The Knights’ impressive surge to the finals has seen Adam O’Brien’s men fly up the list of in-form NRL teams.
Meanwhile, the Panthers, Broncos and Warriors’ dominance has continued, taking up the top three spots.
The Eels and Sharks however, have slid down the pecking order and are now battling to keep their finals hopes alive.
Read below for the latest NRL Power Rankings!
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1. Penrith Panthers
Analysis: The Panthers are humming towards a third minor premiership in four years after thrashing the Sharks last week to make it five straight wins. Nathan Cleary looks like a man possessed and has someone taken his kicking game to another level in what is an ominous sign for the chasing pack. Penrith host the Storm on Friday night in a blockbuster top-four clash that will likely act as a finals precursor. But they’ll be without centre Tyrone Peachey for two games after he was suspended for a careless high tackle on Cronulla forward Jack Williams.
Injuries/suspensions: Tyrone Peachey (suspended, Round 25), Spencer Leniu (knee, Round 26), Izack Tago (leg, TBC), Taylan May (knee, season)
Run home: Storm (h), Sea Eagles (a), Titans (a), Eels (h), Cowboys (h)
Chances of finishing 1st: 84.8%
Chances of making Top 4: 99.9%
Chances of making Top 8: 100%
2. Brisbane Broncos
Analysis: The Broncos are the real deal in 2023 and if the Panthers slip up against the Storm then the club’s first minor premiership in 23 years will be there for the taking. Brisbane can make it five straight wins when they meet the Cowboys in Townsville on Saturday afternoon. Kevin Walters’ side is close to full strength after getting Tom Flegler back last week and Jesse Arthars returns against North Queensland. A Broncos victory in the Queensland Derby will cement their top four spot as they still have another bye in Round 25.
Injuries/suspensions: Jordan Riki (foot, Round 26), Corey Oates (knee, Round 26), Martin Taupau (suspended, Round 26)
Run home: Cowboys (a), Eels (h), bye, Raiders (a), Storm (h)
Chances of finishing 1st: 9.9%
Chances of making Top 4: 97.1%
Chances of making Top 8: 100%
3. New Zealand Warriors
Analysis: The Warriors enjoyed the bye last week after beating the Raiders to clinch their sixth win in seven games. They have a soft run home and remain a realistic chance of winning the club’s second ever minor premiership – and first in 21 years. The Warriors get back Marata Niukore (head knock) to face the Titans on Friday night, while Jazz Tevaga (calf) could also return after being named 18th Man. Superstar halfback Shaun Johnson is widely considered the favourite to win the Dally M Medal with just five rounds remaining.
Injuries: Edward Kosi (knee, Round 26), Brayden Wiliame (leg, indefinite), Te Maire Martin (leg, indefinite), Ali Leiataua (hamstring, indefinite), Valingi Kepu (foot, season)
Run home: Titans (a), Tigers (a), Sea Eagles (h), Dragons (h), Dolphins (a)
Chances of finishing 1st: 2.9%
Chances of making Top 4: 78.2%
Chances of making Top 8: 99.4%
4. Melbourne Storm
Analysis: The Storm bounced back emphatically last week with a thumping victory over the Eels just six days after a loss to the Knights that coach Craig Bellamy described as one of the worst he’d ever seen. It was the perfect way to prepare for their clash against the top-of-the-table Panthers this Friday. Enforcer Nelson Asofa-Solomona (finger) returns but Tariq Sims remains suspended for another week. Fullback Ryan Papenhuyzen (knee) will play reserve grade this weekend in his first game of the year, while Reimis Smith (hip) is still another two weeks away.
Injuries/suspensions: Tariq Sims (suspended, Round 24) Reimis Smith (hip, Round 25), Ryan Papenhuyzen (knee, TBC), Aaron Pene (ankle, indefinite), Dean Ieremia (knee, season)
Run home: Panthers (a), Raiders (h), Dragons (a), Titans (h), Broncos (a)
Chances of finishing 1st: 2.3%
Chances of making Top 4: 78.2%
Chances of making Top 8: 99.4%
5. Newcastle Knights
Analysis: The Knights are back, baby. A month ago, coach Adam O’Brien’s job was on the chopping block but four straight wins later and the club have recommitted to him for 2024. Newcastle produced another upset by toppling Canberra to now sit just one competition point outside the top eight – thanks to a draw earlier in the season. Superstar Kalyn Ponga is in the best form of his career at Newcastle and his move from the halves back to fullback has proved a masterstroke. Origin front-rower Daniel Saifiti (quad) remains sidelined.
Injuries: Daniel Saifiti (quad, Round 25), Krystian Mapapalangi (shoulder, indefinite), Bailey Hodgson (shoulder, season), Jayden Brailey (knee, season), Adam Clune (calf, Round 24)
Run home: Dolphins (a), Bulldogs (h), Rabbitohs (h), Sharks (h), Dragons (a)
Chances of making Top 4: 4.9%
Chances of making Top 8: 68.7%
Latrell’s ‘immediate impact’ for Souths | 01:26
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6. South Sydney Rabbitohs
Analysis: The Rabbitohs returned to winning ways last weekend as Latrell Mitchell finally returned from a calf complaint that had kept him sidelined for months. Mitchell was sensational on return as Souths cruised past the Tigers and they now face the Sharks who are looking to get their season back on track following three straight losses. The Rabbitohs are at full strength but their season will almost solely depend on Mitchell staying healthy.
Injuries: None.
Run home: Sharks (h), Dragons (h), Knights (a), bye, Roosters (h)
Chances of making Top 4: 4.6%
Chances of making Top 8: 68.1%
7. North Queensland Cowboys
Analysis: The Cowboys six-game winning run came to a grinding halt at the hands of the Titans last weekend. They had been the form team of the competition and now must pick themselves back up to face the Broncos in the Queensland Derby. Todd Payten’s men will have to do it without Val Holmes with the centre failing to have his careless high tackle downgraded at the judiciary on Tuesday night and he’ll now miss four games. Heilum Luki (facial injury) will return via the bench while Kyle Feldt (hamstring) has been listed in the reserves for the clash in Townsville. James Tamou (foot) is still two weeks away and Jeremiah Nanai (shoulder) won’t return until Round 27.
Injuries/suspensions: James Tamou (foot, Round 25), Jeremiah Nanai (shoulder, Round 27), Tom Chester (knee, season), Valentine Holmes (suspended, finals)
Run home: Broncos (h), bye, Sharks (h), Dolphins (a), Panthers (a)
Chances of making Top 4: 1.6%
Chances of making Top 8: 47.2%
8. Canberra Raiders
Analysis: Canberra stunned all and sundry to sit inside the top four after 20 rounds but they’ve since slipped back with consecutive losses against the Warriors and Knights. The fifth-placed Raiders have the worst points differential (-78) of the top 12 teams. Ricky Stuart’s men can get their season back on track this Sunday against the wooden spoon-bound Wests Tigers. Corey Harawira-Naera is the only top 17 player injured.
Injuries: Corey Harawira-Naera (seizure, indefinite), Xavier Savage (hamstring, Round 26)
Run home: Tigers (h), Storm (a), Bulldogs (h), Broncos (h), Sharks (a)
Chances of making Top 4: 14.9%
Chances of making Top 8: 86%
9. Manly Sea Eagles
Analysis: The Sea Eagles scored a much-needed win over the Dragons in Round 22 and have a bumper clash against the Roosters looming. Thursday night’s game is a must-win for both teams, but especially Manly who sit one-point outside of the top eight. The Sea Eagles have won three of their last four, but with some key injuries Anthony Seibold’s side are up against it. Both Taniela Paseka and Josh Aloiai remain sidelined, while an MCL injury to Christin Tuipulotu could see his season over but Ben Trbojevic (hamstring) returns this week. Sitting equal on 25 points with the high-flying Knights, Manly will be desperate to boost their -25 points differential, compared to the 72 held by Newcastle.
Injuries: Taniela Paseka (knee, finals), Josh Aloiai (shoulder, TBC), Karl Lawton (calf, Round 24), Tom Trbojevic (pectoral, season), Christian Tuipulotu (knee, TBC)
Run home: Roosters (a), Panthers (h), Warriors (a), Bulldogs (a), Tigers (h)
Chances of making Top 4: 1.4%
Chances of making Top 8: 40.5%
10. Parramatta Eels
Analysis: The Eels were bested by the Storm in Round 22 and now sit two points outside the top eight. Parramatta have the benefit of a last round bye, but face several tough games in their final four appearances. Brad Arthur’s side face minor premiership contenders the Broncos and Panthers in the coming weeks, and Parramatta will have to make every game to play finals. In a huge boost, star five-eighth Dylan Brown returns this week and should sure up the Eels’ defence and provide spark alongside Mitchell Moses in his first game back since he was charged with sexual touching.
Injuries/suspensions: Shaun Lane (elbow, Round 27), Maika Sivo (suspended, Round 25), Reagan Campbell-Gillard (suspended, Round 25), Josh Hodgson (neck, season)
Run home: Dragons (h), Broncos (a), Roosters (h), Panthers (a), bye
Chances of making Top 4: 0.1%
Chances of making Top 8: 15.4%
11. Cronulla Sharks
Analysis: There’s no two ways about it, the Sharks are in a rut having lost their past three clashes while conceding an average of 34 points per game. It doesn’t get any easier this week against the Rabbitohs who returned to winning ways last week after Latrell Mitchell finally made his injury comeback. Fullback Will Kennedy (hamstring) limped off against the Panthers last weekend and will miss 6-8 weeks, while Sione Katoa (finger) and Ronaldo Mulitalo (jaw) were also injured but have been named to play this week. Sharks halfback Nicho Hynes’ needs to snap out of his post-Origin form slump and string some wins together against top eight teams, or Cronulla won’t be playing finals.
Injuries: Will Kennedy (hamstring, finals), Teig Wilton (knee, season), Kade Dykes (knee, season), Dale Finucane (bicep, season)
Run home: Rabbitohs (a), Titans (h), Cowboys (a), Knights (a), Raiders (h)
Chances of making Top 4: 8.2%
Chances of making Top 8: 64.1%
Latrell’s ‘immediate impact’ for Souths | 01:26
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TALKING PTS: Cleary ‘clinic’ sends shockwaves; Dolphins’ dream all but over
JUDICIARY: Dragons elect to challenge forward’s ban; Huge blow for Cowboys
12. Gold Coast Titans
Analysis: The Titans scored an unlikely victory over the Cowboys in Round 22, but their hopes of making the finals are all but gone, currently sitting four points out of the top eight. To make matters worse, centre Jojo Fifita has suffered an ankle injury. Skipper Tino Fa’asuamaleaui also remains sidelined for one more week, and with a loss against the Warriors in Round 23 their slim hopes of making the finals will be dashed. Titans powerbrokers will be focused on retaining star duo David Fifita and Fa’asuamaleau for the remainder of the season after the pair became free agents due to Justin Holbrook’s axing.
Injuries: Tino Fa’asuamaleaui (suspended, Round 24), Jaimin Jolliffe (hand, Round 25), Aaron Booth (knee, indefinite), Beau Fermor (knee, season)
Run home: Warriors (h), Sharks (a), Panthers (h), Storm (a), Bulldogs (h)
Chances of making Top 8: 1.8%
13. The Dolphins
Analysis: No one expected the Dolphins to come close to finals football and with a win over the Bulldogs in Round 22, they could have been well and truly in the race. But after going down by one point, their chances have almost vanished. Super coach Wayne Bennett’s side have impressed the NRL world in their debut season, but injuries to key players like Tom Gilbert (shoulder) have hurt the Dolphins. Every rugby league fan’s second team will have to wait another year for post-season football, and with star recruits Herbie Farnworth and Tom Flegler arriving they could be a serious contender next season. To close out the year, the Dolphins will be desperate to make every post a winner and finish as high as possible in one of the tightest ladders in recent memory.
Injuries: Brenko Lee (leg, indefinite), Tom Gilbert (shoulder, season)
Run home: Knights (h), Roosters (a), Tigers (a), Cowboys (h), Warriors (h)
Chances of making Top 8: 3.9%
14. Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs
Analysis: The Bulldogs showed some heart in Round 22 to score a one-point victory over the Dolphins, with star off-season recruit Viliame Kikau scoring his first try for the club. That victory has all but removed them from the wooden spoon conversation and Cameron Ciraldo can give Bulldogs fans a glimpse of what to expect next season with a strong finish in 2023. Canterbury also enjoy the bye this week, giving them a much-needed spell before they face the red-hot Knights. In a big boost, $800k prop Luke Thompson also returned via NSW Cup this week and could be given another week to improve his match fitness before returning to first grade.
Injuries: Luke Thompson (foot, indefinite)
Run home: bye, Knights (a), Raiders (h), Sea Eagles (h), Titans (a)
Chances of winning wooden spoon: 3.7%
15. Sydney Roosters
Analysis: The Roosters slide continued in Round 22, going down to the Broncos which saw their gap with the top eight grow, sitting four points off the Cowboys in eighth. To make matters worse, young gun halfback Sam Walker’s return has been delayed while Egan Butcher also failed his HIA and will be sidelined under the NRL’s concussion protocols. The Roosters have to win every game from here on in to be a chance of slotting in the top eight, but with an in-form Manly side in the way in Round 23, their fate might be secured after Thursday night’s clash. If they can win this round, they could receive a boost with Connor Watson set to return via NSW Cup this week, which could see him promoted to first grade in Round 24.
Injuries: Naufahu Whyte (knee, TBC), Paul Momirovski (shoulder, Round 22), Connor Watson (knee, Round 22), Sam Walker (knee, indefinite), Sitili Tupouniua (neck, indefinite), Angus Crichton (knee, indefinite)
Run home: Sea Eagles (h), Dolphins (h), Eels (a), Tigers (h), Rabbitohs (a)
Chances of making Top 8: 5.2%
16. St George Illawarra Dragons
Analysis: The Dragons delivered a valiant performance against the Sea Eagles in Round 22, coming within six points of spoiling Daly Cherry-Evans’ milestone match. With a two-win buffer over the last-placed Tigers, interim coach Ryan Carr will be confident his team can avoid the wooden spoon. However, the Red V have a tough run home, with every team they face in contention for the finals. To make matters worse, reliable forward Jack de Belin will spend four weeks on the sideline after failing in his attempt to overturn his ban for a hip-drop tackle.
Injuries/suspensions: Ben Murdoch-Masila (knee, Round 23), Paul Turner (hip, Round 23), Viliami Fifita (knee, Round 23), Jayden Sullivan (hamstring, Round 26), Jack de Belin (suspended, Round 27,) Cody Ramsey (illness, next season), Jaydn Su’A (shoulder, next season), Tyrell Fuimaono (hip, indefinite)
Run home: Eels (a), Rabbitohs (a), Storm (h), Warriors (a), Knights (h)
Chances of winning wooden spoon: 8.4%
17. Wests Tigers
Analysis: As each round passes, the Tigers’ chances of winning the wooden spoon grow. It’s a two-horse race for the NRL’s least coveted prize, but the Dragons have a four-point buffer meaning Tim Sheens’ outfit will have to go on a win streak to avoid 17th place. The Tigers have also been dealt two fresh injury blows, with Shawn Blore sidelined due to a head knock and Daine Laurie out with a knee injury which will see Will Smith return to the halves. The merger club also face multiple teams in the finals race, making it even harder for them to beat teams with desires to play post-season football, starting with the Raiders at GIO Stadium.
Injuries: Adam Doueihi (knee, next season), Shawn Blore (head knock, TBC), Daine Laurie (knee, TBC)
Run home: Raiders (a), Warriors (h), Dolphins (h), Roosters (a), Sea Eagles (a)
Chances of winning wooden spoon: 87.8%
