Check out NRL's most disappointing performers

THIS week I look at the bottom eight NRL teams and give my report card on them.

Johnathan Thurston. Picture: Scott Radford-Chisholm

THIS week I look at the bottom eight NRL teams and give my report card on them.

9. Tigers: Still have a chance to make the top eight but must keep winning. Started the season in good form but have slipped as the season went on. Good last start win over the Rabbits though.

10. Raiders: Have a glimmer of hope of still qualifying but have let themselves down by losing a host of close games. Last week's referee blunder is the bad luck they have received most of the season.

11. Knights: Bought a host of quality experienced players in the off-season and it proved a master stroke in the early part of the season. When Mitchell Pearce was injured the Knights hopes faded dramatically.

12. Titans: Had a good roster but performances by some of the experienced players have really let them down. They just can't seem to win the close games and struggle against the top teams.

13. Sea Eagles: Under performed this year when most people thought they would put in a good season. On-field and off-field distractions didn't help and their performances reflected this disarray.

14. Bulldogs: Improved their roster with some great players but unfortunately it hasn't transferred to wins on the field. Salary cap problems culled the team. This proud club is still a huge wooden spoon chance.

15. Cowboys: The most disappointing team in the competition. They had a quality roster but just didn't deliver. Most had them as premiers but the wooden spoon is still a big possibility. JT deserved better.

16. Eels: Like the Cowboys they were one of the biggest disappointment to their fans. A top four finish last season gave then hope for this year but the season started terribly and hasn't eased up.

Quick thoughts

HERO of the week: The Waratahs are still alive in the chase for Super Rugby glory. A slow start didn't hurt then as they powered home to defeat the Highlanders. It's now the Lions turn to face defeat.

Villain of the week: Is the NRL Referees Association serious with only dropping the touch judge and pocket referee after last week's debacle? Surely the head referee played a huge part in the decision making that got it horribly wrong.

Did you know? Kevin Na holds the record for most shots on a Par 4 in a PGA event. It took him 16 shots and 20 minutes to complete.

Bomber's best: Three out of the four AFL tips got up with only the Swans losing in the upset of the year.

This week it's back to the races. Keep an eye on Sydney Race 6 No 10 Paret.

Originally published as Check out NRL's most disappointing performers