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El Coconuto's Power Rankings 2004
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The Forum Sevens Power Rankings are in essence a form guide updated on a weekly basis. They are based predominantly on statistics but quality and range of articles as well as opposition quality.

Round Six - Sunday 6th June - Wednesday 16th June

With both the club and representative season now two-thirds of the way through, the Finals picture didn't get any clearer last round with a series of mix results and no team more than four competition points outside of a finals berth. New South Wales dominated the underarmed Queensland side in the last played match but with the club scene back on again, things will be pushed back to full throttle as each squad looks to either solidify or attain a top four position. Entering the mix this round are the clubs seasonal form guide so without any further ado, here are the power rankings.

1. Newtown Bluebags
Sprang to the summit of the Power Rankings for the first time this season thanks to an emphatic victory over former table topping side the East's Roosters. Look nothing short of great and have put a two round scare behind them as they head into the closing stages of the season. A more favourable run home in comparison to their finals challengers means Newtown will more than likely be in the finals mix. If they stay true to form, a home semi final will follow suit. A revitalised Parramatta Eels side awaits the Bluebags on the road.
Last Rounds Rank: 5th
Last Round: def East's Roosters (43.4-42.5)
Next Round: vs Parramatta Eels @ Parramatta Stadium
Seasonal Form: B W L W L W

2. Cronulla Sutherland Sharks
While their predecessors scalped last rounds number one ranked team, Cronulla were busy in Redfern Oval taking apart the second ranked Bunnies. At this stage, Cronulla are the only team in the competition that have attained three straight victories but may be haunted by their dismal start if they are not sharp in the closing stages of the season. The job doesn't get any easier against the Penrith Panthers on the road this round, and despite being in the hottest form of the competition, the club is still sitting outside the top four. A must win.
Last Rounds Rank: 6th
Last Round: def Souths Rabbitohs (42.3-32.1)
Next Round: vs Penrith Panthers @ Panthers Stadium
Seasonal Form: L L D W W W

3. East Coast Rhinos
Purely having the bye escalated the Rhinos up in the power rankings. Have a tough run home but sit comfortably on the ladder at this stage. That being said, the Rhino's still need to be at their best to maintain that finals position as the rest of the competition is rapidly starting to shift into gear. Table-toppers for now and still proving their worth as the only team to have lost a single match thus far. Look safe for a top four finish.
Last Rounds Rank: 4th
Last Round: Bye
Next Round: vs Sydney Lions @ Stampede Stadium
Seasonal Form: W W D W L B

4. Easts Roosters
Shafted from the top spot by the Bluebags but shouldn't be too worried by that or being replaced as the hottest team in the power rankings. Putting the lucky Lions aside, the Roosters have the best for and against of any other team in the competition and will certainly need them if the competition remains as close as it is. We have been told the Roosters have been holding back and can only look forward to when all guns come blazing. For now, the Roosters will have to be satisfied with mid-table form.
Last Rounds Rank: 1st
Last Round: loss to Newtown Bluebags (42.5-43.4)
Next Round: vs Souths @ Sydney Football Stadium
Seasonal Form: W L W B W L

5. Souths Rabbitohs
After showing great spurns of a championship team at the start of the season the Redfern-based boys suffered a minor hiccough against the Cronulla Sharks, taking a beating in front of their home fans. Are just managing to hold onto a top four finish but one win in three games does not boost too well for the Bunnies as they hit the road to face perennial powerhouse side the Easts Roosters. With the Sharks and Panthers on their tails, the Rabbitohs must be careful with their somewhat more difficult run home.
Last Rounds Rank: 2nd
Last Round: loss to Cronulla Sutherland Sharks (32.1-42.3)
Next Round: vs Easts Roosters @ Sydney Football Stadium
Seasonal Form: W W B L W L

6. Parramatta Eels
Believe it or not, Parramatta are just a game outside the top four with a sensational turn around in form to stake a last minute claim for a finals berth. Parramatta has had a strong representation in the representative season and will treat their upcoming match with the Newtown Bluebags as a do or die match in terms of trying to attain a top four finish. Easier said than done I know, but in saying that anything is possible given how extremely close this season is panning out to be. A semi-difficult run home means if they do end up finals contenders, they will have deserved every bit of it.
Last Rounds Rank: 8th
Last Round: def Sydney Lions (43.8-42.8 )
Next Round: vs Newtown Bluebags @ Parramatta Stadium
Seasonal Form: L B L L W W

7. Penrith Panthers
You really want to sympathise for the Panthers who have not lost a game by anything else but 0.1. Just when they start getting a roll on, they loose to a team they should've beaten. Unfortunately, because other teams are starting to kick into gear the Penrith Panthers fall victim to a dramatic power rankings slip. Almost as alarming to the unlucky nature of the Penrith losses, is the difficult run home which includes the Sharks, Roosters and a rejuvenated Eels side, all desperate for victories. If the Panthers miss the finals, they will be one of the unluckiest teams in Forum Sevens history.
Last Rounds Rank: 3rd
Last Round: loss to Coos Bay Pirates (42.4-42.5)
Next Round: vs Cronulla Sutherland Sharks @ Panthers Stadium
Seasonal Form: L L W W B L

8. Coos Bay Pirates
Against heavy odds the Pirates were able to come together to post a victory against their much fancied opponents to farewell Olympic Park for the season in uplifting fashion. Can technically still make the finals, but will need other results to go their way for this to happen. On top of this, the Pirates will also be wary of the run home which includes the Sharks and the Roosters both on the road. Unlikely, but not impossible, the Pirates will give all they can to finish off the season in style.
Last Rounds Rank: 9th
Last Round: def Penrith Panthers (42.5-42.4)
Next Round: Bye
Seasonal Form: W L L L L W

9. Sydney Lions
After a great and somewhat lucky start to the season the Lions faded from form, and fast. Like the Pirates the Lions can mathematically still make the finals but form suggests they will struggle to even challenge the current top four. If there's one thing the Lions have going for them, it's their for and against which as already expressed was gifted to them by other sides. Have a semi favourable run home, including a bye in round eight but matches against the Rhinos and Bluebags may ultimately spell the end of the season for the Lions.
Last Rounds Rank: 7th
Last Round: loss to Parramatta Eels (42.8-43.8 )
Next Round: vs East Coast Rhinos @ Stampede Stadium
Seasonal Form: L W W L L L

Ranking Key = Seed Rising - Seed Falling - Seed Stable

Season Form Key = Win - Loss - Draw - Bye

Disclaimer: The above is based on the thoughts and opinions of the author alone and should not be taken as doctrine.

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.

Sorry, no round four power rankings.

Round Three - Sunday 11th April - Wednesday 21st April

Introducing into the Power Rankings this week is the stat-tracker, exposing key statistics to an individual or team as the competition progresses.

1. Souths Rabbitohs
If there was ever a week you wanted to be on the sideline it was probably this week. The bunnies can thank a super effort from the Panthers for being able to retain the number one spot without playing. Will the bye provide the refreshing boost the Souths will need this round against perennial powerhouses the Newtown Bluebags? Only time will tell, but statistically it must be noted that the Souths Rabitohs now stand alone at the pinnacle of the ladder and are the only team that has taken maximum amount of competition points available thus far.
Last Rounds Rank: 1st
Last Match: Bye
Next Match: vs Newtown Bluebags @ Redfern Oval
Stat Tracker: Have collected a maximum 6/6 competition points thus far.

2. Sydney Lions
The luckiest team in the Forum Sevens Competition to this date. In round two, the Lion's came up against a three-man Cronulla Sharks team and followed up with a victory this round against a four-man Coos Bay Pirates outfit. Whether or not they deserve to be where they are is irrelevant because quite clearly the Lion's are showing that effort and consistency doesn't go to waste. Will need to be on their absolute best to keep the string of victories flowing as they suite up against a revitalised Penrith Panthers line-up on the road.
Last Rounds Rank: 4th
Last Match: def Coos Bay Pirates (42.3-34.5)
Next Match: vs Penrith Panthers @ Panthers Stadium
Stat Tracker: Have the best 'For & Against' of any team at +23.5

3. Easts Roosters
Went about their business silently this week and did so in impressive style. The fact that they knocked off an under-manned Eels squad shouldn't diminish the fact that the Roosters scored the highest team total this round. The bye comes at a perfect time for the Roosters who will use the two points as a springboard possibly edging them closer to the peak of the ladder come round five, when they play next.
Last Rounds Rank: 6th
Last Match: def Parramatta Eels (43.7-32.2)
Next Match: Bye
Stat Tracker: The only home team to win this round. Cronulla who were next best could only manage a draw. Also tallied the highest team score for the round and season, setting the benchmark at a total of 43.7

4. Newtown Bluebags
The Panthers were going to come good sooner rather than later so it's hardly fair for the Bluebags to drop down two places from last round. Despite the defeat, Newtown still sits comfortably on the ladder and will relish the opportunity to redeem themselves against table-topping Souths in the next round. Always gracious in defeat, the Newtown side sets a great standard amongst the growing tension that the competition continues to endure.
Last Rounds Rank: 2nd
Last Match: loss to Penrith Panthers (42.6-42.9)
Next Match: vs Souths Rabitohs @ Redfern Oval
Stat Tracker: Continue to set the benchmark for offence on average at a team total of 42.55 PPG (Points Per Game).

5. East Coast Rhinos
Dropped their first point of the competition but the repercussions seem so much more damning. Involved in the most controversial Forum Sevens match for the season thus far, against a re-energised Cronulla team. Whilst the Rhino's had very little to do with the incident, which was little more than a analytical error on the referees part, the aftermath has only slightly dragged down the credibility within the team (who at one stage even called for the Sharks to have their point stripped). Considering it was their first road trip for the season, the Rhino's should walk away from this contest feeling a degree of satisfaction.
Last Rounds Rank: 3rd
Last Match: drew with Cronulla Sutherland Sharks (41.7-41.7)
Next Match: vs Coos Bay Pirates @ Olympic Stadium
Stat Tracker: Are (with the Roosters) the only team not to concede victory at home. 2-0 at home for the season.

6. Penrith Panthers
Booyah! After two heartbreaking defeats by the narrowest of margins the Panthers got their season underway with a stellar performance against the Newtown Bluebags away from home. Whilst their rise and turn in victory was never in doubt, the primary key for the Panthers now will be to keep the ball rolling. Based on last rounds performance, the Panthers may have attained the spark that was necessary to make a push for finals honours.
Last Rounds Rank: 8th
Last Match: def Newtown Bluebags (42.9-42.6)
Next Match: vs Sydney Lions @ Panthers Stadium
Stat Tracker: 0.1 seems to be the theme going here for the Panthers. After suffering two 0.1 losses two open the season, the Panthers 'For & Against' now stands at +0.1 thanks to a 0.3 victory over Bluebags. Scary huh?

7. Coos Bay Pirates
After dubbing them the dark horse to win the competition the Pirates have put in two sub-par performances and have paid the ultimate price for it. The Munich-based team had this week's game in the bag but a no show from the usually reliable Anastabation almost certainly cost the team victory, needing only a score in excess of 7.8 to claim the two competition points. Will look to get their now shaky season back on track against the East Coast Rhino's back at home.
Last Rounds Rank: 5th
Last Match: loss to Sydney Lions (34.5-42.3)
Next Match: vs East Coast Rhinos @ Olympic Stadium
Stat Tracker: Had the rounds best poster with Thierry Henry scoring 9.2 for his article 'It Aint Fun No More'.

8. Cronulla Sutherland Sharks
Some disappointing comments made by a team member post-game, indulged the Sharks in a sea of controversy that may have repercussions on the way the competition works (or at least who'll be refereeing). Managed to scrape together their first competition point of the season with a draw against the Rhino's but many players will remember this round not for the excellent quality of posts that was displayed, but for the seriousness in which the game is coming to be played. Must use this week to think long and hard about where the season is heading.
Last Rounds Rank: 9th
Last Match: drew with East Coast Rhinos (41.7-41.7)
Next Match: vs Parramatta Eels @ Parramatta Stadium
Stat Tracker: Sit at the bottom of the Forum Sevens table with only 1 competition point.

9. Parramatta Eels
Even if they'd have got that last poster in, the Eels wouldn't have collected victory against the Easts. Were it not for their round two bye, the Eels would be sitting dead last in the competition. If they are to stay in the hunt for a finals berth they need to get it right back at home against the visiting Cronulla Sharks. To be fair to the Eels, they've played two teams who were red hot going into the match.
Last Rounds Rank: 7th
Last Match: loss to Easts Roosters (32.2-43.7)
Next Match: vs Cronulla Sutherland Sharks @ Parramatta Stadium
Stat Tracker: Only team not to have earned a competition point at this stage.

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.

Round Two - Sunday 28th March - Wednesday 7th April

1. Souths Rabbitohs
While the Easter Bunny was kept busy over the weekend, Souths were on the road racking up more Power Rankings browning points. Second round, second win, both coming on the road. A very impressive start to the season for the Bunnies. Porbably has the widest range of articles as a team thus far and if the consistency they've displayed to us continues, Souths will very much be a team to be reckoned with.
Last Rounds Rank: 2nd
Last Match: def Penrith Panthers (41.3-41.2)
Next Match: Bye

2. Newtown Bluebags
We haven't seen Newtown since last years grand final heartbreaker, but you wouldn't have known they've been absent for that long based on their first performance of the season. Knocked off last weeks number one seed and become the first team to hand the Pirates a loss. Once again performing like the powerhouse we know them to be.
Last Rounds Rank: 4th
Last Match: vs def Coos bay Pirates (42.5-41.3)
Next Match: vs Penrith Panthers @ Henson Park

3. East Coast Rhinos
Regardless of what you think of the Rhino's, they're getting the victories and against top quality teams as well. Stampede Stadium is definately proving to be a drawcard for the squad as crowd attendances continue to set the benchmark for the rest of the competition. Face their first test on the road against a struggling Cronulla Sharks outfit and look good odds to repeat last weeks result.
Last Rounds Rank: 5th
Last Match: def Easts Roosters (40.6-40.4)
Next Match: vs Cronulla Sutherland Sharks @ Shark Park

4. Sydney Lions
Were handed victory and this ranking by a pitiful Sharks outfit but even still, they clocked in the second highest score of the round. The test gets much harder this round as they visit a bloodthirsty Coos Bay Pirates on the road. Received a good boost in the 'For and Against' points system this round, one which may well raise their ladder position as the season draws on.
Last Rounds Rank: 8th
Last Match: def Cronulla Sutherland Sharks (41.9-25.3)
Next Match: Coos Bay Pirates @ Olympic Park

5. Coos Bay Pirates
The Pirates first ever loss hits them hard on the Power Rankings this week and that's hardly fair as there really isn't any shame in losing to the hot favourites on the road. Will tussle with the Lions this round for 'Top Four Power Rankings' rights and have shown they are able to get the job done against all odds. Returning to the Olympic Park will do the chances no harm either.
Last Rounds Rank: 1st
Last Match: loss to Newtown Bluebags (41.3-42.5)
Next Match: vs Sydney Lions @ Olympic Park

6. Easts Roosters
Surprising losers against an in-form Rhino's team but the squad rotation is certainly starting to come into play for the Roosters. Aren't the ever-feared powerhouse team we remember them to be last season, but this season is still young and odds are the Roosters will only get better as the season progresses. Tough test against a fresh Parramatta this round for the Chooks, but the home season debut should give them the edge.
Last Rounds Rank: 3rd
Last Match: loss to East Coast Rhinos (40.4-40.6)
Next Match: vs Parramatta Eels @ Sydney Football Stadium

7. Parramatta Eels
Enjoyed the bye last week and face a daunting task this week against the Roosters at the Sydney Football Stadium. Not impossible to win as the Rhino's proved last round, but the team must dig deep to defeat the defending champions. Is it just me, or does anyone else notice that Parramatta hasn't received their two 'bye' points for this round on the official ladder at the time of this post?
Last Rounds Rank: 7th
Last Match: Bye
Next Match: vs Easts Roosters @ Sydney Football Stadium

8. Penrith Panthers
I almost want to have a minutes silence for the poor Panthers. One 0.1 loss is enough to make you cringe, but a second? Ouch! An 8th seed does the Panthers no justice whatsoever but so long as other teams are winning, not even a generous power ranking can be handed over to the Panthers. To be fair, the Panthers have lost to quality teams who are both 2-0 for the season.
Last Rounds Rank: 6th
Last Match: loss to Souths Rabitohs (41.2-41.3)
Next Match: vs Newtown Bluebags @ Henson Park

9. Cronulla Sutherland Sharks
Managed to hold a firm grasp on last place and it's no wonder why. Become the first team to drop a post (or two at that) and have a player walk out for the season. Must find answers this week against a red hot Rhino's outfit. It'll take a big effort for Cronulla to move from this rock bottom position this round, and its almost certain there is no room for error for the rest of the season, period.
Last Rounds Rank: 9th
Last Match: loss to Sydney Lions (25.3-41.9)
Next Match: vs East Coast Rhinos @ Shark Park

Disclaimer: The above is based on the thoughts and opinions of the author alone and should not be taken as doctrine.

Round One: Sunday 14th, March - Wednesday 24th, March

1. Coos Bay Pirates
Ok, let's get one thing straight right here right now, the Pirates are definately the dark horse to win this years Forum Sevens Competition. In the past time, this position would have been occupied by one of either the Roosters, Bluebags and Panthers which is testament as to the quality this team posseses. Anything said at this stage is hardly worth dwelling on as it's so early on in the season, but the Pirates got off to the exact start they said they would.
Last Rounds Rank: -
Last Match: def Parramatta Eels (40.9-40.1)
Next Match: vs Newtown Bluebags @ Henson Park

2. Souths Rabbitohs
I'm glad I never released my preseason predictions, because if I did, I'd be looking pretty foolish due to the fact that I had the bunnies locked in dead last. An excellent performance against the Lion's puts them at the head of the table. Are in for a big match on the road this round.
Last Rounds Rank: -
Last Match: def Sydney Lions (42.5-41.6)
Next Match: vs Penrith Panthers@ Panthers Stadium

3. Easts Roosters
There is an old saying that the objective of true leaders is not to produce good followers, but to produce good future leaders. Big ups to the Roosters who emulate this saying better than any other team. Third year, third captain, same old result...a victory. Looking good so far and are just starting to warm up.
Last Rounds Rank: -
Last Match: def Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks (41.0- 40.8 )
Next Match: East Coast Rhinos @ Stampede Stadium

4. Newtown Bluebags
Sitting out the first week via the bye didn't hurt this teams power ranking, but to be fair it didn't do anything either. The Bluebags got the chance to sit and watch the quality of opposition they'll be facing throughout the season. If carry-over form from last season continues, the bluebags are bound to jump up the rankings next round which against the Pirates, will be a cracker.
Last Rounds Rank: -
Last Match: -
Next Match: vs Coos Bay Pirates @ Henson Park

5. East Coast Rhinos
Statistically, the Rhino's are probably better off than most other teams (despite sitting fourth on the table), as they've clocked in second in the league on the only front a team has power over, their offence. Beat a highly rated Penrith Panthers side and return home for the second week in a row.
Last Rounds Rank: -
Last Match: def Penrith Panthers (42.3-42.2)
Next Match: vs Easts Roosters @ Stampede Stadium

6. Penrith Panthers
Unlucky losers in the closest match thus far (and technically you can't get any closer either). Shouldn't be too disheartened about the loss, as close as it was due to the incredible depth and versatility the team carries which is up their with the elite. Likely to move up the rankings as the season goes on.
Last Rounds Rank: -
Last Match: loss to East Coast Rhinos (42.2-42.3)
Next Match: vs Souths Rabbitohs @ Panthers Stadium

7. Parramatta Eels
There's no shame in losing to the Pirates at all, let alone on the road. This season is just that close that there isn't a great deal seperating 5th to 9th, and people need to understand that. Can take a sit back this week and enjoy the competition from the stands.
Last Rounds Rank: -
Last Match: loss to Coos Bay Pirates (40.1-40.9)
Next Match: Bye

8. Sydney Lions
Despite sitting rock bottom of the table the Lions outscored five other teams in the competition (two of them being winners). Not a bad performance at all by the newcomers, they were just outgunned by a team who came out firing.
Last Rounds Rank: -
Last Match: loss to Souths Rabbitohs ( 41.6-42.5)
Next Match: vs Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks @ The Roman Colosseum

9. Cronulla Sutherland Sharks
An organisational blunder almost certainly cost the Sharks a victory in round one against the defending champions. Despite this, Cronulla sits pretty on the table for now but can ill-afford any more mistakes at this easly stage of the season.
Last Rounds Rank: -
Last Match: loss to Easts Roosters (40.8-41.0)
Next Match: vs Sydney Lions @ The Roman Colosseum

Cheers all, and stay posted for next rounds results.
Good luck to all teams.

Disclaimer: The above is based on the thoughts and opinions of the author alone and should not be taken as doctrine.