May NRL power rankings: What the ladder should really look like

There’s been a number of movers and shakers in this past month as the NRL pecking order starts to become more clear ... here’s our take on what the ladder should really look like.

THERE’S been a number of movers and shakers in this past month as the NRL pecking order starts to become more clear.

Here’s our take on what the ladder should really look like, based on teams’ current form, situation and expectations.

1. South Sydney

NRL ladder: 1st

April ranking: 6th

Well, well, well. Wayne Bennett must be pretty chuffed with how things have turned out. The Rabbitohs look well drilled in attack and clinical in defence. They have conceded more than 20 points on just one occasion this year – and that blip on the radar was still a 28-24 win over the Warriors.

Wayne Bennett is in the hunt for yet another premiership this year. Picture: Brett Costello

2. Sydney

NRL ladder: 3rd

April ranking: 2nd

Their eight-match streak came to an end against Brisbane but it’s hard to see the grand final not including the Roosters at this stage. There’s just so much quality across this roster.

3. Manly

NRL ladder: 5th

April ranking: 5th

Loving the way the Sea Eagles are defending their line each and every week. Imagine how good they will be when Daly Cherry-Evans and Tom Trbojevic are back on deck.

TITANS OUTCASTS FIRING AT BROOKVALE

4. Melbourne

NRL ladder: 2nd

April ranking: 3rd

After flexing their muscles by putting 64 points on Parramatta, the Storm yet again proved themselves to be the masters of getting the job done when they really have no right to against the Tigers.

Here come Kalyn Ponga and the Knights. Picture: AAP Image

5. Newcastle

NRL ladder: 6th

April ranking: 16th

As someone who tipped the Knights for the 2019 premiership, boy am I glad to see them hitting their straps. You get the sense that with the footy-mad town behind them, the Knights could give the Roosters a real run for their money tomorrow night.

6. Canberra

NRL ladder: 4th

April ranking: 1st

The Green Machine continue to impress. Their points tally has taken a bit of a hit with three tight losses in their past four starts but they have a golden chance now to make up ground: Their next match against a current top six side is not until Round 21 on August 11.

‘I GOT TO LIVE OUT MY CHILDHOOD DREAM’

7. Brisbane

NRL ladder: 11th

April ranking: 14th

How exciting is it to see this next generation of Broncos talent featuring Payne Haas, Tom Dearden, David Fifita and Jake Turpin coming through the ranks? It might take time, but there’s plenty to like here.

8. New Zealand

NRL ladder: 10th

April ranking: 11th

I still can’t get my head around this football team. They have won their past two on the road and lost their past two at home – exactly the opposite of what we’re used to from them. Credit where it’s due, they are playing tough.

The Warriors have had more to celebrate of late away from home than at Auckland. Picture: AAP Image

9. Wests Tigers

NRL ladder: 7th

April ranking: 7th

Michael Maguire’s side have regained a bit of momentum after some big losses to the Eels and Roosters. They pushed Melbourne to the brink – now let’s see if they can do the same to the Rabbitohs this Saturday.

10. Cronulla

NRL ladder: 9th

April ranking: 9th

Another middle of the road team. Their win over the Storm was impressive but they are generally making hard work of most games and that could start to catch up with them.

BRENNAN WON’T CALL FOR MENINGA’S HELP

11. Canterbury

NRL ladder: 14th

April ranking: 12th

All things taken into consideration, the Doggies continue to do a solid job. They showed plenty of heart to come from 16-0 down to win on the Gold Coast. Are competing week in, week out.

12. North Queensland

NRL ladder: 13th

April ranking: 13th

What a difference Jason Taumalolo makes. Truth be told, the Cowboys still aren’t looking all that flash but they have started winning at home again – and that was the first step they needed to take.

Jason Taumalolo’s return from injury has sparked the Cowboys. Picture: AAP Image

13. Parramatta

NRL ladder: 8th

April ranking: 10th

It’s been a rollercoaster period for the Eels, who smashed the Tigers only to be blown off the park by Melbourne three weeks later. They at least had some wiggle room after a good start to the year.

14. St George Illawarra

NRL ladder: 12th

April ranking: 4th

Oh dear. Are we seeing an even earlier fall from grace than usual by the Red V? After winning four on trot, they have since lost four straight.

15. Gold Coast

NRL ladder: 15th

April ranking: 8th

If it wasn’t for the Panthers, there would be even more heat on Titans players and coach Garth Brennan. Losing to the Bulldogs at home from 16-0 up is pretty well as bad as it gets.

16. Penrith

NRL ladder: 16th

April ranking: 15th

What an absolute disaster. Many were tipping these guys as premiership contenders; now it’s hard to see where their next win is coming from.