Power Rankings: Week 23

1. Roosters (1)

The Roosters recorded their six win in succession with a big win over the Dragons. Truthfully they were in second gear in the second half after racing to a 34-0 lead. James Tedesco again was in absolutely everything and is head and shoulders above the rest right now. A try, two try assists, two line breaks and two line break assists to go with 237 running metres. Not a bad day out. They'll finish second now and will likely rest players.

2. Storm (3)

The Storm snapped a two match losing streak at home with a solid yet unspectacular win over the Titans. Trailing 8-0 the Storm showed signs of weakness in allowing frustration and penalties. The second half though saw normal service resume with 18 straight points. Munster and Smith took charge in the absence of the rested Croft and all but secured another Minor Premiership.

3. Sea Eagles (5)

Manly forced their way into the top four with a tense win in the capital over the Raiders. Truthfully this game never hit the expected level until the final minutes but Sea Eagles fans won't care. Garrik's five from five with the boot ultimately got them home after it finished two tries all. Addin Fonua-Blake lead the way with 189 metres and probably shaded his battle with Papalii. Just a little too much class for the Raiders.

4. Raiders (2)

Canberra fought late but may rue this loss. They had a chance to put a gap between themselves and both Manly and Souths but dropped the opportunity. A ridiculous brain snap by BJ Leilua turned the momentum and proved very costly. I'd hate to have been him in the post game. Papalii lead the way again with 172 more metres. They lacked just a little bit of class and polish in the finals moments but are still very much in this title race.

5. Bulldogs (8)

The Dogs are legitimately one of the form teams of the competition right now after yet another win. They kept their very slim top eight hopes alive with a 12-6 win over the Eels. This was a cracker of a game despite their only being three tries scored. Will Hopoate recorded 263 running metres in a monster effort that also included 10 tackle breaks, two line breaks and a try.

6. Eels (4)

The Eels top four hopes suffered a huge blow after a 12-6 home loss to the Bulldogs. They lead early through a 7th minute try but that was the last time they'd cross the line. An awful Brown late shot saw them reduced to 12 and will surely end his regular season. They had their chances late but the Dogs were just that little more desperate to win.

7. Sharks (9)

The Sharks put themselves in decent position after a huge win over the Warriors. The seven try to three win improved their differential and puts them a game and points clear of the pack. Andrew Fifita looked like a man possessed upon his return. Dugan was electric, Xerri was tough to contain. Johnson looks close to his best. They really have to beat Canberra next week to become a force.

8. Broncos (6)

The Broncos were so close to all but guaranteeing their presence in the finals. The two point loss to the Bunnies now sees them just one point ahead of the chasing pack. Staggs try in the 76th minute gave the home side all the momentum and they looked like they'd get home. Incredibly they had twenty minutes where they had a player overlap but left it too late.

9. Tigers (10)

The Tigers ignited their finals charge with a huge win over the Knights. The 46-4 win should provide the confidence to go on to a return to finals footy if they're good enough. The eight try to one demolition was fun to watch as a neutral as the Tiges ran riot. Nofoaluma's hatty was a highlight amongst highlights for the orange and black. A 90% completion rate is incredible considering the type of footy they played.

10. Panthers (7)

Penrith have put their season in serious jeopardy following a meek loss to the Cowboys. They just didn't show enough in the 24-10 loss to justify bring a side desperate to play finals footy. 70% completion probably isn't good enough considering. They have to beat the Roosters next week to be any chance.

11. Rabbitohs (11)

The Bunnies held out a fast finishing Broncos outfit allowing Wayne Bennett bragging rights over his former club. Incredibly they overcame a one man disadvantage on two occasions. James Roberts should have been sent off for a cheap shot and will likely miss two weeks. The Bunnies are down on troops but are right in the battle for a top four spot. Crazy for a side sitting 11th here.

12. Cowboys (15)

The Cowboys make a big jump up the rankings mainly due to those around them being so poor but their 24-10 win over Penrith was great. Playing a side with finals intentions they were better for large parts of the 80 minutes. Their season is done but this is more like what was expected from the Cowboys in the preseason. A final home game at 1300 smiles beckons this Thursday night.

13. Knights (12)

The Knights season was on the line against an opponent they were fancied against. What followed with disgusting. They were battered and looked disinterested just days after Nathan Brown was told he'd not be there in 2019. Knights fans had every right in their anger on Saturday evening. This was awful.

14. Warriors (13)

The Warriors had their moments but were really reduced to spectators in the Saturday afternoon sunshine. They offloaded their way into contention a few times but truthfully never threatened. RTS showed some insane footwork in setting up a try but for a side with three recognized halves they really failed to deliver. Big off season ahead.

15. Dragons (14)

The Dragons are long gone but this was another horror effort. 28-0 at halftime and truthfully it could have been worse. It was great to see young Sailor score on debut but otherwise there isn't much of note here. Incredibly the club has taken to banning any anti McGregor signs from entering the ground. With no major signings, fans can be forgiven for a sign or two. Awful.

16. Titans (16)

For the first time in a long time the Titans fought. Ultimately they were beaten pretty comprehensively but leading 8-0 and even taking an 8-6 lead into the break, the signs were there. The 24-8 scoreline probably didn't do the travelling Titans justice. That Sami try saver in the final minutes should become a standard set moving forward. Arrow looks to be injured again which is shocking luck.