17) WESTS TIGERS (-)
Less said about the Tigers the better. John Bateman and Api Koirosau were much better in Rd 4 and they have shown signs of improvement, but still plenty of work to do to.
16) ST GEORGE ILLAWARRA DRAGONS (-5)
The last 95 minutes of football for the Dragons have been an absolute disaster. They essentially gave up in the second half of the Sharks game which is an indictment. The Rd 2 game with high intensity and bone rattling contact seems a distant memory. The mess surrounding their coach isn’t helping either.
15) NEWCASTLE KNIGHTS (+1)
Great win against the Raiders at home which I’m worried says more about the Raiders than it did the Knights. Lachie Miller has been a revelation and Greg Marzhew is a pleasure to watch. A big performance in Mudgee on the weekend could see them climb the ranks.
14) GOLD COAST TITANS (+1)
After a great win against Melbourne the Titans were exceptionally unlucky on the weekend. Losing 2 spine players in great form inside a minute of each other is a bridge too far for most teams. Hung in valiantly and when at full strength could definitely match it with plenty more fancied opponents.
13) CANBERRA RAIDERS (-3)
A plucky win against Cronulla is the only thing saving the Raiders from complete free-fall, running into a Panthers side on the back of a loss, without their key marquee man in Wighton is a scary proposition for the type of footy the green machine is turning out.
12) CANTERBURY BULLDOGS (-)
Things are building nicely at Belmore, and although the fans would like to see a few more wins on the board they have unearthed a few serious young footballers and Jacob Kiraz looks a superstar on the cusp of a breakout season for the ages. D-Day is nigh for Kyle Flannergan with the hulking shadow of young half Karl Oloaupu making it 4 from 4 outstanding games in NSW Cup.
11) NORTH QUEENSLAND COWBOYS (-6)
A very disappointing first month for the Cows. They have conceded the most line-breaks in the competition by a fair stretch and now face the proposition of losing another representative outside back in Murray Tuilagi to go with the Cotter injury and Drinkwater suspension. Unfortunately, may have been a few young men drinking their own bathwater up north in the off-season.
10) PARAMATTA EELS (-)
A great result against last years premiers and a tough opening schedule has Paramatta still within touching distance of the finals teams on this weeks rankings. The return of Ryan Matterson seemed to drastically stiffen their defence. Another huge task with the Roosters boys fresh off a Bye and ready to roll into another Thursday night blockbuster.
