1. South Sydney Rabbitohs (Last Week: 2): Emphatic victory over the Eels, and with the worst part of the Origin period behind them, can dig their teeth into a soft schedule in the next few weeks.
2. St George Illawarra Dragons (3): Big win against Manly and they're showing no signs of the second half fade that cruelled them in 2017.
The Rabbitohs are looking strong as the season hits its stride.
Photo: Dave Hunt
3. Penrith Panthers (1): A somewhat shocking loss to the Roosters as they were unceremoniously dumped off the top of the ladder.
4. Melbourne Storm (4): Too strong for the Knights, they'll continue to beat up on bad teams at home all year long.
5. New Zealand Warriors (5):After a hearty win in Townsville, how will they handle the rep weekend and a chunk of players going to America?
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6. Sydney Roosters (7): Were far too strong for the Panthers and look to finally be figuring everything out – timing their run well.
7. Brisbane Broncos (8): Their up-and-down season threw up another surprise result as they did enough to win at Shark Park.
8. Cronulla Sharks (6): A tough loss to the Broncos, but it took a miracle try to beat them in the end.
9. Canberra Raiders (9): If any team on the outside looking in is going to break into the finals, it'll probably be these guys. A different team with Josh Hodgson back.
10. Wests Tigers (10): A heavy defeat to the Raiders and dreams of the top eight – let alone the top four – are drifting further and further.
11. Gold Coast Titans (13): A big win at Belmore in what was their best performance of the year – a nice bounceback after last week's unlucky loss.
12. Newcastle Knights (11): A respectable showing when faced with the hardest of tasks – Melbourne in Melbourne. Finals look to be slipping away, but there's some promise for next year.
13. North Queensland Cowboys (12): Another home loss – this time to the Warriors – as their frustrating year continues.
14. Manly Sea Eagles (14): Well beaten by the Dragons and as off-field dramas rage on, they're just looking for the season to end.
15. Parramatta Eels (15): Grabbed a few tries against the Bunnies, but their non-existent defence was their undoing.
16. Canterbury Bankstown-Bulldogs (16): Blown off the park at their traditional home by the lowly Titans as Moses Mbye leaves the club. Not a great week.
Matt Bungard is a journalist for the Sydney Morning Herald.
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