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NRL Power Rankings, Round 24 - 2007

He is back! The Grubber returns from overseas in time to cast his eye over NRL Round 24 - presenting his now famous ‘NRL Power Rankings’. Be sure and stay tuned to NRL News every Tuesday for the Grubbers expert review and coverage of the NRL Finals series. No one talks Rugby League like our very own Grubber!

NRL Power Rankings Round 24, 2007:

1. (1) Melbourne Storm: Have solidified the most outright premiership favouritism in probably a decade. Seems that the only team capable of beating them at this stage is themselves and the knowledge that they failed from the same position last year. Will look to finish the season on a high this weekend before getting down to business. Power Score: 9/10, Last team to win back-to-back minor premierships and fail to capture the ultimate prize on either occasion: Manly-Warringah, 1982-1983.

2. (8) NZ Warriors: Their solid second-phase play and forward mongrel has them poised for a home ground advantage in week one. Capable of upsetting one of the front runners at the week two or week three mark in the finals. Have overcome their at times shaky halves combination to become highly productive offensively. Power Score: 8.5/10, Number of years before Warriors sell out another home game: 8.

3. (6) North Queensland Cowboys: Continue to improve their form and now have the luxury of resting players from Friday night’s clash against Canterbury. Guaranteed home final puts them in an excellent position of winning week one and giving themselves a slim chance of moving straight through to the week before the grand final. Big match players Thurston and Bowen appear to be in great form. Power Score: 8.5/10, Number of teams which News Ltd still retains an economic interest in: 2 (Melbourne Storm and Brisbane Broncos), oh, and of course they run the whole show over in NRL HQ.

4. (5) South Sydney Rabbitohs: Doing everything asked of them at the moment and Sunday’s demolition of the Tigers answered the criticism about their previously maligned attack. If they
can maintain their enthusiasm and ruthless defence they may be a bolter out of 6th or 7th place. Loss of Merritt a tough blow however. Power Score: 8/10, Number of dormant fans who have conveniently rediscovered their love of Souths: 10,000.

5. (3) Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles: Two losses in a row has the critics-in-waiting writing them off as a premiership chance. Regardless of their significant injury toll last weekend the Sea Eagles didn’t really come to play and they will need to focus on maintaining possession and completing sets, rather than ball playing if they are to secure an important pre-finals victory against the Dragons this Sunday. Power Score: 7.5/10, Consecutive matches that Manly lost under Paul Simpkins up to round 2 of the 2005 season: 11.

6. (12) Brisbane Broncos: Have it all in their own control this weekend against the Eels and certainly showed last Sunday that they are capable of lifting when there is something to play for. Will need all of their big game experience to come to the fore against an equally desperate Parramatta side. Power Score: 7.5/10, Last time Brisbane needed to win to earn a place in the finals: I can’t even remember. Aren’t they just guaranteed a spot every year?

7. (2) Canterbury Bulldogs: Poor effort on Friday night is pretty irrelevant to this mob. Come the finals, regardless of where they finish you just know that they’ll bring their A-game. Invariably they play better when the odds are stacked against them and will predictably conjure up some perceived victimisation from the NRL, media, society at large etc. to fuel their motivation to win. Power Score: 7/10, Irony of Bulldogs CEO Malcolm Noad accusing Manly-Warringah of poor sportsmanship after Eagles rested 5 players against the Warriors? Well, given the Bulldogs past 5 years of shame: A little too ironic, yes I really do think.

8. (4) Parramatta Eels: 3rd loss in a row has hammered thoughts of a home final finish and their final NRL Table placing is now out of their hands. Like the Sea Eagles they need to go back to basics. Must also get greater productivity from their halves if they are to be a serious threat in the finals. Power Score: 7/10, Odds of Parramatta recording another narrow 12-6 scoreline were they to finish 8th and meet the Storm in week one: 100-1.

9. (10) Penrith Panthers: Playing to their potential right now and were able to finish the Roosters off for the year with a consistent and determined performance. Look like better things may be ahead however loss of Gower will be felt by young halves coming through the ranks. Power Score: 7/10, Odds of Craig Gower behaving himself next year in a country where 1) the media couldn’t care less about him 2) he doesn’t speak the language: 1000-1. Odds of Amanda Flynn being convinced that the French media does care about her and Craig: 2-1

10. (11) Sydney Roosters: With everything to play for they couldn’t quite do what was needed and will rue their missed opportunity to make the finals in their 100th season. Power Score: 7/10, Odds of the Roosters belting Souths on Saturday night and condemning them to an 8th place shot against twice minor premiers Melbourne (pending other results): 2-1.

11. (15) St George-Illawarra Dragons: A good win against Parramatta last night, however they have been condemned to another lowly power ranking given their inability to put the hapless Eels away after a solid half time lead. The football that they played in the second half is probably far more indicative of their overall performance this season. Will be keen to go out on a solid note this Sunday however against a faltering Manly side. Power Score: 6.5/10, Odds of Peter Doust ever admitting that his position in jeopardy a la Nathan Brown: 100-1.

12. (14) Cronulla Sharks: Managed to grind out another victory with mediocre injury ravaged side. Must get points for their mental attitude given that the season has gone south in a pretty unceremonious fashion. Clash against Canberra this weekend is probably the least inspiring match-up since the Gold Coast Chargers last met the South Queensland Crushers. Power Score: 6/10, Percentage of fans in an online poll who thought the Sharks would be the first Sydney team to collapse or fold: 29%.

13. (7) Wests Tigers: Put in probably their worst performance of the last 5 years in their Leichhardt Oval loss to the fairytale Rabbitohs. Hard to see them making any impact in the finals even if they do defeat the Knights and the other results swing their way. Power Score: 5/10, Number of articles written in the lead up to the Souths v Tigers match which featured the phrases: “glory days”, “back in the day”, “halcyon days” or “80’s”: 2,395.

14. (13) Canberra Raiders: Were their own worst enemy against Brisbane, however they weren’t helped by a number of home town calls. Need to concentrate for sustained periods and improve defensive attitude if they are going to win away from Canberra in 2008. A pretty ho hum year really. After round 15 will turn their attention to the upcoming Federal Election. Power Score: 5/10, Odds of any other side being sponsored by a trade union: 200-1.

15. (9) Gold Coast Titans: Looked like the Gold Coast of yesteryear (and that’s not a good thing) in their error plagued loss to the Sharks. Their finish is probably a fair result given their season and most fans would be pretty happy with this kind of debut from a new club. Power Score: 4.5/10, Coach who was least justified in blaming the ref at the weekend: John Cartwright - you didn’t really expect a fair shake from the ref at Shark Park did you John? How unreasonable.

16. (16) Newcastle Knights: Brian Smith may want to expand his rebuilding time frame from 3 years to about 10 years. Looks like it’s going to take that long to get things sorted at the Knights. Can derail the Tigers this Friday night though and surely that’s gotta be something to play for. Power Score: 3/10, Number of clubs who would pay Kirk Reynoldson $196,000 a season: 0, including the Knights of course.

Yours in Rugby League,
The Grubber
NRLfeedback@gmail.com

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Which NRL teams are holding the Aces?

There were more upsets in Round 24 of the NRL, as we move into the final round for 2007 - which NRL teams are actually on a roll, with momentum in their favour before the all important NRL finals period kicks off?

Only 3 teams can really claim to have good momentum moving into the finals - and the finishing position of each of these teams won’t be known until the final game is played this weekend.

The Ace NRL teams are:

Melbourne Storm - Been the benchmark all year, haven’t been totally annihilating teams as they did earlier in the year - but rarely lose a game and have proved themselves in the past few weeks against good quality opposition. Ready to go one better in the 2007 NRL finals series.

NZ Warriors - A darkhorse all year, the Warriors have a quality lineup, good health and an impressive bench. They have been steamrolling teams in the past few weeks and with a win against lowly ranked Penrith - can secure a home semi final and really give the NRL finals a good shake.

South Sydney Rabbitohs - The Bunnies have been the ‘NRL Fairytale of 2007′ - proving themselves weekly and shrugging off the detractors. Playing with a tonne of passion and actually have the playing talent this year to not only compete in the finals, but win. Probably the team with the most fire in their belly and a side that will have plenty of additional fans in the finals series as they become everyone’s ’second team’. Could shock some big players in the finals on their current form and momentum.

Stay tuned to NRL News later today: the ‘Grubber‘ is back from overseas and ready to unleash his ‘NRL Power Rankings‘ for Round 24 and there are sure to be some surprises!

NRL Table

The NRL Table is now updated at the completion on Round 24, 2007. The Wests Tigers and Parramatta Eels faltering badly and missing their chances to secure attractive finals spots in the Top 8. The Broncos also have destiny in their owns hands, if they win on Sunday they also secure their Top 8 spot on the NRL Ladder.

1	Storm	20	3	1	306	42
2	Sea Eagles	17	6	1	216	36
3	Cowboys	14	9	1	-77	30
4	Warriors	12	10	1	155	27
5	Bulldogs	12	11	1	53	26
6	Eels	12	11	1	46	26
7	Rabbitohs	12	11	1	23	26
8	Broncos	11	12	1	81	24
9	Tigers	11	12	1	-18	24
10	Titans	10	13	1	-106	22
11	Roosters	9	13	1	-179	21
12	Sharks	9	14	1	50	20
13	Dragons	9	14	1	-74	20
14	Raiders	9	14	1	-120	20
15	Panthers	8	15	1	-64	18
16	Knights	8	15	1	-292	18

Parramatta Eels stumble again

NRL Round 24, 2007
Dragons 14 def Parramatta Eels 6

The Parramatta Eels are now left in finals limbo after going down to the underdog Dragons at WIN Stadium.

The equation was smiple, after the Bulldogs lost heavily to Melbourne - the Eels had another chance to move towards a Top 4 finals spot with a victory over strugglers St George Illawarra tonight.

The Dragons came out of the blocks looking more like the finals hopeful, setting up a 12-0 first half lead. Parramatta certainly helped the Dragons cause, proving to be their own worst enemies, committing 18 handling errors and turning in 38 missed tackles to slide to 6th on the NRL ladder. The gutsy performance by the Dragons tonight has seemingly allowed them to avoid stigma of the wooden spoon - leaving Penrith and Newcastle to fight over that award next week.

On th back of a 70% share of possession in the opening quarter of the game, it was a Mark Gasnier centre field burst from inside his own half that setup Rangi Chase to score under the posts. The Dragons showing their eagerness, with at least 3 players sprinting through to support Gasnier - Chase scoring untouched as the Eels were left in his wake.

The Dragons continued their momentum roll and scoring again just four minutes later, with a deliberate pinpoint Soward kick to winger Jason Nightingale to dive over and score - catching Eric Grothe well forward and out of position.

Adding to the Eels troubles tonight were injuries to Ian Hindmarsh and Chad Robinson, Hindmarsh injuring his neck badly and putting his NRL future in doubt and Robinson dislocating a shoulder, but returning later in the match. The Dragons also had their own injury problems, with Ben Creagh and Mark Gasnier needing constant running repairs. At one stage it looked like every second Dragons player had blood on their face somewhere.

The Eels eventually started to get an even share of possession, but continued to turn it over cheaply through impatient attack and limited direction from Tim Smith and Brett Finch. Several Parramatta raids ending in poor kicks or simple turnovers. The Dragons sured up their defence tonight, putting plenty of pressure on the Eels through fast line speed throughout the match and denying them the chance to get on the scoreboard before the half-time break.

Parramatta finally got on the board in the 60th minute, with lock Feleti Mateo receiving the ball on a last tackle play and electing to run at the line, touching down just wide of the posts. Krisnan Inu’s conversion left the visitors trailing 12-6 with 19 minutes left on the clock.

The Dragons looked to be tiring as the game wore on, however the Eels couldn’t get any momentum are rarely looked threatening. The Dragons young forwards were fearless tonight, their heavy metre eating giving Soward and Gasnier some good platfroms from which to work. Gaz in particular was dynamic tonight, showing up Tahu at times as he hovered on the edges and proving dangerous centre field also. Coach Nathan Browns election to alternate Gasnier between pivot and centre working well, with Rangi Chase performing nicely when Gasnier went wider.

No one really put their hand up for the Eels, again looking a yard off the pace and unable to build pressure through lack of repeat sets. The fancied Eels side was unable to stop the Dragons momentum roll tonight, the eager Saints combining nicely and showing when they follow a game plan and play disciplined Rugby League - they are a real contender.

For the Eels, their finals campaign has now been delivered a serious blow, their attitude next Sunday against the Broncos will go along way to showing what impact they will have in the NRL finals.

Kirk Reynoldson not exactly an angel

By Adam Sutcliffe

As the Kirk Reynoldson saga at the Knights shows no signs of going away, more headlines today being printed by Fairfax media relating to Kirk Reynoldson’s own contract dealings with his previous club the Melbourne Storm. Also in Newcastle, high profile Knights supporters including Jack Newton and John Singleton setting up a ‘war room’ with local businesses to brainstorm ideas, ultimately to force Brian Smith out of the coaching role at Newcastle.

Kirk Reynoldson has been portrayed in a favourable light by the media, an honest player who is not receiving a fair deal by his club in efforts to cut short his contract. In reports today however, it has come to light that Kirk Reynoldson and his manager were themselves not fully true to their word as they played games with the Melbourne Storm over contracts discussed and agreed to when Reynoldson was playing with the Storm in 2004.

The Storm have said Kirk Reynoldson initially didn’t have a good work ethic and his mindset and ability were brought along substantially by Craig Bellamy at Melbourne. The leading coach really bringing out the best in Reynoldson during his time at the Storm. Naturally Melbourne wanted to keep Kirk on-board and get some return from the effort they put into the Rugby League player. Reynoldson and his manager Les Ross had in principle agreed to extend terms with Melbourne beyond 2004, however an upgraded offer the next day from Newcastle saw Kirk Reynoldson jump ship and leave the Storm high and dry after they invested a tonne of work into the big back rower.

The story certainly carries a lot of weight, as Reynoldson has been painted as a media darling and looked to be the unfair loser over the Knights moves - however taking into account his actions at Melbourne, he really shouldn’t be throwing stones - as he burned the Storm to some degree in the same way.

In other developments, the fall out from Newcastle’s bad season has seen prominent businessman John Singleton join forces with Jack Newton and local Newcastle business’s to discuss ways that they can oust Newcastle coach Brian Smith. Also involved in the war is Reynoldson’s manager Les Ross. Ross is the father of former Melbourne Storm fullback Robbie and a businessmen with extensive experience in negotiation and financial planning.

It’s reported Ross holds the key to on-going discussions - as the Knights seeming take over from South Sydney as the club that struggles on field and continually fights internally.

Late Night NRL Chat

Sunday Late Night NRL chat - with only 1 more game remaining in Round 24 of the NRL, we look at the other burning issues taking place in the Rugby League gossip circles.

Newcastle Knights - Amid turmoil and unrest, Newcastle Knights power brokers have apparently approached Andrew Johns about an assistant coaching role. The club felt the standing and rapport Johns has with the players might help things into 2008. Apparently Joey has rejected the offers, his only dealings with the club may come in a ‘consultation’ capacity. Closest sources to Johns have advised him to keep his distance from the club - where he may be used politically by any warring parties. Andrew Johns is also reported to be moving to Sydney to base himself closer to his partner and to escape the spotlight of his small home town.

Jarryd Hayne - Rumours of the talented Parramatta back linking with South Sydney in 2009 continue to do the rounds. Hayne is tied to the Eels until the end of 2008, with his father Manoa Thompson a former Rabbitoh and the rising profile of the Bunnies these days; the move certainly seems to have some attraction to the boom Eels star.

Video Referee Bumbles - The nerves must be building as we get closer to finals time, video official Graeme West making a shocking call that turned the tide against the Raiders. West ruling ‘no try’ to Canberra’s Todd Carney as he touched the ball while making a tackle. Every person watching the game could see clearly that Carney didn’t play at the ball - somehow the person that counted got it all wrong. Neil Henry had every right to blow up like he did after the match, a dumbfounding call such as this one in the NRL finals would devastate a team.

Joe Williams a Bargain - France bound Joe Williams will surely be sought after by several NRL clubs midway through next year. Williams finishes his French contract midway through 2008 leaving him on the open market for a mid year NRL call up. On current form, he would be a handy buy for many NRL clubs.

Wests Tigers - The younger brother of Benji Marshall, 15 year old Jordan is making a name for himself on the touch football field as Benji once did. Selected in the under 18’s Australian touch side, many NRL clubs are keeping tabs on the prospect. Apparently the Wests Tigers get the first chance to sign Jordan, but he is sure to attract interest from other clubs. The quality runs in the Marshall family, with youngest brother Jeremy attending a sports high school in the Hills district of NSW reportedly showing talent like his brothers.

Willie Mason - When will the big man learn, not only does he have egg on his face after telling Roy Asotasi that joining Souths will mean Asotasi will never play finals football again - but his comments on the NRL Footy Show had fans cringing. While Willie has never been stylish with his tongue eg - with the accidental swearing and confusing ramblings on the Footy Show. Last Thursday he painted his coach Steve Folkes in a very poor light, as Mason interviewed the Tigers Robbie Farah about the detailed plans and video sessions of Tim Sheens. Willie Mason spoke of how ‘The Bulldogs don’t do a lot of video work in comparison and rarely enter a match with individual plans or tactics’. Fellow panelists were stunned as Mason painted the Dogs coaching techniques as carefree and lax in comparison to other teams.

Got some news or a point you want to express about an NRL topic? Drop us an email at NRLfeedback@gmail.com

NRL Table

This is how the NRL Table looks prior to tomorrow nights match between the Eels and the Dragons. The biggest losers obviously the Tigers and Titans, both pushed out of the Top 8 and needing miracles to find themselves in the finals mix. The Warriors shoot up the NRL Table above the Eels for now and have set themselves up for a nice finish. The Broncos need to beat the Eels at Parramatta Stadium to ensure their passage, the Wests Tigers will be sweating on the results of the Broncos and Bunnies games - the only teams they can realistically get ahead of by virtue of a win and/or a good points difference change.

At the other end of the NRL Table the battles are also taking place to avoid the spoon - Penrith need to topple the Warriors and the Knights must fancy themselves a chance to beat the out of sorts Tigers. The Dragons are also in the mix, they must jag a win either tomorrow night or next weekend.

1	Storm	20	3	1	306	42
2	Sea Eagles	17	6	1	216	36
3	Cowboys	14	9	1	-77	30
4	Warriors	12	10	1	155	27
5	Eels	12	10	1	54	26
6	Bulldogs	12	11	1	53	26
7	Rabbitohs	12	11	1	23	26
8	Broncos	11	12	1	81	24
9	Tigers	11	12	1	-18	24
10	Titans	10	13	1	-106	22
11	Roosters	9	13	1	-179	21
12	Sharks	9	14	1	50	20
13	Raiders	9	14	1	-120	20
14	Panthers	8	15	1	-64	18
15	Dragons	8	14	1	-82	18
16	Knights	8	15	1	-292	18

"Hey Willie, we’re finals bound" says Asotasi

NRL Round 24, 2007

Video Referee Decision Turns Match

NRL Round 24, 2007

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