Rugby League Rankings

ROUND 112008

The story this week should’ve been the NSW victory over Queensland in Origin I but Sonny Bill Williams and his new brains trust have ensured that the Bulldogs second rower’s future was the top story entering Round 11 of the NRL. Will he stay or will he go? 99% of the sane league public will want it to be the former and see Williams stay in the NRL – but money talks as does the promise of more fame and fortune… although isn’t being in the public eye something Williams really doesn’t enjoy?

On the field Williams’ Bulldogs had it all over the Sharks on Monday night – Williams himself bagging a try on the way to a 30-22 rout at ANZ Stadium. While over the smaller five-game weekend – the two other big statements were made by the Dragons and Roosters – both of which went to grounds notorious for being tough gigs to get a win at as the away team. The Dragons showed a lot of commitment to keep the Sea Eagles close going into the final ten minutes of their clash at Brookvale Oval – and then took the lead and the game with a 73^rd minute try to Brett Morris and a conversion from Jamie Soward from wide out to the left. Sydney took full advantage of another lame Warriors performance to record a percentage boosting 38-12 victory at Mt Smart Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

The other games saw the Tigers hand the Titans just their 3^rd loss of the season with a 20-18 win at Leichhardt Oval and Melbourne recovered from a South Sydney possession onslaught in the first half to record a 15-10 result on the Central Coast.

As for the Titans they held onto the top spot of the Power Rankings for all of one week – the Storm have jumped back to the #1 ranking, while the Roosters have shot back to #2 after two weeks of excellent form.

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 11, 2008 – Rugby League Rankings

1. Melbourne Storm (Last Week: 2 Difference: UP 1)
2008 Record: 7-3-0 Streak: Won 1 Last Round: Won 15-10 v Rabbitohs (A)
Championship teams find ways to win games in which almost every key statistical element (minus the score) is against them. With the Bunnies dominating field position and completing their sets at a far superior rate to the Storm – Melbourne’s defence held firm and the South Sydney offence couldn’t break through. The Storm are finding ways to win ugly in 2008 and that can only be a good thing after they breezed through the regular seasons of 2006 and 2007 in style. As the cliché goes – it’s harder to defend a title than win one… maybe.
This Week: v Bulldogs at Olympic Park.
Next Four: v Bulldogs, @ Titans, BYE, v Cowboys.

2. Sydney Roosters (Last Week: 4 Difference: UP 2)
2008 Record: 7-3-0 Streak: Won 3 Last Round: Won 38-12 v Warriors (A)
The Blues might’ve won Origin I but Braith Anasta’s form in the two rounds since the NSW side was picked has been brilliant. He will likely miss out on the squad for Origin II but the Roosters will reap the benefits as the form five-eighth of the competition lines up against the Tigers next Monday night. News that star fullback Anthony Minichiello may make his comeback from injury this week will boost the side who should have all their top players on deck which will make Coach Brad Fittler’s decisions at the selection table tough given the form of the Roosters depth players in the past two weeks. Look to have found their rhythm again after losing their way a month ago.
This Week: v Tigers at Sydney Football Stadium.
Next Four: v Tigers, @ Sea Eagles.

3. Gold Coast Titans (Last Week: 1 Difference: DOWN 2)
2008 Record: 7-3-0 Streak: Lost 1 Last Round: Lost 20-18 v Tigers (A)
Just how important is Anthony Laffranchi to the Titans’ setup in both attack and defence. Against the Tigers on Sunday afternoon the Gold Coast had Scott Prince and Preston Campbell in great attacking form but no-one to capitalise on the opportunities they were creating – had Laffranchi been present his right edge running could’ve been a major asset in reversing the result but his AC joint injury might keep him out of the lineup indefinitely (although he is named to play this week) – so the Titans need someone like Gavin Cooper or Josh Graham to step up in his absence on the right side. Another away game this week but return home to play the Storm (minus their Origin players) in Round 13.
This Week: v Sharks at Toyota Stadium.
Next Four: @ Sharks, v Storm, BYE, @ Rabbitohs.

4. Brisbane Broncos (Last Week: 5 Difference: UP 1)
2008 Record: 6-4-0 Streak: Lost 2 Last Round: BYE
Finally had a week off after playing in all of the opening 10 rounds of the season. Have slipped off the pace in recent weeks as the team starts to realise what a massive loss skipper Darren Lockyer is to the team when they know he isn’t due back anytime soon. Had nothing in attack after scoring the opening try against the Sharks two weeks ago (they lost 13-6) and will welcome back Origin representatives Peter Wallace, Justin Hodges, PJ Marsh and Karmichael Hunt which will certainly help the side’s offence against the Eels. Could be facing three losses on the trot if they can’t take care of the Eels at home this Friday night.
This Week: v Eels at Suncorp Stadium.
Next Four: @ Sharks, BYE, v Eels, @ Dragons.

5. Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles (Last Week: 3 Difference: DOWN 2)
2008 Record: 6-4-0 Streak: Lost 1 Last Round: Lost 20-18 v Dragons (H)
Could regret letting the game against the Dragon slip away after having ample opportunity to close that match out when leading 18-14 with ten to go. Matt Orford had a frustrating game as he couldn’t get his team over the line but an interesting decision by Coach Des Hasler to play Heath L’Estrange for twice as long as regular starting hooker Matt Ballin backfired as L’Estrange (who had been very effective in shorter 20 minute stints this year) lacked zip and creativity during his time on the field. What also didn’t help was the free try that Anthony Watmough gifted the Dragons Beau Scott when Watmough (who had been concussed heavily by a head clash with Josh Perry just a minute earlier) refused to leave the field despite being anything but ‘with it’ and his lame arm grab on Scott should never have been allowed to happen – as Hasler should’ve forced his second rower from the field given it was clear Watmough was no where near 100%. Tough ask on the road this week awaits in Canberra.
This Week: v Raiders at Canberra Stadium.
Next Four: @ Raiders, v Roosters, BYE, @ Warriors.

6. Wests Tigers (Last Week: 9 Difference: UP 3)
2008 Record: 6-4-0 Streak: Won 2 Last Round: Won 20-18 v Titans (H)
Handled the Titans at Leichhardt Oval but despite allowing the team to sing the team song (they weren’t allowed to following their win over the Knights in Round 10) – Coach Tim Sheens will be disappointed the Tigers didn’t win the game by a greater margin than the end 20-18 result. After jumping out to a 12-0 lead the Tigers couldn’t put the Titans away and went away from their extremely effective quick ball movement game in the middle third of the field that can run a defensive side off their feet very quickly. Robbie Farah has two games under his belt since returning from his back trouble and has put his hand up for Origin II as the bench utility should Kurt Gidley not be fit.
This Week: v Roosters at Sydney Football Stadium.
Next Four: @ Roosters, v Cowboys, v Eels, @ Broncos.

7. Penrith Panthers (Last Week: 7 Difference: STEADY)
2008 Record: 5-4-0 Streak: Won 2 Last Round: BYE
After taking advantage of the Bulldogs in Round 9 with a 30-4 victory – the Panthers made a statement offensively by picking apart the Warriors 48-22 at home in Round 10. The win over the boys from Auckland was their most comprehensive attacking display of the season as Frank Pritchard in particular ran riot down the left hand side of the field and Luke Lewis did another great job in the modified halfback role Coach Matt Elliott has him playing. Have a tricky road trip to Townsville this weekend to deal with but have some great form on the board to take into this one.
This Week: v Cowboys at Dairy Farmers Stadium.
Next Four: @ Cowboys, v Sharks, @ Roosters, @ Dragons.

8. Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks (Last Week: 6 Difference: DOWN 2)
2008 Record: 6-4-0 Streak: Lost 1 Last Round: Lost 30-22 v Bulldogs (A)
The mass reshuffle in the backline didn’t work and if anything it underlined the lack of genuine strike power in the three-quarter line – especially when fullback Brett Kearney was forced off with an ankle injury. This side overuses two options in attack – Paul Gallen and Greg Bird – mainly because Brett Kimmorley and Brett Seymour get nothing from their outside backs – and this is a concern because Gallen and Bird do an awful lot of go-forward running which makes their edge running in attack not as effective as it could be. Ben Pomeroy did a nice job to finish off a Bird bust on the left side but it was Bird’s angle that created the chance – something Pomeroy has to bring to the table as the team’s ‘strike’ centre. Now at 6-4 the team needs to start a winning streak otherwise they may get a rude shock in a couple of weeks when they realise they are no longer in the Top 8.
This Week: v Titans at Toyota Stadium.
Next Four: v Titans, @ Panthers, v Warriors, v Eels.

9. Newcastle Knights (Last Week: 8 Difference: DOWN 1)
2008 Record: 4-5-0 Streak: Lost 2 Last Round: BYE
Got picked apart by the Tigers last Sunday week after giving the Storm a serious run for their money the previous Monday night – but as has been the case this season for the Knights – close enough hasn’t been good enough to translate into a winning record. The side will have Danny Buderus back from rep duty for the Warriors contest but Kurt Gidley and Ben Cross (both injured) won’t be available which weakens them considerably – despite the fact they are playing a team that has been appalling on the road this year.
This Week: v Warriors at EnergyAustralia Stadium.
Next Four: v Warriors, @ Bulldogs, @ Cowboys, v Roosters.

10. St.George-Illawarra Dragons (Last Week: 10 Difference: STEADY)
2008 Record: 4-6-0 Streak: Won 2 Last Round: Won 20-18 v Sea Eagles (A)
In a game that could have left them 3-7 after 11 Rounds with a loss – the Dragons stood up and ended Manly’s 4 game winning streak with a huge win away from home. Although no one player stood out for the Dragons – the fact all their best players not named Mark Gasnier (who was quiet and well contained) made positive contributions, will warm Coach Nathan Brown’s heart and harden his resolve that the team can turn things around completely in 2008. The club (on and off the field) will benefit from Wendell Sailor’s injection into the side but who does Brown drop to get the 33-year-old into the squad?
This Week: v Rabbitohs at ANZ Stadium.
Next Four: @ Rabbitohs, v Broncos, BYE, v Panthers.

11. Bulldogs (Last Week: 12 Difference: UP 1)
2008 Record: 4-6-0 Streak: Won 1 Last Round: Won 30-22 v Sharks (H)
The Bulldogs have managed to look good and terrible in every one of their 4 wins in 2008 and the 30-22 win over the Sharks was no different. Built on an 18-4 halftime lead in the second half and withstood a gutsy Cronulla comeback to push past the Warriors on the table but are still languishing in 13^th on the table. Errors still plague their performances and with the Storm ahead of them this weekend – their ball control has to improve to be any chance of challenging the premiers at Olympic Park.
This Week: v Storm at Olympic Park.
Next Four: @ Storm, v Knights, BYE, v Raiders.

12. Canberra Raiders (Last Week: 11 Difference: DOWN 1)
2008 Record: 4-5-0 Streak: Won 1 Last Round: BYE
It may be a harsh call but the Raiders 38-10 win over the Rabbitohs in Round 10 was hardly an impressive offensive display by the home team. A combination of lucky plays, soft tries and the Rabbitohs pathetic performance – gave the Raiders a leg up that they probably needed after playing awful football in the previous two weeks. The club simply have to close the deal and get Trent Barrett ahead of the Sharks for 2009 if the Raiders are to make any serious strides towards a premiership in the foreseeable future – because the current playmaking corps don’t have the goods to get the team to the end of September on their own.
This Week: v Sea Eagles at Canberra Stadium.
Next Four: v Sea Eagles, @ Eels, v Broncos, @ Bulldogs.

13. North Queensland Cowboys (Last Week: 13 Difference: STEADY)
2008 Record: 3-7-0 Streak: Lost 4 Last Round: BYE
New coach Ian Millward (formerly ex-Coach Graham Murray’s assistant before the latter stood down) will have had almost two weeks with the bulk of the squad given the Cowboys had the bye in Round 11 – and hopefully for his sake the players respond to the new voice running the show. The team will get Johnathan Thurston and Carl Webb back from Origin duty but may still be without Matt Bowen which makes Millward’s recovery effort that much tougher starting this week against the Panthers. This is a game the Cowboys simply have to win given they could be sporting a 3-8 record if the Panthers prevail – making the playoffs an even slimmer hope than it appears to be right now.
This Week: v Panthers at Dairy Farmers Stadium.
Next Four: v Panthers, @ Tigers, v Knights, @ Storm.

14. Parramatta Eels (Last Week: 15 Difference: UP 1)
2008 Record: 4-5-0 Streak: Lost 1 Last Round: BYE
Had the week off with the scheduling of their second and final bye for the season – but Coach Michael Hagan won’t be happy that his team has had to wait a full 14 days before they could try and make amends for their abysmal performance against the Roosters in Round 10. Get Krisnan Inu back from injury at the expense of Ben Smith but unless the players take full responsibility for their lack of adherence to the team-first concept two weeks ago – it won’t matter. Can’t afford to drop this game if they have any Top 4 aspirations, because if they do lose to the Broncos, the Eels could be four wins back behind the Top 4 at the end of Round 12.
This Week: v Broncos at Suncorp Stadium.
Next Four: @ Broncos, v Raiders, @ Tigers, @ Sharks.

15. Warriors (Last Week: 14 Difference: DOWN 1)
2008 Record: 4-6-0 Streak: Lost 2 Last Round: Lost 38-12 v Roosters (H)
Coach Ivan Cleary is running out of time to get the message across to his players that at the moment – their current effort and execution is not going to cut it in the NRL in 2008. Although they were playing at home where they are 4-0 this season – the Warriors capitulated in the second half against the Roosters conceding 3 tries and not registering a single point themselves. Getting Steven Price will be beneficial but the team looks to have little to no idea in attack bar their forwards running one out and Grant Rovelli chip kicking to the corners where his wingers have no height superiority over their opponents. They might be 4-6 but the Warriors look like a side that should be 2-8.
This Week: v Knights at EnergyAustralia Stadium.
Next Four: @ Knights, v Rabbitohs, @ Sharks, v Sea Eagles.

16. South Sydney Rabbitohs (Last Week: 16 Difference: STEADY)
2008 Record: 1-9-0 Streak: Lost 2 Last Round: Lost 15-10 v Storm (H)
Jason Taylor can spin South Sydney’s 9^th loss whichever way he likes but the inability of his attacking structure to produce points is a massive reason the club has drafted in former premiership winning coach John Lang in an advisory role this week. Lang proved at Penrith that he can construct a high powered offence and although the Bunnies don’t have the greatest of cattle to work with in an attacking sense – you could argue that Penrith had underachieved with their roster offensively before Lang took over in 2002. Penrith improved their try total by 22 under Lang within 24 months – the Bunnies are hoping he can light a fire under their underperforming roster in a fraction of that time.
This Week: v Dragons at ANZ Stadium.
Next Four: v Dragons, @ Warriors, BYE, v Titans.

For the record last week’s Power Rankings were as follows:

ROUND 102008

FRIDAY MORNING FIVE-EIGHTH MAY 23, 2008

STATE OF ORIGIN I – Video Review HERE

THE GAME:
Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles v St.George-Illawarra Dragonsat Brookvale Oval, 7:40pm Friday 23 May.

As one of the only two stand alone club games on a Friday Night* this season (is it just me or does one game on a Friday night seem to make that game a little bit more special than the significance two games we usually get? And have got since the start of the 2007 season) the Sea Eagles (6-3) - winners of their past four – host the Dragons who are trying desperately to build some momentumn into their season having started 3-6.

Mark Gasnier, Matt Cooper and Ben Hornby should all back up from being part of NSW’s 18-10 Game I victory over QLD on Wednesday night – Gasnier in particular looking devastating on the right side then and should give Steve Matai something to think about going into tonight’s encounter. Jamie Soward was at his best in the 36-12 win over Melbourne last weekend and shapes as the key to the Dragons having a say in the field position battle with his kicking game in good nick at the moment.

Will there be a last minute appearance by Wendell Sailor on the bench? Probably not and given the form of the Dragons’ wingers – Jason Nightingale and Josh Morris (who has relegated Chase Stanley to the bench this week) the big unit faces a tough task to unseat his younger teammates from the run on team if winger is going to be Sailor’s position at the Dragons.

Manly had the game against the Cowboys in hand at half time but they had been on top well and truly before Adam Cuthbertson’s opening try in the 34th minute. Glenn Stewart has been in great form with Anthony Watmough injured and despite the latter’s return – Stewart and Cuthbertson were hugely influential in the game. Matt Orford continues to shine at club level – particularly in games the Sea Eagles dominate early as he’s very good at turning a strong start into a blowout on the scoreboard. And just quietly how good has Heath L’Estrange played in a role off the bench in 2008, when you consider Matt Ballin was the standout replacement for the departed Michael Monaghan at the start of the year – L’Estrange has been playing that well he’s forcing CoachDes Haslerto cut Ballin’s minutes because they are detrimental to the team if they’re denying L’Estrange gametime.

Jamie Lyon has been picked at centre but could still end up at five-eighth – however with the signing of Chris Bailey from the Knights for 2009 – Lyon’s days out of position may finally be over.

As good as the Dragons look on paper going into the clash – they are currently a 3 win/6 loss team playing a side that has won their past four – including wins away over the Broncos and Eels – and at Brookvale it is hard to tip against them – even if Watmough doesn’t play.

Late Mail from SMH – Matt Cooper aggravated a back injury during the Origin game and may be a late withdrawal – look for Josh Morris to move into the centres and Chase Stanley to come onto the wing… or maybe Wendell Sailor?

SEA EAGLES: B Stewart, M Robertson, S Matai, J Lyon, D Williams, S Menzies, M Orford (c), B Kite, M Ballin, J Perry, A Watmough, G Stewart, L Williamson. Res: H L’Estrange, G Hall, A Cuthbertson, M Bryant, N Bradley-Qalilawa.

DRAGONS: B Morris, J Nightingale, M Gasnier (c), M Cooper, J Morris, J Soward, B Hornby, J Poore, D Young, J Ryles, B Scott, L Setu, B Creagh. Res: K Reynoldson, D Hunt, S Woolford, S Webb, R Chase, M Lett, C Stanley.

PREDICITON: Sea Eagles 28 def. Dragons 18. First Try Scorer: Brett Stewart (MAN).

WHILE YOU WERE FOCUSED ON YOUR OWN TEAM

Setaimata Sa was hyped to a ridiculous point by Andrew Voss two years ago on the ANZAC Day clash between the Roosters and Dragons – and the poor kid had no chance to deliver immediately on the wrap because he was always going to be another 18-24 months from being ready for the rigours of first grade football.
Well now Sa’s ready and his performances to open 2008 weren’t amazing but the in the past two weeks he has impressed against the Kangaroos in the centres for New Zealand in the Centenary Test and he was almost the Roosters best player in their comprehensive victory over the Eels (this time in the second row playing all 80 minutes) last Friday night.
When he entered first grade it looked like he would end up in the backrow eventually but as seems to be the trend in the NRL lately – teenage backrow prodigies start the bulk of their debut season playing spot duty in the centres. Generally this is because they’ve already developed into elite athletes but their bodies aren’t ready for the bashing they’ll receive in the forward pack – see Sonny Bill Williams as someone who looked more than ready but despite a physique Fabio would be proud of, his body couldn’t get him through his formative years unscathed.

Sa is a player you’ll like watching if you take a special interest. His ball running is the feature of his game at the moment – especially the way he keeps his legs moving after initial contact and in doing so he makes himself a threat near the line and to off-load (which is his strength). The Roosters have a good one here.

POWER RANKINGS ROUND 10

ROUND 102008

Going Up: Raiders +4, Roosters +2, Dragons +2, Bulldogs +2, Titans +1, Sea Eagles +1, Panthers +1.
Going Down: Eels -5, Cowboys -2, Broncos -2, Warriors -1, Storm -1, Sharks -1, Knights -1.
Going Nowhere: Tigers, Rabbitohs.

Full run down Power Rankings next week.

Gorden Tallis was at it again – this time taking out his own 100% Commentary Award with this beauty (his or someone elses…) during the Dragons/Storm game on Saturday Night.
“Fatigue makes cowards of us all…”

I wonder if Gordie in his prime would’ve enjoyed hearing a commentator say that about him when he missed a tackle that lead to a try…

BECAUSE GUS GOULDING SAID SO

Gus was in the commentary box for Origin I on Wednesday Night and I thought I heard him come out with the old Paul Vautin chestnut “NSW are doing a Queensland on Queensland” – which is of course Cane Toad speak for “NSW are playing better than us but instead of saying that let’s compare them with Queensland so the focus actually comes back to Queensland”.

Now I could be wrong (and often am) but didn’t Phil Gould instill in his players during his time as NSW Coach that Queensland had no right to ‘owning’ passion at the Origin level?

I’m pretty sure he hated the comment that Queensland were the only ones who could dig deep when it mattered or – out enthuse the Blues and win matches off the back of passion and determination.

So what’s doing Gus? Why the sudden change? Did Channel Nine tell you to throw a Queensland reference in because the score was 14-0 NSW after half an hour and the powers that be were worried about people switching off in Queensland?

Of course that’s ridiculous because all there is to do in Queensland during the winter months is watch the Broncos (and to a lesser extent Cowboys and Titans) on the weekends and get on the pedal powered generator on three Wednesdays a year so the family can have electricity to watch the Origin. They’ll keep junior pedalling away all night regardless of the score!

Although in fairness to Gus – he did keep quiet towards the end of the game about the game being over. Because as the first half’s final second proved – you simply can’t count Queensland out when there’s still some hope left on the game clock.

But as NSW proved – the Blues came to play and Gus must’ve been extremely pleased with the result.

DON’T TAKE THE TIP

Back to a touch of reality last week – tipping 5 winners from 8 games. Admittedly that’s just about worth a celebration in the tipping stakes for me in 2008 – but when you tip the round two weeks ago – it’s not quite as exciting. Let’s see what I’m tipping… because truth be told before writing this – I haven’t really thought about any game outside of the Origin and Manly v St.George-Illawarra.

Round 11: Sea Eagles by 10, Storm by 22, Roosters by 8, Tigers by 2, Sharks by 1.

* The Round 7 Friday Night Game between Brisbane and Souths was a stand alone but the Roosters and Dragons played earlier in the day.

Rugby League Rankings’ State of Origin Game One Video Review is now available to view below.

Please note that Friday Morning Five-Eighth will incoporate a streamlined version of the Round 10 NRL Power Rankings for this week only – normal Power Rankings will resume next Tuesday despite only 10 teams taking part in Round 11 of the NRL.

Relive some of the action with NRL.com Highlights of Game I.