NRL ladder post-State of Origin: Roosters flying, Dragons dying, Eels' defence denying
Much has been made about the Roosters' ascension to top spot. Even more has been made about the Dragons' fall from grace.
The third and final State of Origin game preceded round 18, and in the games since, the form guide reads nothing like it did pre-Origin.
The last five rounds of NRL competition have influenced a dramatic swing in how many previously viewed the ladder.
Many thought the eight was set. It was done. No one could sneak in, no one could drop out. Not now.
Many saw St George not only as minor premiership contenders, but a side that could go all the way. Now, they're in danger of missing the eight completely.
As it stands after 22 rounds, the Roosters sit on 32 points with a 15-6 win-loss record and a strong differential, with the Bunnies just behind on points difference.
How the Roosters got there might seem confusing for some - their 240 total errors is by far the most in the league, consisting largely of their 213 handling errors. Their 75.4% completion rate is ranked 14th in the league, while their 197 incomplete sets is the second-worst.
However, erroneous as they may seem, they can score points at will, and did so against Manly and St George Illawarra in consecutive weeks to buff up their differential.
For the Dragons, though, their last month has been abysmal. Five games for one win, and four foul losses.
Prior to the third Origin game, with their rep stars absent, they let in 52 in Melbourne. If the signs weren't worrying then, then they are now, with their gassed stars and injuries to key players contributing to some exhausted-looking performances.
The biggest surprise is Parramatta, who previously looked as though the wooden spoon had already been mailed and signed for their doorstep. Three wins from their last five, and with a renewed sense of attack and improved defensive output, the Eels have a shout at grabbing respectability on the ladder from their final games.
Meanwhile, the Tigers had a poor run during the Origin period, but in the month since, they are making a serious run for a finals berth as the Broncos teeter on the edge.
As for the sorry Raiders -
refereeing disasters won't save you if your defence is as watertight as the Titanic.
Form means everything heading to the final three weeks of the regular season, and the Origin period may have decided the seasons for several clubs.
Where does your club sit since Origin?
BEST ATTACK
1st: Roosters (156 points)
2nd: Raiders (123 points)
3rd: Broncos (120 points)
They put 56 on Manly and 36 on St George Illawarra in consecutive weeks, chucked on 20-plus scores on the Titans and Cowboys, and put 18 on their fierce rivals South Sydney.
What the Roosters did last weekend against the Rabbitohs wasn't their most polished performance, but as Joseph Manu's something-from-nothing try proves, Trent Robinson's side has a lot left in the tank.
From a totally disconnected perspective, Canberra's attack is the best in the league. Well, really, it is. They've scored more tries and points than any other team. But they're 10th with an 8-13 record, and are no hope of a finals berth.
BEST DEFENCE
1st: Eels (68)
2nd: Warriors (70)
3rd: Tigers (74)
A stunning figure, considering Parramatta's battle to avoid the wooden spoon.
Regardless, Brad Arthur will be happy with the Eels' last month of the footy. They pushed Newcastle and South Sydney all the way and swept aside the Titans and Bulldogs.
The last-start flogging of the Dragons - who could only manage one try in the 40-4 slaughter, when Jarryd Hayne scored a hat-trick - proved Parra have some considerable fight in them yet.
WORST ATTACK
14th: Warriors (82 points)
15th: Dragons (74 points)
16th: Bulldogs (72 points)
They may still be suffering from a Des Hasler-induced hangover in the point scoring department, but the Bulldogs - to their credit - have tightened their defence somewhat, with consecutive wins over the Tigers and Broncos shaking the finals race to its core.
However, the frowns are left for the Dragons, who have, quite frankly, dropped the ball.
Deny it as they might, the side that ran the ladder for the first three months of the comp can barely buy a point now, and having lost Gareth Widdop - who topped the point scoring table for players all season to last week - Paul McGregor needs to find a solution,
and fast.
WORST DEFENCE
14th: Sea Eagles, Cowboys (136 points)
15th: Panthers (145 points)
16th: Raiders (146 points)
Ricky Stuart knows better than most that defence wins games. Talk to him about the 1989 and 1990 grand finals, and while he'll say that tries at crucial times got them over the line, Canberra's defence held its own.
However, in 2018, the Raiders love to score points, but they're leakier than a 95-year-old's bladder.
They scored 24 against Cronulla, but let in 28. They scored 31 against Penrith, but let in 40. They scored 20 against Wests Tigers, but let in 22.
Score as many points as you like, but if you can't plug the leak, the water won't stop rushing out.
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