For this week s Power Rankings, I took into account bubble life and how that s going to affect teams.
I was also a bit kinder in my assessment of a few sides because of how short the turnaround was to move to the Queensland hub.
With seven rounds to go, we should get a better read this weekend.
1. Melbourne Storm (1)
Just so professional. The trouble for Melbourne now is figuring out how to fit their best players in the top 17 when they re all fit. I called their game against the Knights and it was really good to watch.
2. Penrith Panthers (2)
Expected them to struggle a little bit more with injuries. But they face the Broncos this week before playing the Storm - to all but decide the minor premiership - and the Roosters. The Panthers are tracking OK; they ll still finish in the top two and be a threat.
While there were only four games last round, I m starting to get a read on the teams competing for the top eight.
The impact of some suspensions handed down and the form on the weekend has given more clarity as to who will push for the finals and who is set to miss out because of their inconsistency.
Here s how the Power Rankings stand after round 16:
1. Melbourne Storm (Last week: 1)
Continue to be at the pinnacle of rugby league excellence and professionalism. Still the favourites for the premiership.
The old saying is you re the champs until you ain t the champs no more . For me, that s no truer than with the Storm.
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It seemed Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow was always destined to play for Queensland - the Queensland Reds, that is.
North Queensland Cowboys speedster Tabuai-Fidow will provide the Maroons a much needed shot in the arm when he runs out for his State of Origin debut in game three in Newcastle.
Yet the 19-year-old nicknamed Hammer could so easily have been playing rugby union for the Reds instead if not for a bout of homesickness.
Not so long ago Tabuai-Fidow was earmarked for Super Rugby honours after moving from his home town Cairns to the big smoke of the Queensland capital.
As a Brisbane Grammar scholarship holder, Tabuai-Fidow was firmly entrenched in the Reds junior academy.
The premiership race looks like it s down to five teams when they re at their best and you factor in injuries.
Meanwhile, it s still hard as ever to split the sides in a logjam from seventh to 12th spot because they re all so inconsistent.
Here s how the Power Rankings stand after round 16.
1. Melbourne Storm (Last round: 1)
I made the mistake two years ago of thinking the Storm would drop off. I won t do that ever again. I ll keep backing them to make the top four or win the minor premiership until I m not talking about the NRL anymore.
Jahrome Hughes is in my top three players to watch every single week. I love how he plays the game and leads the team around without having to be the highest-paid or the biggest name.