A Round of Upsets and Excitement
After a challenging Round 6, where officiation issues left many questioning the state of the game, Round 7 delivered an unforgettable series of matches. The week was filled with upsets, nail-biting finishes, and standout performances that reminded everyone why rugby league remains one of the most thrilling sports in Australia.
The inconsistency in results made it difficult to determine the rankings, but the top teams showed their strength and resilience. Here’s a look at where each team stood following Round 7:
Penrith Panthers (Last Week: 1)
The Panthers returned to form with a hard-fought win in Golden Point under tough conditions in Darwin. Mitch Kenny suffered a serious injury, but the rest of the team shone, with all five backs running over 180 metres each. They will face Newcastle on Sunday, with Tom Jenkings aiming for more tries.New Zealand Warriors (5)
The Warriors secured a 28-20 victory over the Titans, though they struggled late in the game. Jackson Ford extended his lead in the Dally M list, while Roger Tuivasa-Sheck continued to impress in the centres. They will host the Dolphins on Anzac Day, a game that could define their season.Brisbane Broncos (4)
The Broncos pulled off a dramatic 21-20 win against the Tigers, with Adam Reynolds kicking the winning field goal. Xavier Willison and Ben Talty played key roles in setting up the victory. They will aim for a second win when they face the Bulldogs on Friday night.Wests Tigers (2)
The Tigers’ win streak came to an end after a heartbreaking loss to the Broncos. Terrell May put in a stellar performance, while Jahream Bula also impressed. They will host the Raiders on Thursday night, a match that promises to be intense.South Sydney Rabbitohs (7)
Latrell Mitchell was the star of the round, scoring four tries and making 11 tackle breaks. Matthew Dufty also had a strong performance, returning to the NRL with 333 run metres. The Bunnies will take on the Storm on Anzac Day, with a chance to extend their dominance.Manly Sea Eagles (12)
Manly’s three-game winning streak has been impressive, especially under new coach Kieran Foran. Their 38-6 win over the Cowboys was a statement of intent. They will host the Eels on Sunday, looking to secure their first home win of the season.Sydney Roosters (8)
The Roosters delivered a second-half blitz to defeat the Knights 38-24. James Tedesco was outstanding, while Mark Nawaqanitawase pushed his Origin claims with two tries. They are set to face the Dragons on Anzac Day as heavy favourites.North Queensland Cowboys (3)
The Cowboys’ four-game win streak was broken by a 38-6 loss to Manly. Scott Drinkwater struggled, and the outside men were unable to make an impact. They will face the Sharks on Friday, looking to bounce back quickly.Cronulla Sharks (9)
The Sharks had a bye this week, which may have given them time to reassess their strategy. Sione Katoa was dropped, but Jaxon Purdue vs Sifa Talakai is an intriguing match-up. Both teams will play on Friday evening.Newcastle Knights (6)
The Knights had a mixed performance, leading 24-12 at half-time before being outplayed in the second half. A sold-out crowd on Sunday could provide the boost they need in their clash against the Panthers.The Dolphins (10)
Despite losing to the Panthers, the Dolphins showed flashes of brilliance in tough conditions. Herbie Farnworth was the standout player, and Jake Averillo continues to impress. They will face the Warriors on Anzac Day, a game that could be unpredictable.Canberra Raiders (13)
The Raiders defeated the Melbourne Storm 26-22, continuing their recent success. Simi Sasagi and Ethan Strange were instrumental. They will face the Tigers on Thursday night in what should be a thrilling contest.Parramatta Eels (16)
The Eels continued their inconsistent form with a dominant 38-20 win over the Bulldogs. Ronald Volkman and Junior Paulo were key players. They will face the Sea Eagles on Sunday, a potential upset.Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs (11)
The Bulldogs were far from their best in a 38-20 loss to the Eels. Bronson Xerri was a bright spot, but the team as a whole struggled. They will face the Broncos on Friday night, needing a strong performance.Melbourne Storm (14)
The Storm’s poor form continued, with their ranking slipping to 15th. While they improved slightly from last week, it’s not enough for Craig Bellamy. They must beat the Bunnies on Anzac Day to avoid a sixth consecutive loss.Gold Coast Titans (15)
The Titans managed to make their 28-20 loss to the Warriors look closer with late tries. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui and Phillip Sami performed well, but the team needs to find consistency. A bye this week may help them regroup.St George Illawarra Dragons (17)
The Dragons struggled in their loss to the Bunnies, with Valentine Holmes missing 13 tackles. Damien Cook was outstanding despite a last-minute recall. Dean Young will coach the side this week, starting with a tough match against the Roosters.
