played 80 minutes of Origin just two nights previous is poor. 2019 is a lost cause, it's all about playing for the future now. Being that we haven't hit round 18 yet, that says it all.