Round Five - 9th May - Wednesday 19th May
What an interesting set of results round five has placed on the competition. This week we saw last place, beat first and a number of players stake their claims for this week's upcoming City/County clash. As the rep season kicks in this weeks stat-tracker has been substituted for a midseason report card. Due to a family drama, last rounds power rankings were not drawn up. Sincere apologise. Without any further ado, let's get this show on the road.
1. Easts Roosters
Are slowly starting to come into their element. A narrow loss on the road to the in form Rhino's is still the only blemish on the Roosters record. An encouraging display of character this week against Sydney rivals the Lions, catapults Easts into the number one position for the first time in the power rankings this season. A blockbuster, and replay of last seasons final against the Newtown Bluebags next club round, will determine whether or not Easts are worthy of their poll position.
Last Rounds Rank: 3rd
Last Round: def Sydney Lions (42.9-42.8 )
Next Round: vs Newtown Bluebags @ Henson Park
Report Card: A+
2. Souths Rabbitohs
Held off the Coos Bay Pirates at home. Are in the right position at this stage of the competition and are succeeding all expectations (or at least those of this author). Have a solid core team and look the goods heading into the home stretch of the competition. Will be at home again next club round against a suddenly revitalised Cronulla Sharks outfit.
Last Rounds Rank: 1st
Last Round: def Coos Bay Pirates (41.2-40.1)
Next Round: vs Cronulla Sutherland Sharks @ Redfern Oval
Report Card: A
3. Penrith Panthers
Even though they had the bye this round, the Panthers collected the two points that came with it and a shot in the arm in the power rankings. Are really starting to push for finals honours after a heart aching start to the season. The job only gets tougher for the Panthers who cannot slip towards the latter stage of the competition.
Last Rounds Rank: 6th
Last Round: Bye
Next Round: vs Coos Bay Pirates @ Olympic Park
Report Card: B
4. East Coast Rhinos
Had a minor setback this week against the Parramatta Eels but still made a match of it, given the circumstances. People need to remember that the Eels were due for a breakout game anyways, and this unfortunately for Rhino's fans was it. None the less the Rhinos are in a great striking position for a finals berth, and need to get back to doing what they do best to remain in that position.
Last Rounds Rank: 5th
Last Round: loss to Parramatta Eels (40.2-43.1)
Next Round: Bye
Report Card: B+
5. Newtown Bluebags
Suffered a narrow loss on the road to the Cronulla Sharks but continue to exercise depth within their squads that other teams would kill for. The majority of heavy hitters are based at Henson Park and despite being bounced for the second round in three matches, the Bluebags still managed to hold onto their top four position (on the ladder). Need to make sure a back-to-back loss doesn't follow suit and what better way to prove their credentials then against the table topping and defending champion Easts Roosters.
Last Rounds Rank: 4th
Last Round: loss to Cronulla Sutherland Sharks (42.6-42.7)
Next Round: vs Easts Roosters @ Henson Park
Report Card: B
6. Cronulla Sutherland Sharks
After a torrid start to the season, Cronulla are finally starting to shift into gear having collected a possible five of the last six competition points on offer. Defended their home ground this week against the Bluebags, but the result must be followed up with a victory on the road against the red hot Rabbitohs. Whilst the form slump may now be over, victories are still a must for the Shire-based boys.
Last Rounds Rank: 8th
Last Round: def Newtown Bluebags (42.7-42.6)
Next Round: vs Souths Rabbitohs @ Redfern Oval
Report Card: B-
7. Sydney Lions
At one stage the Lions sat comfortably in the table. Two close losses, and a revitalisation by the rest of the competition has probably hit the Lions hardest of all clubs. Are still in a position to claim a finals berth, but for that to happen the slump must end now, before it's too late. Return home next round against a pumped up Parramatta Eels squad.
Last Rounds Rank: 2nd
Last Round: loss to Easts Roosters (42.8-42.9)
Next Round: vs Parramatta Eels @ The Roman Colosseum
Report Card: C+
8. Parramatta Eels
Notched up their first win of the season against then table topping East Coast Rhinos. A victory that was done so in emphatic style. Are still in the hunt for a finals berth despite the lousy start to the season and come up against a struggling Sydney Lions team. Their road form is a worry, having been unable to crack the opponent on either away trip. Even still, an encouraging display this week giving testament to how close the competition is.
Last Rounds Rank: 9th
Last Round: def East Coast Rhinos (43.1-40.2)
Next Round: vs Sydney Lions @ The Roman Colosseum
Report Card: C
9. Coos Bay Pirates
Here's a team where statistics matter most, and for the record here's the low down for the Pirates in case they haven't yet noticed. With only eight points left on offer the Pirates are now six points adrift the competition leaders and four points outside a finals berth. Having said that, the Pirates become the first team to need results to go their way for a finals berth. After a promising start to the season, the Pirates have struggled since and have arguably been the biggest disappointment of the year. The Munich based team is loaded with plenty of talent and the leading player in Thierry Henry, which makes looking at their table positioning harder to understand. Will they be the first to walk the competition plank? Time will tell I suppose. And yes, for the record, this is the same team I predicted for big things at the start of the season.
Last Rounds Rank: 7th
Last Round: loss to Souths Rabittohs (40.1-41.2)
Next Round: vs Penrith Panthers @ Olympic Park
Report Card: D
Ranking Key = Seed Rising - Seed Falling - Seed Stable
Disclaimer: The above is based on the thoughts and opinions of the author alone and should not be taken as doctrine.
Although, we haven't as yet played at home...
