No changes at the top again this week and likely won't be for the
foreseeable future as Melbourne looks likely to once again roll through the
NRL. A couple of "upsets" however have certainly spiced up the
rankings for round 3, and here we go.
#1 Storm - 6 points (prev #1)
Pushed harder than some anticipated by a spirited Bulldogs team,
Melbourne marched on to yet another victory, making it three from three to
start the season. After sub 70% completion percentages in the first two rounds,
the Storm completed 76% this time around. Cameron Smith handled the ball 103
times, made 46 tackles, 4 offloads and kicked 156 metres while Cooper Cronk was
once again steering the ship on attack with 2 try assists. Melbourne's +46
points differential is the best in the competition and has them sitting top of
the table, there 84 points scored is second in the NRL, just 2 points behind
the Rabbitohs.
#2 Rabbitohs - 6 points (prev #2)
Maintaining their spot at number 2 are the Bunnies who join the
Storm as the only unbeaten teams in the competition. Put up 44 points on
Penrith but in a game that resembled an Under 20s contest they also conceded
32, the Bunnies had exploded for 34 in just the first half. Both Sam and George
Burgess trumped 100 yards while Greg Inglis was at his destructive best once
again with 186 metres, 1 try, 1 try assist, 3 line breaks, 5 tackle breaks.
With 86 the Bunnies have scored more points than any other team in the
competition lead by winger Nathan Merritt who has chalked up 6 tries in just 3
contests.
#3 Sea Eagles - 4 points (prev #3)
Suffered their first loss at the hands of the Titans but a loss
that really said more about the Titans ability than any shortcoming on Manly's
behalf. Jamie Lyon had a costly off night with the boot going just 1 out of 3,
while Daly Cherry-Evans goal line drop out that sailed over the touchline for a
Gold Coast penalty would be the deciding factor as the Titans would win by just
2 points. Centre Steve Matai showed no signs of the injury that saw him escorted
off early last week, making 155 metres with 2 try assists, he really came into
his own in the second half doing all he could to lift Manly but it wasn't
enough. Manly currently has the third best points differential with 38 and
allowed the third fewest points with just 30.
#4 Titans - 4 points (prev #5)
Continuing to move up the rankings, the Titans backed up their
belting of the Raiders with a huge statement game picking up a win over Manly.
Greg Bird spoke of wanting to establish Skilled Park as the fortress that it
once was and this type of victory will certainly go a long way to help that as
the Titans announced themselves as a legitimate force capable of handling the
big boys. The Titans continue to work their winning formula of a star studded
forward pack that logs big metres (1304) setting a great platform for the young
halves combination of Sezer and Kelly who have gone from question mark to
looking like they've been together for years. The Titans have so far allowed
just a measly 26 points, best in the NRL.
#5 Knights - 4 points (prev #9)
After being dismantled by Manly raised questions over the Knights
emphatic round 1 victory, the men from Newcastle answered back in fine form by
cruising past the highly regarded Cowboys to remind everyone that they mean
business. With Kurt Gidley a late exclusion, Tyrone Roberts stepped in
admirably scoring a great try and kicking 5 out of 7 while Fijian flyer Akuila
Uate crossed the line twice bringing his total to 5 in 3 games as the Knights
rampaged through 1542 metres with a 77% completion rate. The Knights 76 total
points is good for 4th in the NRL, yet those points came in just 2 games as
they were blanked by Manly in week 2.
#6 Sharks - 4 points (prev #6)
The Sharks weren't meant to have much trouble with the Warriors,
and they didn't, sailing to a 24 point victory in a searing hot day in The
Shire. Taking a 18-0 lead into the half, the Sharks never looked in danger of
losing this one, and while they were 7.5 point favourites, you still have to go
out there and do the job and the Sharks did so in convincing fashion reeling
off 1579 metres and missing only 6 tackles. In a surprise to absolutely nobody,
Paul Gallen lead all players with 21 runs, which resulted in 198 metres, and he
tacked on 19 tackles to go with it. Gallen leads the NRL with 61 hit ups, 13
more than second place Aiden Tolman. The captain has had great
support from Andrew Fifita 4th in the NRL in hit ups with 49.
The Sharks defence ranks second in the comp allowing just 28 points so
far.
#7 Tigers - 4 points (prev #13)
Backed up their round 2 win with a 5 try performance against the Eels, running rampant in the first half and never looking back. The Tigers continued to look like they are getting their mojo back on attack but were struck a severe blow with the freakish Marika Koroibete being added to the casualty list. The Tigers managed to complete 88% of their sets, a rare site with the way that group likes to fling the ball about, but they missed 31 tackles which is continuing to be troublesome as they sit tied for first in the NRL in that category. Tied for second in line breaks, the Tigers appear to be growing more dangerous, but while they sit around the top third in points scored, they sit around the top third in points conceded also. Robbie Farah continues to be among the very best players in the comp and is second in the NRL in tackles with 126 already.
#8 Roosters - 4 points (prev #11)
Two wins in a row now for the Chooks as they blanked the Broncos in a huge defensive effort with 402 tackles. Completed 74% of their sets but 16 errors will need to be worked on. Jennings once again butchered what would have been a blinder of a try, but his performances really personify this Roosters team. They're getting there, doing good things but not quite cracking into that top echelon of teams yet. Jennings still had a fantastic game with 151 metres, 5 tackle breaks and 2 line breaks and his connection with Sonny Bill Williams continues to look like they could become the most potent combination in the competition. The Roosters are the only team to have so far eclipsed 1000 tackles with 1077 yet are nowhere to be found among the top teams in missed tackles which is encouraging, meanwhile they are tied for 3rd in line breaks.
#9 Eels - 2 points (prev #7)
After the first round eruption against the Warriors, the Eels have failed to build on that and now recorded back to back losses. The Eels allowed the Tigers to get out of the gate early and often, going into the break down 18 and while they displayed some character fighting back to win the second half 18-13, it proved too much of an ask to overcome the early lead they conceded. While they only registered 3 tries, the Eels backs look a threatening bunch, sitting tied for 4th in the NRL in tries, putting up points isn't a problem and they sit in the middle of the pack defensively. In round 2 the Eels offered nothing in the second half, in round 3 they offered nothing in the first half, they need to be putting 80 minute efforts together like they did in week 1.
#10 Cowboys - 2 points (prev #4)
Had a very, very bad showing against Newcastle falling to one from three now, but remember one of those losses came against Melbourne so it's hard to hold that one against them. What can be held against them however is a 67% completion rate, 30 missed tackles, 10 errors and getting over the line only once. The Cows scored first in the 9th minute, but the following 70 minutes were all one way traffic, the Cowboys really having an off night. Lock Dallas Johnson never gave up despite the scoreline and racked up 62 tackles. The Cowboys have put up just 40 points so far, 5th fewest in the comp, more is expected from such a dangerous attack. Little reason to panic however as the loss to Newcastle really just seemed like an off night which happens to every team on occasion, except maybe for Melbourne.
#11 Bulldogs - 2 points (prev #10)
Despite registering a second loss of the year, the short-handed Doggies did themselves proud, putting up a strong fight against Melbourne. While the Dogs have lost two out of three, those losses have come against Melbourne and the Cowboys, and with the Dogs getting back Ben Barba and Frank Pritchard this week, getting those tough opponents out of the way while they were depleted may prove beneficial. Currently sitting amongst the bottom third in both points allowed and points scored, the Bulldogs have still done a sufficient job of getting through this early stretch of the season with some big names missing. But while they still wait on Kasiano and Graham, the returning names this week will mean we can start to judge the 2013 Bulldogs more accurately.
#12 Broncos - 2 points (prev #8)
Unable to follow up a strong effort over the Dragons with another win, failing to even cross the line against the Chooks. The Broncos completed their sets well at 77%, put up some good metres with 1366 and won the possession battle with 54% but were unable to capitalize on any of this, not registering a single line break. Without Justin Hodges the Broncos really struggled to challenge the Roosters defensive line, failing to look very threatening at all. While they missed 30 tackles, the Broncos restricted the Roosters to just 1 try, they sit fourth in the comp in points conceded, allowing a stingy 36 points so far. The problem however is offensively, the Broncos have scored the fourth fewest points, 36 points also.
#13 Panthers - 2 points (prev #12)
Tried to do everything they could in a shoot out with the Bunnies putting up 6 tries, but the Rabbitohs had more weapons in their arsenal. Missed 34 tackles, a regular problem so far for the Panthers who are tied for first in the NRL in missed tackles with 91 and that has lead to them being the third worst team in the league defensively allowing 82 points so far. It's not all bad news for the Panthers however as they sit third in the NRL in points scored so continue to expect action packed games from this lot. The Panthers are getting some great efforts out of front rowers Tim Grant and Sam McKendry who combined for 281 metres in 90 metres last week while the addition of James Segeyaro is proving a great buy bringing some fantastic spark behind Kevin Kingston
#14 Raiders - 2 points (prev #16)
Made a trip to the winners circle for the first time in 2013 going over the Dragons with a comprehensive 5 try performance. Reece Robinson did his best to make people forget about Josh Dugan by grabbing two tries, setting up another and making 141 metres. Shaun Fensom went through a huge amount of work with 160 metres and 47 tackles, the Raiders combined rumbled their way to 1632 metres. Some encouraging signs from the Raiders but still a lot to work on, they sit last in the NRL in points conceded with 85 but they have at least now shown they can get over the line. A hot Newcastle team on the cards this week should be a huge challenge.
#15 Dragons - 0 points (prev #16)
The first of two teams without wins so far, the Dragons 13 year hoodoo in Canberra continued as the Red V failed to overcome the Raiders. 30 missed tackles and completing just 65% of their sets will be cause for concern. The Dragons at least were able to cross the line three times which may not seem like a lot but with the attacking struggles the Dragons have had it's something, however they're still second worst in the comp with only 33 points. It doesn't get much rosier on defence with the Dragons tied for third worst allowing 82 points so far. Trent Merrin remains one of the few bright points, amassing 45 tackles, 97 metres, 4 offloads and a try assist.
#16 Warriors - 0 points (prev #15)
Offered very little fight against the Sharks slumping to three losses from three games. The Warriors sporadic episodes of great play were quickly untangled by simple mistakes, a 40-20 followed up by a knock on on the first play summed the Warriors performance up. Unable to generate much in attack, the Warriors now have the least points scored through the first three rounds with just 28, the second most points against with 84 and the worst points differential in the competition. They've made the 5th most tackles and missed the 5th most as well. It likely won't get prettier any time soon with the Cowboys and Bunnies on the agenda.
@WellsNorthShore
No comments:
Post a Comment