Power Rankings - Round 18

1. North Queensland Cowboys
The North Queensland Cowboys had a bye in round 18.

2. Brisbane Broncos
Traditionally, the Origin period has been one of losses for the Brisbane Broncos. This year, however, Coach Wayne Bennett has managed to push his team through Origin without dropping a game. Good wins in recent weeks against the Bulldogs and Knights have put the Broncos in good spirits, and they should be much too strong for the Tigers on Sunday.

3. Sydney Roosters

4. Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs
Trent Hodkinson was rested for the Bulldogs match against the Broncos last weekend, although James Graham made his return from injury, so the team still had two halfbacks in the side. It was through the forwards that the Bulldogs fell behind though, with the Broncos out-muscling them in the middle of the field. Hodkinson's return this weekend sees livewire Moses Mbye forced to the interchange bench.

5. New Zealand Warriors
Shaun Johnson helped his under strength side to the win over the Melbourne Storm last week, however he limped away from mid-week training and is in doubt for this weekend's game against the Roosters. If he's out it will be a big blow for his side, who rely on him heavily for their direction and spark in attack.

6. Melbourne Storm
The Origin period has been decidedly unhelpful for the Storm, as they've dropped their last 4 games in a row. They'll need to lift this weekend against the Panthers. Their usually clinical attack has been struggling, and the loss of Billy Slater at the back is proving more of a hassle than most anticipated. Cameron Munster is good, but he lacks the finesse and control that Slater provides from fullback.

7. South Sydney Rabbitohs
The South Sydney Rabbitohs had a bye in round 18.

8. Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks
A win is a win. The Sharks easily accounted for the Dragons last weekend, although, to be honest, they were playing against practically a reserve grade side. Paul Gallen's return, coupled with the new found form of Benny Barba (thanks to the Knights for playing him back into form) should see the Sharks lift for the run in to the finals.

9. Penrith Panthers
The Panthers' injury toll is really starting to cause them some major issues. The Penrith side only managed 4 points against the Roosters, but it was their defence that was more of a concern. In our weekly feature "The Synopsis", George Peterson outlined the fact that the Panthers are missing way too many tackles - including 42 last weekend. Missing that many tackles makes it almost impossible to win.

10. Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles
Daly Cherry-Evans first appearance on the Gold Coast after reneging on his deal was less than friendly, but it was his Sea Eagles that walked away with the victory. After starting the season in... lackluster fashion, the Sea Eagles have struck form, and look to finally be playing the football we all expected from them in the preseason. This Monday night against the Cowboys will be a big test.

11. Canberra Raiders
Blake Austin single handedly tore the Knights to shreds last weekend, and yet he is apparently not in the top 17 players that NSW have to offer. For the Raiders, the loss of Sam Williams will be a major concern. Similar to the combination of Cronk and Thurston at Origin level, Williams provides structure to the Canberra side, which allows Austin to chime in wherever he sees fit. Without him, will the Raiders lose their direction?

12. St. George Illawarra Dragons
Yet another loss for the Dragons, as their slip down the ladder continues. It wasn't entirely their fault this week though, as they trotted out a side lacking a number of regular first graders. The Dragons welcome back Josh Dugan, Benji Marshall, Tyson Frizell and Joel Thompson this week, and they'll need all the help they can get against the Rabbitohs on Saturday night.

13. Parramatta Eels
The Parramatta Eels had a bye in round 18.

14. Gold Coast Titans
The Titans were underwhelming last week against the Sea Eagles, conceding 7 ties in an insipid performance. Greg Bird will return to the side, although he will probably lack match fitness after an extended period on the sideline. The good news? The Titans are up against the Knights this week - one of the only teams to turn in a worse performance.

15. Wests Tigers
The Wests Tigers had a bye in round 18.

16. Newcastle Knights
The excuses are starting to run thin for the Knights. After winning only one game from their last twelve, the Knights are in a dire position. Every post match interview this year has been about the number of players out, and how the team is about to turn things around. However, the troops are starting to return, and the results aren't changing. Is Coach Stone the next excuse?