This was published 6 years ago
NRL Power Rankings: Spoon race heating up, top four still unclear
By Matt Bungard
1. Sydney Roosters (Last Week: 2): Just did enough to get one over their arch-rivals and commence the final three weeks of the regular season on top of the ladder.
2. South Sydney Rabbitohs (1): A depleted backline did well against the Roosters, but they fell just short - will they play again in the big one?
Top spot: The Roosters took the victory and the No.1 place in our Power Rankings.Credit: AAP
3. Melbourne Storm (3): Another tough loss to Cronulla and a chance to vault into the top two goes begging.
4. Cronulla Sharks (5): An impressive win away from home and they'll have their eyes on a spot in the top four.
5. Penrith Panthers (4): Another win after being in a huge hole with only a few minutes to go - they won't be able to turn up for 15 minutes in the finals.
6. New Zealand Warriors (6): Eased their way to a win over Newcastle and went a step closer to locking in a top-eight spot.
7. Brisbane Broncos (8): Beaten by their arch-rivals after a late try and now look as though they could be the team to drop out for the Tigers.
8. St George Illawarra Dragons (7): A promising season looks to have completely fallen in a heap and they look like easybeats for whoever they play in the finals.
9. Wests Tigers (9): Did just enough against the Raiders and those slim hopes of September football remain alive.
10. Canberra Raiders (10): Their season mathematically came to an end on Sunday, losing a close game at home yet again.
11. Manly Sea Eagles (12): A comfortable and competent showing at home as they stayed one win clear of the spoon.
12. Parramatta Eels (15): A stunning win against the Dragons and that huge for and against boost could be massive at the end of the year.
13. Newcastle Knights (13): Can't get the spoon, but it looks like they'll finish with the worst for and against once again.
14. Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs (11): They'll probably need to win another game to avoid the spoon - and finish with three top-eight teams on their schedule.
15. Gold Coast Titans (14): A heartbreaking loss on Saturday afternoon and they're right back in the spoon mix now.
16. North Queensland Cowboys (16): Managed to beat the Broncos while also dropping to last on the ladder after Parramatta's big win.