Rugby League Rankings

ROUND 072008

The Premier’s quelled a rebellion in the North and the Tigers left it late to sneak past the Sharks in the South – but the rest of Round 7 left a lot to be desired in the way of quality football.

St.George-Illawarra stirred for just the second time this season and gave the highly fancied Roosters a footballing lesson on ANZAC Day, in a performance that has every pundit and fan wondering if the Dragons can actually replicate it again this week rather than just every five weeks.

Brisbane got the job done against South Sydney with Darren Lockyer showing he’s still well and truly got it securing his spot in the Test team. Manly sported the Bulldogs a 10 point lead before winning easily and in the round’s other contest the Titans got challenged occasionally by the Warriors but not regularly enough running out 36-24 winners in a Sunday afternoon scorcher.

The clubs with the byes this round didn’t get a chance to impress or depress their supporters included the Eels, Raiders, Knights and Panthers – and their rankings have changed in accordance with other team’s improvement/deterioration in Round 7.

At the completion of every NRL Round in 2008, Rugby League Rankings analyses how your team is faring based on current form, recent opposition and a host of intangible factors that make a difference to where your team really ranks alongside the other 15 sides in the NRL. Even if the competition ladder suggests otherwise, this is the form guide you should consult before letting your obsession with your team cloud your judgement on how they’re really going in the race for the premiership.

Round 7, 2008 – Rugby League Rankings

1. Melbourne Storm (Last Week: 1 Difference: STEADY)
2008 Record: 5-2-0 Streak: Won 4 Last Round: Won 12-10 v Cowboys (A)
It took the Storm all of x minutes to score the first try in their visit to Dairy Farmers Stadium on Saturday Night but from there on the road to victory got a whole lot trickier. While Phil Gould was right to say overcoming an 11-2 penalty count to the Cowboys was a magnificent effort – the Storm weren’t beyond brilliant but yet again was better than their opposition and that’s what mattered. When Greg Inglis touched down you got the sense that maybe this is the night the Storm just click offensively but credit to the Cowboys for sticking around and actually looking more than simply nuisance value in attack. But the Storm held firm and do the same here at #1 in the Power Rankings.
This Week: BYE.
Next Four: BYE, v Knights, @ Dragons, @ Rabbitohs.

2. Gold Coast Titans (Last Week: 2 Difference: STEADY)
2008 Record: 6-1-0 Streak: Won 5 Last Round: Won 36-24 v Warriors (H)
Did what was required to beat the Warriors but it wasn’t one of their better performances of the season to date. Had it not been for Preston Campbell’s best game in nearly four years – the Warriors might have got a sniff in the back end of that first half and truly made a game of it. But the diminutive fullback turned back the clock and tore the Warriors defence to shreds on a day that reminded us all he is still a factor in the game. They’ve now won 5 in a row – very very impressive.
This Week: v Knights at EnergyAustralia Stadium.
Next Four: @ Knights, BYE, v Bulldogs, @ Tigers.

3. Brisbane Broncos (Last Week: 3 Difference: STEADY)
2008 Record: 5-2-0 Streak: Won 1 Last Round: Won 32-18 v Rabbitohs (H)
Wasn’t it great to see Darren Lockyer inject himself into the contest on Friday Night and be able to do what he wanted to do when he did it. His knee might not be 100% in terms of match fitness but his performance was such that he simply had to be picked at five-eighth for the Centenary Test on May 9 at the SCG. The club itself would’ve been stoked with his performance and that of the rest of their squad – after all while Lockyer was the best player on the field he certainly wasn’t the sole match-winner as Tonie Carroll, Michael Ennis, Sam Thaiday, David Stagg, Joel Moon and 2008’s most improved player Darius Boyd were all great in the 32-18 win.
This Week: v Tigers at ANZ Stadium.
Next Four: @ Tigers, v Sea Eagles, @ Sharks, BYE.

4. Sydney Roosters (Last Week: 4 Difference: STEADY)
2008 Record: 4-3-0 Streak: Lost 2 Last Round: Lost 26-6 v Dragons (A)
Dropped their second straight game and looked completely flat in the first ten minutes as the Dragons leapt to a match winning 12 point lead. Things didn’t get much better when they finally woke up and the conditions didn’t allow the Roosters to lean back on their attacking structure that had served them so well in the opening weeks of the season. Braith Anasta and Mitchell Pearce weren’t ordinary but they didn’t get into a rhythm when the Roosters finally held the ball (which wasn’t often) and in the end the Dragons deserved to win. Have scored just 6 points in the past 120 minutes – something that has to concern Coach Brad Fittler.
This Week: BYE.
Next Four: BYE, v Raiders, @ Eels, @ Warriors.

5. Newcastle Knights (Last Week: 5 Difference: STEADY)
2008 Record: 3-3-0 Streak: Won 1 Last Round: BYE
Danny Buderus missed Test selection (granted Cameron Smith is a gun but still the selection got less press than I expected) and being picked for Country has given him the opportunity to prove he is far from a used up commodity in the representative arena. However the caveat emptor in this case is given he’ll run out for Country on Friday Night his body may not recover in time to backup 24 hours later for the Knights as they host the league leading Titans at EnergyAustralia Stadium. Kurt Gidley has moved back to fullback for this clash (which is his by far his most effective position) and the talk of him being halfback for NSW is fraught with danger and should be hit on the head by Brett Finch’s performance for Country this Friday Night. If NSW want him to play 80 minutes then they have to pick him at fullback ahead of Brett Stewart (who you can bet your bottom dollar would’ve played for Manly this weekend if they had a game) who couldn’t prove his fitness for the Country team.
This Week: v Titans at EnergyAustralia Stadium.
Next Four: v Titans, @ Storm, v Tigers, BYE.

6. Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles (Last Week: 8 Difference: UP 2)
2008 Record: 4-3-0 Streak: Won 2 Last Round: Won 30-22 v Bulldogs (H)
After being cut back down to size by the Storm at Olympic Park a few weeks ago, the Sea Eagles are slowly building their confidence back up and have now knocked off cross-town rivals the Eels and Bulldogs in consecutive weeks. And both wins were without Anthony Watmough, so the side should be stoked with where they are at as they enter the bye week, two months into the season. Brent Kite should count himself very fortunate to retain his Australian jumper but his main challengers are all hurt so in he goes. One player who earned his first rep jumper in the past two weeks with Watmough injured was Glenn Stewart who has been huge for the team on the right edge.
This Week: BYE.
Next Four: BYE, @ Broncos, v Cowboys, v Dragons.

7. Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks (Last Week: 6 Difference: DOWN 1)
2008 Record: 4-3-0 Streak: Lost 2 Last Round: Lost 20-16 v Tigers (H)
Couldn’t make the Tigers pay for the amount of possession and field position they had in the opening stanza of the game on Sunday Afternoon and paid for it with another agonising loss by less than a handful of points. Brett Kimmorley responded to the ‘trade talk’ speculation midweek with a sensational game in every aspect bar actually creating genuine try scoring opportunities which is exactly what this column was pointing out last week. Paul Gallen was strong in his return from suspension but it looks painfully obvious that unless he or Greg Bird can make a break then the Sharks don’t have another attacking option near the line. Luke Douglas should be in a representative team this weekend.
This Week: BYE.
Next Four: BYE, @ Cowboys, v Broncos, @ Bulldogs.

8. Canberra Raiders (Last Week: 7 Difference: DOWN 1)
2008 Record: 3-3-0 Streak: Lost 1 Last Round: BYE
The bye came at the wrong time for the Canberra Raiders who would’ve been itching to get back on the park after failing to protect a 12 point lead over the Storm in Round 6. Their best half of football under Neil Henry could go wasted given the schedule but if Henry is the super coach he’s made out to be by the Queensland media then he should have his side well and truly primed for the challenge of the Warriors away on a Sunday afternoon – which is the toughest way to get the Warriors these days. Todd Carney’s selection at five-eighth for Country by Laurie Daley (and Carney’s performance against the Storm) should have laid to rest the Carney at halfback game-plan Henry has used this season but Michael Dobson has been pushed back to the bench for the Warriors clash.
This Week: v Warriors at Mt Smart Stadium.
Next Four: @ Warriors, @ Roosters, v Rabbitohs, BYE.

9. Wests Tigers (Last Week: 10 Difference: UP 1)
2008 Record: 4-3-0 Streak: Won 2 Last Round: Won 20-16 v Sharks (A)
Benji Marshall didn’t stick around long but his presence on the field certainly gave the Tigers the self belief they needed to continue their recent domination over the Sharks at Toyota Park. Marshall wasn’t a factor and Robbie Farah wasn’t in the line up yet the Tigers still looked like they had two or three times as many options in attack than their opponents and even though the Tigers trailed by two points with just a few minutes left – all it took was a Mathew Head speccy grubber near the line to give Chris Lawrence a relatively easy touchdown and the visitors the win. Farah might be back this week but it could be another month before we see Marshall again.
This Week: v Broncos at ANZ Stadium.
Next Four: v Broncos, BYE, @ Knights, v Titans.

10. North Queensland Cowboys (Last Week: 9 Difference: DOWN 1)
2008 Record: 3-4-0 Streak: Lost 1 Last Round: Lost 12-10 v Storm (H)
Came up against a great defence on Saturday Night yet still looked far more potent in attack than they had in the opening month of the season. Johnathan Thurston and Matt Bowen look like they’re clicking once more and the side doesn’t appear to be missing former Queensland Origin winger Ty Williams at all – with John Williams and Mark Henry doing solid jobs on the wing – plus they’ve both got the speed that Ty Williams appeared to have lost over the past 18 months. Big boppers Carl Webb and Ray Cashmere stood up to the Storm in the middle of the ruck and were rewarded with Australian and Country rep jumpers as a result. Drop in the Power Rankings based solely on the fact they couldn’t turn an 11-2 penalty count and plenty of field position into a win over the Premiers – not an easy task but it was made easier with those variables in the Cowboys favour.
This Week: v Rabbitohs at ANZ Stadium.
Next Four: @ Rabbitohs, v Sharks, @ Sea Eagles, BYE.

11. Penrith Panthers (Last Week: 11 Difference: STEADY)
2008 Record: 3-3-0 Streak: Won 1 Last Round: BYE
Had the bye on the weekend and had a surprising number of representative players selected based solely on form. Interesting to see Luke Rooney and Luke Lewis selected on the bench (perhaps a superficial selection given if they can backup they probably will in the starting team). Frank Pritchard and Tony Puletua must carry over their aggression and desire from the last match against the Sharks if the Panthers are going to push the Eels to the brink of playoff elimination on Saturday Night. Despite some indifferent form to start the year, Michael Jennings was unlucky to miss selection in City/Country given his teammates and others around the league were selected based on anything but good form.
This Week: v Eels at CUA Stadium.
Next Four: v Eels, @ Bulldogs, v Warriors, BYE.

12. Bulldogs (Last Week: 12 Difference: STEADY)
2008 Record: 3-4-0 Streak: Lost 1 Last Round: Lost 30-22 v Sea Eagles (A)
Front runners at Brookvale up 10-0 but once the possession rate shifted in Manly’s favour the Bulldogs were found wanting when having to come from behind. The late flurry of points will frustrate Coach Steven Folkes but Manly squeezed the Dogs out of the contest in the middle half of the game and probably let their guard down a bit towards the end. At 3-4 the Dogs are still very much amongst it but as hard as Daniel Holdsworth tries he just doesn’t look like he can run the team for the full 80 minutes to the level that overcomes his lack of creativity with the ball. Benjamin Barba is knocking on the door and Ben Roberts has been going too well to drop instead of Holdsworth.
This Week: BYE.
Next Four: BYE, v Panthers, @ Titans, v Sharks.

13. St.George-Illawarra Dragons (Last Week: 15 Difference: UP 2)
2008 Record: 2-5-0 Streak: Won 1 Last Round: Won 26-6 v Roosters (H)
Has normal service resumed or should we expect a St.George-Illawarra revival once every five weeks or so. Looked focused, determined and above all got every break in the opening minutes of the game to storm to a 12-0 lead which all but ended the contest given the conditions. Jamie Soward at five-eighth… a success right? Well given he basically played as a running halfback who orchestrates the kicking game (which is what he is – he’s not an organiser) then if Nathan Brown thinks it worked then go for it. Ben Hornby will continue to be selected in the 7 given the win while it was great to see Josh Morris get some ball at centre and he carved up as a result. Moving Josh Morris to fullback when Matt Cooper returns will give the team their best balance with brother Brett Morris moving to the wing. Jason Ryles’ omission from the Country team was and remains a massive shock especially given a few other Dragons players got the call despite the team’s poor season so far.
This Week: BYE.
Next Four: BYE, @ Eels, v Storm, @ Sea Eagles.

14. Parramatta Eels (Last Week: 13 Difference: DOWN 1)
2008 Record: 2-4-0 Streak: Lost 3 Last Round: BYE
Weekend off and time to take a long hard look at their lack of intensity and desire from the first six rounds. Nathan Hindmarsh’s axing from the Test team isn’t warranted through his own form but rather because the other contenders have been more dynamic (but not necessarily as consistent) for teams with winning records. Expect the game’s best second rower to prove why playing out of his skin for Country on Friday Night and then again for the Eels on Saturday. He’ll carry them on his back to their first win in four starts – I guarantee it (well as long as he actually backs up that is).
This Week: v Panthers at CUA Stadium.
Next Four: @ Panthers, v Dragons, v Roosters, BYE.

15. Warriors (Last Week: 14 Difference: DOWN 1)
2008 Record: 3-4-0 Streak: Lost 2 Last Round: Lost 36-24 v Titans (A)
If the Warriors could hold the ball inside their own half and get a kick away to capitalise on their excellent go-forward then perhaps… just perhaps they might win a game on the road sometime in the next 12-24 months. Although Preston Campbell was electric and everywhere in attack for the Titans, the Warriors simply can’t afford to drop the ball in their own half like they continue to do after making good metres. Have a home game in the daytime against the Raiders this Sunday… dare you to take the tip and back them, who knows if I will.
This Week: v Raiders at Mt Smart Stadium.
Next Four: v Raiders, BYE, @ Panthers, v Roosters.

16. South Sydney Rabbitohs (Last Week: 16 Difference: STEADY)
2008 Record: 0-7-0 Streak: Lost 7 Last Round: Lost 32-18 v Broncos (A)
To compound the side’s 7^th straight loss – this time at the hands of the Broncos – co-captain David Kidwell and a number of other first graders broke the team imposed alcohol breath test standard and have been (well apart from Kidwell) demoted from the side this weekend. As a result the halves combination changes again (shock horror!) and this week Dean Widders partners Issac Luke in the 6 and 7 respectively as they try and break their 2008 duck against the Cowboys. Kidwell’s form this season has been so ordinary perhaps the exception to the mass-dumpage should’ve been a player who actually could help the side this week rather than a guy who looks rapidly like he passed his used by date in 2006.
This Week: v Cowboys at ANZ Stadium.
Next Four: v Cowboys, BYE, @ Raiders, v Storm.

The Gorden Tallis ‘100%’ Award for the Commentator Quote of the week:
Like the sun rising in the east and setting in the west, you can always be sure that after the first points in a game commentated by Warren Smith on FoxSports – the team that scored will ‘play from in front’. It is one of the most obvious and annoying pieces of commentary, couch bunnies around Australia are subjugated to each weekend.
“And the Bulldogs will play from in front here at Brookvale.”

ROUND 062008

Six rounds and we have a clear leader at the top of the competition ladder – and surprise, surprise, it isn’t Melbourne.

Although the Storm retain their spot atop the Power Rankings after their 23-16 edging of the impressive Raiders on Monday night, the Gold Coast Titans have leapt to the competition lead with an unmatched 5-1 record after half a dozen rounds. Their 26-24 win over the Broncos was done without Luke Bailey and Mat Rogers and Coach John Cartwright has every right to be ecstatic with his side’s position on the table.

Plus there were two upsets of note with the Knights coming from 20-12 down in the final quarter of their game against the Roosters to race away with a 34-20 victory and the Panthers defied their indifferent form this season with a gutsy 21-20 golden point win Toyota Park.

At the completion of every NRL Round in 2008, Rugby League Rankings analyses how your team is faring based on current form, recent opposition and a host of intangible factors that make a difference to where your team really ranks alongside the other 15 sides in the NRL. Even if the competition ladder suggests otherwise, this is the form guide you should consult before letting your obsession with your team cloud your judgement on how they’re really going in the race for the premiership.

Round 6, 2008 – Rugby League Rankings

1. Melbourne Storm (Last Week: 1 Difference: STEADY)
2008 Record: 4-2-0 Streak: Won 3 Last Round: Won 23-16 v Raiders (A)
The great sides are the ones who can sport a side a 12 point lead at halftime and surge back into the game when given the opportunity. Although the Raiders outplayed the Storm comprehensively in the opening 40 minutes, the class of the Storm shone through in the final quarter of the game when the Raiders ran out of gas and the Storm lifted a couple of gears. Billy Slater might be the Australian fullback elect but he still has a petulance in the way he carries on when tackled that he is winning no friends with.
This Week: v Dairy Farmers Stadium.
Next Four: @ Cowboys, BYE, v Knights, @ Dragons.

2. Gold Coast Titans (Last Week: 5 Difference: UP 3)
2008 Record: 5-1-0 Streak: Won 4 Last Round: Won 26-24 v Broncos (H)
As the saying goes you can’t win a premiership in the first month of the season but if you win 5 of your first 6 games you certainly put yourself in a great position to challenge for a title come the end of the season. The Gold Coast have been effective rather than amazing in the first 6 weeks and their combinations don’t seem to have been greatly affected by the loss of Luke Bailey and Mat Rogers to injury and suspension respectively. Scott Prince and Anthony Laffranchi have been superb but could still miss out on representative selection regardless of where their team is placed at the moment.
This Week: v Warriors at Skilled Park.
Next Four: v Warriors, @ Knights, BYE, v Bulldogs.

3. Brisbane Broncos (Last Week: 2 Difference: DOWN 1)
2008 Record: 4-2-0 Streak: Lost 1 Last Round: Lost 26-24 v Titans (A)
Six Rounds in and outgoing Brisbane Coach Wayne Bennett has to be extremely pleased with the direction the club is headed in 2008. Although he won’t be around beyond this season, this year’s Broncos look hungry and eager to put the disappointment of 2007 behind them and chase a second title in three years. Considering the side was without Darren Lockyer and lost Karmichael Hunt midway through the first half, the Broncos still look like a formidable offensive force with Justin Hodges in the line up. The Titans deserved to win the game on Friday night but these Broncos look every bit a contender in 2008.
This Week: v Rabbitohs at Suncorp Stadium.
Next Four: v Rabbitohs, @ Tigers, v Sea Eagles, @ Sharks.

4. Sydney Roosters (Last Week: 3 Difference: DOWN 1)
2008 Record: 4-2-0 Streak: Lost 1 Last Round: Lost 34-20 v Knights (H)
Had the Knights on the ropes early in the second half up 20-12 but couldn’t deliver the knockout blow and got run down as a result. Braith Anasta continues to create tries with his attacking kicking game but when the game was there to be finished neither he nor Mitchell Pearce could make it happen. Still Coach Brad Fittler won’t be overly disappointed with their effort (bar the Sydney Heads impersonation by Lopini Paea and Willie Mason when attempting to tackle Danny Wicks in the 80^th minute) but after building momentum in the opening month of the season this loss wasn’t ideal.
This Week: v Dragons at ANZ Stadium.
Next Four: @ Dragons, BYE, v Raiders, @ Eels.

5. Newcastle Knights (Last Week: 6 Difference: UP 1)
2008 Record: 3-3-0 Streak: Won 1 Last Round: Won 34-20 v Roosters (A)
A sensational finish saw the Knights turn an 8 point deficit into a 14 point victory and give the side some just reward for a month of football that given their performances should have seen them with a record closer to 3-1 than the 1-3 they finished with. By beating the Roosters the Knights gave themselves a dose of self belief that energises the team for the next few weeks. Kurt Gidley continues to be a shining light for the side but how about Chris Bailey’s performance – I’d forgotten what a real five-eighth played like and Bailey’s game was a welcome reminder.
This Week: BYE.
Next Four: BYE, v Titans, @ Storm, v Tigers.

6. Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks (Last Week: 4 Difference: DOWN 2)
2008 Record: 4-2-0 Streak: Lost 1 Last Round: Lost 21-20 v Panthers (H)
It has to be a concern for Coach Ricky Stuart to have both his halves playing well but at the same time his side can’t seem to score more than 20 points per game. Brett Kimmorley and Brett Seymour are doing a good job of moving the side around the park but when push comes to shove the only two attacking weapons that have any effectiveness inside the opposition 20m zone are Greg Bird and Brett Kearney. As mentioned in previous editions of the Power Rankings – the aim of the Sharks this pre-season was to aim to peek late in the season – so Stuart won’t be distraught with their offensive impotence because the side is still 4-2 after 6 weeks of the competition.
This Week: v Tigers at Toyota Park.
Next Four: v Tigers, BYE, @ Cowboys, v Broncos.

7. Canberra Raiders (Last Week: 8 Difference: UP 1)
2008 Record: 3-3-0 Streak: Lost 1 Last Round: Lost 23-16 v Storm (H)
Produced perhaps their finest half of football under Neil Henry by focusing on out-Storming the Storm in the play the ball. By winning the ruck through a dominant defensive energy and winning the wrestle on the ground, Canberra had the Storm on the backfoot throughout the first half. At 16-4 the Raiders had to be the next to score to put the Storm out of the contest, but giving a penalty away for slowing the play the ball down right after halftime signaled the end of the Canberra run and the Raiders couldn’t get back the ascendancy and were run down. Still this performance should have shown the Raiders they can run with the big boys in 2008.
This Week: BYE.
Next Four: BYE, @ Warriors, @ Roosters, v Rabbitohs.

8. Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles (Last Week: 7 Difference: DOWN 1)
2008 Record: 3-3-0 Streak: Won 1 Last Round: Won 20-16 v Eels (A)
Pulled off a quality away win over the Eels to get back to .500 for the season. Matt Orford picked up the Channel Nine Man of the Match award but drifted in and out of the game. Manly’s best was Glenn Stewart who with Anthony Watmough out of the line up, did a fine job covering for him and Steven Menzies who did his hammy after making a break. Haven’t looked like approaching the kind of form that saw them dispose of the Warriors a few weeks back but with the Finals race so open this year – it doesn’t matter if the Sea Eagles don’t click for another three months but I’m sure their fans would appreciate that happening a little earlier to make the run at September a little easier.
This Week: v Bulldogs at Brookvale Oval.
Next Four: v Bulldogs, BYE, @ Broncos, v Cowboys.

9. North Queensland Cowboys (Last Week: 10 Difference: UP 1)
2008 Record: 3-3-0 Streak: Won 3 Last Round: Won 48-20 v Warriors (H)
Johnathan Thurston was in fine form during the 48-20 dismantling of the Warriors on Saturday night. Thurston set up 5 tries, made 3 line breaks, broke 6 tackles, ran 9 times for 108 metres and had 2 line break assists in a commanding performance that more than answered the challenge by Scott Prince for the Australian halfback job. Matt Bowen scored a hat-trick in his return from injury but his return could be off-set somewhat by a new injury scare for Luke O’Donnell who left the field before halftime. Defensively the forward pack still has a lot of work to do if they want to shrug the soft tag, as the Warriors found marching up the middle of the field far too easy despite the final scoreline. In a nutshell the Cowboys look very sluggish around the ruck and that’s something that must be addressed if they entertain any thoughts of beating the Storm this weekend.
This Week: v Storm at Dairy Farmers Stadium.
Next Four: v Storm, @ Rabbitohs, v Sharks, @ Sea Eagles.

10. Wests Tigers (Last Week: 11 Difference: UP 1)
2008 Record: 3-3-0 Streak: Won 1 Last Round: Won 30-10 v Rabbitohs (H)
It didn’t take long for the Tigers to make amends for their second half drop-off against the Raiders in Round 5 by enacting a 44 point turnaround in their 30-10 victory over the Rabbitohs at the SCG. With Mathew Head well and truly re-adapting to the NRL level the Tigers look a far more potent unit in the opposition 20m zone. With Robbie Farah due to return (hopefully) in the next month, a healthy Farah and an established Head will be a massive boost to the side. Oh and a kid called Benji Marshall will also be available so the pieces in Tim Sheens’ premiership puzzle are slowly coming together.
This Week: v Sharks at Toyota Park.
Next Four: @ Sharks, v Broncos, BYE, @ Knights.

11. Penrith Panthers (Last Week: 13 Difference: UP 2)
2008 Record: 3-3-0 Streak: Won 1 Last Round: Won 21-20 v Sharks (A)
Did the job away from home which brings the Panthers back to a 3-3 record and Coach Matt Elliott will be very pleased in what his side has achieved since an appalling first two weeks. For the first time this season Penrith’s go forward was effective from start to finish giving their outside backs some quality ball which they’ve lacked this year. Four of the club’s key players Michael Jennings, Luke Rooney, Frank Pritchard and Tony Puletua all had an intensity in their work that hasn’t been seen this season and made big contributions to the golden point victory at Toyota Park. Oh and Jarrod Sammut’s sideline conversion to send the game into golden point was handy too.
This Week: BYE.
Next Four: BYE, v Eels, @ Bulldogs, v Warriors.

12. Bulldogs (Last Week: 14 Difference: UP 2)
2008 Record: 3-3-0 Streak: Won 1 Last Round: Won 30-18 v Dragons (H)
As good as the Bulldogs were for the first hour it was a worrying sign that when their best player went off the field, the team looked anything but a side that deserved to be 30-6 up at the 60 minute mark. With Sonny Bill Williams and a willingness to attack through great lateral ball movement the Bulldogs actually looked like a team that has a chance at playoff football in 2008. But the moment their superstar second rower went off the willingness to keep playing attacking football stopped and the overall intensity dropped – giving the Dragons got a sniff. Can’t afford to drop off with the Sea Eagles at Brookvale this Saturday night but they do come off a strong performance so that’s a bonus.
This Week: v Sea Eagles at Brookvale Oval.
Next Four: @ Sea Eagles, BYE, v Panthers, @ Titans.

13. Parramatta Eels (Last Week: 12 Difference: DOWN 1)
2008 Record: 2-4-0 Streak: Lost 3 Last Round: Lost 20-18 v Sea Eagles (H)
Pre-season expectations (my own included) had the 2008 Eels in the upper echelon of the table by season’s end and seemingly with good reason given how they finished 2007 reaching the Preliminary Final and the playing roster available. But the team hasn’t played well at all so far and are 2-4 as a result. There was a suggestion that former Eels Coach Brian Smith told his Newcastle team that no team had made the Finals starting the year 2-4 (Newcastle subsequently won their game after that halftime rev up from Smith) and although you wouldn’t bet against this Eels side rewriting that record – they simply have to beat the Panthers and Dragons following this weekend’s bye to give themselves a realistic shot at September.
This Week: BYE.
Next Four: BYE, @ Panthers, v Dragons, v Roosters.

14. Warriors (Last Week: 9 Difference: DOWN 5)
2008 Record: 3-3-0 Streak: Lost 1 Last Round: Lost 48-20 v Cowboys (A)
Someone please stop the bleeding away from home! After putting two good home wins together in Rounds 4 and 5, the Warriors’ road woes continued and in the past two away games they’ve conceded 100 points (132 in all 3) which is not conjusive to winning. Although they’ll be on the road again this weekend when they visit the Titans, the game is on Sunday afternoon and the Warriors should only be backed on a dry sunny track – so maybe that could be a factor when they come up against the competition leaders. Then again maybe not if their second half defensive display in Townsville is anything to go by.
This Week: v Titans at Skilled Park.
Next Four: @ Titans, v Raiders, BYE, @ Panthers.

15. St.George-Illawarra Dragons (Last Week: 15 Difference: STEADY)
2008 Record: 1-5-0 Streak: Lost 4 Last Round: Lost 30-18 v Bulldogs (A)
Where was the enterprise the team displayed in the final 10 minutes during the first 70 of their loss to the Bulldogs? The Ben Hornby at halfback experiment made a strong case for him to play five-eighth (or fullback where he can chime into the backline at five-eighth) and the Dragons are fortunate Coach Nathan Brown’s ridiculous idea to drop Jamie Soward lasted all of one week. Matt Cooper had his best game of the year as he looked to get involved rather than wait for the ball to get to him and did his representative chances a huge boost after an indifferent start to the year. One final word on Brown’s apparent game plan of using prop forwards as first receivers for sweeping backline plays; it doesn’t work!
This Week: v Roosters at ANZ Stadium.
Next Four: v Roosters, BYE, @ Eels, v Storm.

16. South Sydney Rabbitohs (Last Week: 16 Difference: STEADY)
2008 Record: 0-6-0 Streak: Lost 6 Last Round: Lost 30-10 v Tigers (A)
Can we scratch the first team off the playoff race card after just 6 rounds? With South Sydney winless after half a dozen weeks and the return of Craig Wing at least that long away again – it isn’t premature to predict that at best Souths might be 2-10 at the competition’s halfway mark. That would require the Bunnies to win at least 9 or 10 of their final 12 games to finish 11-13 or 12-12 which could be good enough to make the September dance. Sunday’s halfbacks – Jeremy Smith and Eddie Paea – were ordinary against the Tigers when the team needed someone to spark a comeback and therein lies the main problem Souths are facing without their prized off-season signing Wing. They can’t score.
This Week: v Broncos at Suncorp Stadium.
Next Four: @ Broncos, v Cowboys, BYE, @ Raiders.

The Gorden Tallis ‘100%’ Award for the Commentator Quote of the week:
FoxSports play by play commentator Mark Braybrook can’t hide the excitement of seeing a 110kg front rower break the line, stand up the fullback and run 60m to score under the posts. Invoking memories of former Balmain legend Olsen Filipana who had breakaway speed despite some extra baggage:
“Danny Wicks pins his ears back and is away!… it’s Olsen Filipana back!”

ROUND 052008

Five teams have set themselves apart from the rest at the end of five rounds of the NRL Premiership with the Broncos, Roosters, Titans and Sharks all sporting 4-1 records and the reigning premiers at Melbourne at 3-2.

A few thoughts on the Round 5 games.

South Sydney (0-5) can’t score points with Jeremy Smith in the #7 but were still a chance to win the game on Monday night because the Sharks (4-1) are having a similar problem.
The Dragons (1-4) continue to be incredibly poor in the basics of the game and the Cowboys (2-3) kept it simple and emerged from WIN Stadium victorious.
Newcastle (2-3) sported the Broncos (4-1) too much of a lead in the first half but showed they are the NRL’s best 2-3 team by storming back in atrocious conditions at EnergyAustralia.
Canberra (3-2) looked inept offensively yet somehow scored 20 unanswered points in the second half to defeat the Tigers (2-3) who somehow let the game slip after leading 24-10 at halftime.
The Warriors (2-3) remain a team that should only be tipped during the day at Mt Smart Stadium, while their defeated opponents the Bulldogs (2-3) don’t have enough quality in the lineup to really challenge a team in the last 20 minutes of a contest when behind on the scoreboard.
Parramatta (2-3) firmly affixed the ‘pretender’ tag to their backsides with another lackluster showing at home allowing the Titans (4-1) to jump out to a big lead which the visitors didn’t let slip.
Penrith (2-3) didn’t turn early pressure into points against the Roosters (4-1) and paid the price in the second half in front of a healthy crowd at CUA Stadium.
And the Sea Eagles (2-3) showed little in attack to suggest they can seriously worry the Storm (3-2) when the big games roll around again in September.

At the completion of every NRL Round in 2008, Rugby League Rankings analyses how your team is faring based on current form, recent opposition and a host of intangible factors that make a difference to where your team really ranks alongside the other 15 sides in the NRL. Even if the competition ladder suggests otherwise, this is the form guide you should consult before letting your obsession with your team cloud your judgement on how they’re really going in the race for the premiership.

Round 5, 2008 – Rugby League Rankings

1. Melbourne Storm (Last Week: 1 Difference: STEADY)
2008 Record: 3-2-0 Streak: Won 2 Last Round: Won 26-4 v Sea Eagles (H)
The Graveyard winning streak is back. After the Sharks spoilt the old streak in Round 2 at Olympic Park, the Storm have wasted little time to start a new unbeaten run at home. Look in ominous form despite being 3-2 and have dispatched two of their main challengers in style over the past two weeks (both at Olympic). Greg Inglis and Michael Crocker have made a massive difference to the confidence of the team and subsequently the way they play – particularly in attack. And yes it helps to have Billy Slater on fire at the moment.
Home Ground Advantage after 5 Rounds: A – The Graveyard is back as the Broncos and Sea Eagles found out. (3 Wins, 1 Loss; although 1 Win at Telstra Dome in Round 1)
This Week: v Raiders at Canberra Stadium.
Next Four: @ Raiders, @ Cowboys, BYE, v Knights.

2. Brisbane Broncos (Last Week: 3 Difference: UP 1)
2008 Record: 4-1-0 Streak: Won 1 Last Round: Won 34-22 v Knights (A)
The trip to Newcastle is never an easy one for visiting teams but the Broncos left EnergyAustralia with a valuable two points and a dose of confidence that their attack can operate without Darren Lockyer. Although the team scored 36 points without Lockyer (or Karmichael Hunt for that matter) in their Round 3 demolishing of the Cowboys, they did have Justin Hodges in the line up and the representative centre makes a massive difference to their attacking game plan. With Michael Ennis playing his best game as a Bronco up the middle, Hunt and Hodges combined with the hooker to bust the game wide open and give the Broncos a 26-8 halftime lead. The mix looks potent and when Lockyer returns it could be deadly.
Home Ground Advantage after 5 Rounds: A – Suncorp might be a great place to play for any team but the Broncos combined score line after two games is 84-14 which suggests the tide may be turning. (2 Wins, 0 Losses)
This Week: v Titans at Skilled Park.
Next Four: @ Titans, v Rabbitohs, @ Tigers, v Sea Eagles.

3. Sydney Roosters (Last Week: 2 Difference: DOWN 1)
2008 Record: 4-1-0 Streak: Won 3 Last Round: Won 28-12 v Panthers (A)
No Willie Mason or Anthony Minichiello – not a problem for these Roosters. Coach Brad Fittler was ecstatic with the 28-12 win at Penrith and he has every reason to be. Despite the Panthers starting the game with field position and a level of enthusiasm that surpassed that of the Roosters – the visitor’s goal line defence was superb and when the tide turned the Roosters set about picking the tiring Panthers apart. Mitchell Pearce is coming along nicely in the halfback role and the forward pack (despite losing O’Meley to a hamstring twinge during the game) never looked troubled by their Penrith counterparts.
Home Ground Advantage after 5 Rounds: C – Lost to Broncos then beat the Storm but the SFS still feels too ‘neutral’ 20 years after opening. (1 Win, 1 Loss)
This Week: v Knights at Central Coast Stadium.
Next Four: v Knights, @ Dragons, BYE, v Raiders.

4. Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks (Last Week: 5 Difference: UP 1)
2008 Record: 4-1-0 Streak: Won 2 Last Round: Won 12-10 v Rabbitohs (A)
Ricky Stuart’s defensive message is well and truly tattooed on the brains of the Cronulla side in 2008 and their 4-1 record has them sitting firmly atop the NRL ladder. After pleading for patience with his side in the opening couple of months of the premiership, Stuart’s aim to have his side peak when the back end of the season began will have a bunch of gritty winds behind it given the team’s start to the year. But Stuart didn’t pull a swifty in claiming his side wouldn’t peak – because until they can turn their possession into points on a regular basis it won’t matter how good their defence is come September, they simply have to be able to score tries when it counts.
Home Ground Advantage after 5 Rounds: N/A – With the redevelopment of Toyota Park the Sharks have played all five games on the road in 2008 – making their 4-1 start all the more impressive.
This Week: v Panthers at CUA Stadium.
Next Four: v Panthers, v Tigers, BYE, @ Cowboys.

5. Gold Coast Titans (Last Week: 4 Difference: DOWN 1)
2008 Record: 4-1-0 Streak: Won 3 Last Round: Won 28-20 v Eels (A)
The Titans weren’t amazing against the Eels but they got the job done despite not having the services of front rower Luke Bailey because of injury. Scott Prince staked his claim as the MVP of the opening five rounds with another classy display and the Titans’ pack out pointed their more fancied opponents where it mattered most – the middle of the field. Will take a lot of confidence out of winning on the road at Parramatta but facing the Broncos at Skilled Park will be a much tougher assignment.
Home Ground Advantage after 5 Rounds: B+ – New stadium is yet to taste defeat but the big test comes this weekend against the Broncos, (3 Wins, 0 Losses)
This Week: v Broncos at Skilled Park.
Next Four: v Broncos, v Warriors, @ Knights, BYE.

6. Newcastle Knights (Last Week: 6 Difference: STEADY)
2008 Record: 2-3-0 Streak: Lost 3 Last Round: Lost 34-22 v Broncos (H)
Lifted in the second half to get within 10 points of the Broncos at one stage but youthful exuberance can only get you into the contest – class and control wins games. The inspirational form of Danny Buderus and Kurt Gidley has this side as the most impressive 2-3 team in the competition but three straight defeats in games they may have won still hurts. The return of Ben Cross is a bonus although off-set by the absence of Jarrod Mullen and further dings to rookie half Scott Dureau. Need to bounce back with a win quickly or they might be 2-5 by Round 9 when they visit the Storm.
Home Ground Advantage after 5 Rounds: B- – The loss to the Bronocs hurts because the home crowd that helped lift them against the Sea Eagles in Round 2 was just as vocal this time around. (3 wins, 1 Loss).
This Week: v Roosters at Central Coast Stadium.
Next Four: @ Roosters, BYE, v Titans, @ Storm.

7. Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles (Last Week: 7 Difference: STEADY)
2008 Record: 2-3-0 Streak: Lost 1 Last Round: Lost 26-4 v Storm (A)
Manly were mauled by Melbourne in the Grand Final rematch and a lot of the blame should fall squarely on the shoulders of the team’s ordinary performance the week before against the Bunnies. Had the Sea Eagles played that game with the intent of blowing Souths off the park like they had done to the Warriors, then Manly would’ve entered the Storm game brimming with confidence in their attacking game plan and given the Storm a run for their money. As it turned out the Storm outplayed the Sea Eagles in every department and left little doubt which team deserved to win the 2007 Grand Final.
Home Ground Advantage after 5 Rounds: B- – Outplayed in the season opener by the Sharks but then bounced back to obliterate the Warriors on a Monday night. Never looked troubled on the Sunday afternoon against Souths – but South Sydney can’t score points so I’m not sure how significant the home crowd factor was. (2 Wins, 1 Loss).
This Week: v Eels at Parramatta Stadium.
Next Four: @ Eels, v Bulldogs, BYE, @ Broncos.

8. Canberra Raiders (Last Week: 11 Difference: UP 3)
2008 Record: 3-2-0 Streak: Won 1 Last Round: Won 30-24 v Tigers (H)
We said it last week and we’ll say it again. Terry Campese is not the right player to partner Todd Carney in the halves. The second half comeback against the Tigers should not have overshadowed the Raiders ineptitude in the attacking 20m zone, as the structure was appalling and despite Carney scoring a try and setting up four others – he went missing as the main organizer too often. Yes the fightback was exciting but the team desperately needs some impact from the bench and will be hoping big Thom Learoyd-Lahrs and maybe rookie Joel Thompson will provide it this week.
Home Ground Advantage after 5 Rounds: B+ – Two for two at Canberra Stadium and it hasn’t even got cold yet. Played probably their best game of the season to beat the Dragons in Round 3 but got lucky against the Tigers. (2 Wins, 0 Losses)
This Week: v Storm at Canberra Stadium.
Next Four: v Storm, BYE, @ Warriors, @ Roosters.

9. Warriors (Last Week: 12 Difference: UP 3)
2008 Record: 3-2-0 Streak: Won 2 Last Round: Won 36-16 v Bulldogs (H)
Never tip the Warriors at night but seriously consider them at home during the day. That line should look familiar because it is exactly how I lead last week’s Power Ranking analysis for the Warriors. Pity I didn’t take notice of my own tip given I went the Bulldogs – during the day, at Auckland… As for the performance the Warriors let an early 10-0 advantage slip by halftime and were being outplayed by the Bulldogs entering the break. Lance Hohaia is doing a great job at fullback but the team’s success is governed by what kind of day (let me emphasise day yet again) Michael Witt and Grant Rovelli are having in the halves. Some teams can get by without their halves playing to their ability; the Warriors are not one of those teams.
Home Ground Advantage after 5 Rounds: B+ – As mentioned above you have to consider the Warriors at home during the day no matter who they are playing. While the Knights and Bulldogs aren’t world beating teams they have both been vanquished at Mt Smart Stadium and the Eels (while disappointing so far in 2008) were well and truly beaten in Round 2. If the Warriors get more day games at home as the schedule unfolds this will grow into a huge advantage. (3 Wins, 0 Losses).
This Week: v Cowboys at Dairy Farmers Stadium.
Next Four: @ Cowboys, @ Titans, v Raiders, BYE.

10. North Queensland Cowboys (Last Week: 15 Difference: UP 5)
2008 Record: 2-3-0 Streak: Won 2 Last Round: Won 20-16 v Dragons (A)
Written off as premiership contenders after dropping to 0-3 when annihilated by the Broncos a few Friday nights ago, the Cowboys have quietly gone about reviving their season and find themselves alongside of a number of better performing teams with a 2-3 record. Johnathan Thurston has thrived without Matt Bowen in the side because he’s been forced to do more than simply get his regular fullback the ball (which he was doing far too regularly in the opening rounds when a Thurston inspired play was called for) and by the time Bowen returns – Thurston could be back at the top of his game. It was great to see Luke O’Donnell return to some form and some self control after a disappointing start to his season.
Home Ground Advantage after 5 Rounds: B+ – Overrun by the Tigers in their home opener in Round 2, the Cowboys made a quick turnaround in Townsville when they put 38 points on the Eels in Round 4. Play three of the next four rounds at home so that’ll be a better indicator of how significant the home ground advantage is for the Cowboys in 2008. (1 Win, 1 Loss).
This Week: v Warriors at Dairy Farmers Stadium.
Next Four: v Warriors, v Storm, @ Rabbitohs, v Sharks.

11. Wests Tigers (Last Week: 8 Difference: DOWN 3)
2008 Record: 2-3-0 Streak: Lost 3 Last Round: Lost 30-24 v Raiders (A)
The return of Mathew Head to the NRL looked like a coaching masterstroke by Tim Sheens when the Tigers went to the break up 24-10 in Canberra. But despite an encouraging debut in the orange and black, Head couldn’t rally his troops in the final 20 minutes of the contest when the Raiders came charging back. Wests have only themselves to blame for not putting Canberra away given just one try after halftime would’ve realistically put the game beyond the home side. The absence of Robbie Farah is not what the doctor ordered when the team has now dropped three straight but on the bright side at least his absence got Head back into the top grade and pushed John Morris out to five-eighth. Chris Heighington was clearly the Tigers best.
Home Ground Advantage after 5 Rounds: D – Took their opening round game to the SCG for nostalgia’s sake and then because of the cricket – had to play at the neutral SFS. They won that game but were beaten comprehensively in their only other home game, this time against the Panthers at Campbelltown. (1 Win, 1 Loss).
This Week: v Rabbitohs at Sydney Cricket Ground.
Next Four: v Rabbitohs, @ Sharks, v Broncos, BYE.

12. Parramatta Eels (Last Week: 9 Difference: DOWN 3)
2008 Record: 2-3-0 Streak: Lost 2 Last Round: Lost 28-20 v Titans (H)
In what might have been Tim Smith’s last game as an Eel – the 2005 Rookie of the Year just seemed to get in the way instead of making a positive contribution to his team’s performance against the Titans. Brett Finch will now take over at half and deservedly so. He’ll also get the opportunity to push for NSW selection by teaming up with Feleti Mateo in the halves for the Eels. As for last Friday night they were just outplayed by a hungrier and more cohesive Gold Coast team. At 2-3 the Eels are fortunate many other sides have had ordinary starts to the season, so there isn’t any real pressure on the side to click… yet.
Home Ground Advantage after 5 Rounds: B – With just the two games at home so far this season and the Eels yet to really get going on the field – a 1-1 record is acceptable this early. Were probably fortunate to get home against the Knights in Golden Point but were outplayed by the Titans in front of a slightly disappointing crowd (13,000). If the weather holds off expect almost 20,000 this Friday with the Sea Eagles in town and the crowd to lift if their team finally does. (1 Win, 1 Loss).
This Week: v Sea Eagles at Parramatta Stadium.
Next Four: v Sea Eagles, BYE, @ Panthers, v Dragons.

13. Penrith Panthers (Last Week: 10 Difference: DOWN 3)
2008 Record: 2-3-0 Streak: Lost 1 Last Round: Lost 28-12 v Roosters (H)
Had the best of the opening stages hosting the Roosters but failed to make an impression on the scoreboard and ultimately gave up the first try with some soft defence down the right hand side. Coach Matt Elliott can take some solace from the enthusiastic start but the Panthers can’t hope to chase teams down this year with the pairing of Jarrod Sammut (looks like a five-eighth forced to play half) and Maurice Blair (at best a centre three-quarter – most certainly not a five-eighth) in the halves. Luke Lewis is making a decent go of playing second row but how he isn’t a better option in the centres ahead of Brad Tighe is beyond me.
Home Ground Advantage after 5 Rounds: C- – Have just the 26-22 escape against the Bunnies in the win column at home to show from three games at CUA Stadium. Despite a sizeable Penrith crowd last round when the Roosters visited, the Panthers fell to another loss at home. (1 Win, 2 Losses)
This Week: v Sharks at Toyota Park.
Next Four: @ Sharks, BYE, v Eels, @ Bulldogs.

14. Bulldogs (Last Week: 14 Difference: STEADY)
2008 Record: 2-3-0 Streak: Lost 2 Last Round: Lost 36-16 v Warriors (A)
Up 12-10 at the halftime interval and playing the better football of the two sides, you’d normally expect a Bulldogs side to go on with the job in the second half. But the 2008 version of the Canterbury Bulldogs is a shadow of the team that was a force from 2001 to 2004 (and 2006 when they were knocked out by Darren Lockyer’s brilliance in the Preliminary Final) and despite getting another strong performance from their best player Sonny Bill Williams, the Dogs fell away badly when the game was there to be won. With a precocious talent like Ben Barba carving up the Under 20s competition (although from what I understand he’s not the finished article by any stretch) and Daniel Holdsworth doing less than little at halfback – you’ve got to wonder if moving Ben Roberts to halfback and promoting Barba (or when he’s fit – Aaron Groom) to the NRL side to offer the team something more in attack. Conceding 76 points in two w
Home Ground Advantage after 5 Rounds: C+ – While the move back to ANZ Stadium (after playing out of the adjoining showground) has coincided with a massive spike in crowd figures for the Bulldogs, the ground itself holds little danger for the visiting team given up to five sides will use the stadium as a home ground in 2008. The Dogs have had just two home games so far but actually played the opening month at the ground finishing with 2 wins and 2 losses at ANZ. (1 Win, 1 Loss).
This Week: v Dragons at ANZ Stadium.
Next Four: v Dragons, @ Sea Eagles, BYE, v Panthers.

15. St.George-Illawarra Dragons (Last Week: 13 Difference: DOWN 2)
2008 Record: 1-4-0 Streak: Lost 3 Last Round: Lost 20-16 v Cowboys (H)
First the team loses the game and skipper Mark Gasnier against the Cowboys and then Coach Nathan Brown makes livewire halfback Jamie Soward the scapegoat for a performance that had far more to do with ball control in key areas than a lack of creativity inside the opposition 20m zone. Ben Hornby – a fullback first and foremost – is the new on-field general and unless he discovers a playmaking and organizational skill set we didn’t know he had in the next few days – one of the reasons Brown is being replaced with Wayne Bennett should be obvious.
Home Ground Advantage after 5 Rounds: C- – Took the Titans to the cleaners at WIN Stadium in Round 2 in their first home game of the season but because of the redevelopment of Oki Jubilee Stadium some genius thought playing their neighbourhood rivals in Homebush was a good idea. The sooner they get back to WIN and Kogarah (should be in 2009) on a regular basis the better, because ANZ Stadium relinquishes most if not all the home ground advantage the Dragons usually enjoy at their two regular venues. (1 Win, 2 Losses).
This Week: v Bulldogs at ANZ Stadium.
Next Four: @ Bulldogs, v Roosters, BYE, @ Eels.

16. South Sydney Rabbitohs (Last Week: 16 Difference: STEADY)
2008 Record: 0-5-0 Streak: Lost 5 Last Round: Lost 12-10 v Sharks (H)
The NRL can claim all they want that South Sydney would’ve kept the two competition points had they beaten the Sharks but hypothetical decision making is so much easier than having to deal with reality. Jason Taylor’s ploy to rev up his troops is according to the rules illegal (although I can’t recall this actual issue being discussed when Nathan Brown slapped Trent Barrett on the sideline a few years back) so had the Bunnies won – I find it hard to believe they’d have kept the two points. But hypothetically it is easier to assume Souths will win a game in the next three weeks than the reality – which is unless they can overcome the Tigers at the SCG this weekend, they’ll find life tough when they visit the Broncos and host the Cowboys in the coming weeks. John Sutton looks their most damaging attacking player but that’s not a tough call when it appears the rest of the team look devoid of any attacking options bar maybe prop Roy Asotasi.
Home Ground Advantage after 5 Rounds: D – Yes it isn’t Redfern Oval but ANZ Stadium can’t really be blamed too heavily for the team’s 0-3 start at home in 2008. Play just one game at ANZ in the next six weeks so there’ll be next to no home ground advantage to help them get that first win. (0 Wins, 3 Losses)
This Week: v Tigers at Sydney Cricket Ground.
Next Four: @ Tigers, @ Broncos, v Cowboys, BYE.

The Gorden Tallis ‘100%’ Award for the Commentator Quote of the week:
Moments after asking whether or not microphones attracted lightning and receiving an affirmative from his co-commentators in the main commentary box, Channel Nine sideline reporter Andrew Johns takes an eternity to respond to Andrew Voss’s query if Joey was still on the sideline while a storm enveloped EnergyAustralia Stadium on Sunday:
“……………………………………………………………………. Yep I’m here.”