With 12 rounds gone (and Origin on the horizon), now is a good time to assess each team’s placings at the (roughly) halfway mark of 2024. Who’s destined to go deep into September? Who might just miss out? And who can start preparing for 2025?
Embed from Getty Images1. CRONULLA-SUTHERLAND SHARKS (9-2, 1 BYE)
After being dogged by the ‘can’t beat top eight sides’ hoodoo, the Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks have attempted to prove their doubters wrong by soaring to the top of the ladder. They rebounded from an early loss to the Wests Tigers with two big wins over Canberra, a 42-6 belting of North Queensland, and important wins over Melbourne and the Sydney Roosters. How much will the embarrassing Round 12 loss to Penrith affect them as they hunt for a top four finish?
After 12 rounds in 2023: (3rd) 7 wins, 4 losses, 1 bye
After NRL Regular Season in 2023: (6th) 14 wins, 10 losses, 3 byes
Leading Try Scorer: 9 Ronaldo Mulitalo
Leading Points Scorer: 87 Nicho Hynes (1 T, 41 G, 1 1pt FG)
2. PENRITH PANTHERS (8-3, 1 BYE)
Penrith have shown they’ll be hard to beat for a fourth straight premiership. Like most teams, they’ve been hit with big injuries: including Nathan Cleary AND back up half Brad Schneider (who impressed in his brief stint filling in for Cleary). Penrith have played like they’re getting ready for bigger challenges later in the season: a few big wins (including a 42-0 smashing of Cronulla), but generally doing enough to win most games comfortably.
After 12 rounds in 2023: (1st) 7 wins, 4 losses, 1 bye
After NRL Regular Season in 2023: (1st) 18 wins, 6 losses, 3 byes
Leading Try Scorer: 9 Sunia Turuva
Leading Points Scorer: 82 Dylan Edwards (7 T, 27 G)
3. MELBOURNE STORM (8-3, 1 BYE)
Once again, Melbourne are in the top four at the halfway point of the season – after making an opening round statement with an 8-0 win over Penrith. Though the Storm have had to weather a number of key injuries, including Ryan Papenhuyzen and Cameron Munster. But young players like Sualauvi Faalogo have filled the breach. Xavier Coates scored what should be Try of the Year against the Warriors: with Melbourne trailing 26-24 in the final minute, Coates received the ball in the left corner and pulled off a superhuman leap to ground the ball while still in the field of play.
After 12 rounds in 2023: (5th) 7 wins, 4 losses, 1 bye
After NRL Regular Season in 2023: (3rd) 16 wins, 8 losses, 3 byes
Leading Try Scorer: 7 Ryan Papenhuyzen, Xavier Coates
Leading Points Scorer: 96 Nick Meaney (2 T, 44 G)
4. DOLPHINS (7-4, 1 BYE)
It’s been another strong start for the Dolphins. More impressively, they’ve been able to overcome a number of key injuries and keep winning. They won four out of six from round 7 (beating Parramatta, North Queensland, Manly, and the Wests Tigers). They’ve also had the good fortune/kind scheduling to play nine games in Queensland, with only two away trips (Darwin and Auckland).
After 12 rounds in 2023: (6th) 6 wins, 5 losses, 1 bye
After NRL Regular Season in 2023: (13th) 9 wins, 15 losses, 3 byes
Leading Try Scorer: 9 Jack Bostock
Leading Points Scorer: 108 Jamayne Isaako (8 T, 38 G)
5. SYDNEY ROOSTERS (7-5, 0 BYES)
After a slow start (which included a Vegas win over Brisbane), the Roosters have kicked into gear with four wins from their last five games. Their attack has been electric in this run, scoring 60 points (St George Illawarra), 40 (Brisbane), 38 (Warriors), and 44 (Canberra), They even scored 30 points in the Magic Round loss to Cronulla. Sam Walker has blossomed, with 96 points in 10 games (four tries and 40 goals), including 24 on Anzac Day against the Dragons.
After 12 rounds in 2023: (11th) 5 wins, 6 losses, 1 bye
After NRL Regular Season in 2023: (7th) 13 wins, 11 losses, 3 byes
Leading Try Scorer: 10 Joseph Manu
Leading Points Scorer: 100 Sam Walker (5 T, 40 G)
6. BRISBANE BRONCOS (7-5, 0 BYES)
After last year’s heartbreaking grand final loss, Brisbane seemed to have a hangover to start 2024, with two wins from their first five games (and losses to fellow contenders the Roosters, Penrith, and Melbourne). But Brisbane have clicked from there, with five wins from their next seven games. They had consecutive 34-10 wins against Canberra (round 7) and the Wests Tigers (round 8) – and they’ve done it without Reece Walsh, Adam Reynolds, and Payne Haas for periods.
After 12 rounds in 2023: (4th) 8 wins, 4 losses
After NRL Regular Season in 2023: (2nd) 18 wins, 6 losses, 3 byes
Leading Try Scorer: 10 Deine Mariner
Leading Points Scorer: 70 Reece Walsh (9 T, 17 G)
7. NEWCASTLE KNIGHTS (6-5, 1 BYE)
After a magic run to last year’s finals series, many expected Newcastle to pick up where they left off. But three losses in their first four games (and surviving a later Melbourne comeback for their only win) showed it wasn’t going to be easy. A miserable afternoon against Canterbury (a 36-12 loss and also losing Kalyn Ponga for three months) could have destroyed their season, but David Armstrong came in at fullback (scoring five tries in four games) and Newcastle went on a four-game winning run before their first bye.
After 12 rounds in 2023: (12th) 5 wins, 6 losses, 1 draw
After NRL Regular Season in 2023: (5th) 14 wins, 9 losses, 1 draw, 3 byes
Leading Try Scorer: 5 David Armstrong
Leading Points Scorer: 42 Kalyn Ponga (1 T, 19 G)
8. CANBERRA RAIDERS (6-5, 1 BYE)
You could argue the Raiders have overachieved in 2024. After losing Jack Wighton and Jarrod Croker (and lots of young players coming through), many pundits wrote Canberra off as a bottom four side. That played into the ‘backs to the wall’ mentality that Ricky Stuart (who was extended until 2029) loves. Canberra won four of their first six games (including three 13+ plus wins) but stumbled with huge losses to Brisbane and Cronulla. Jamal Fogarty’s bicep injury looked like destroying their season, but Kaeo Weekes came in as the Raiders won tight games against Manly and Canterbury. More importantly, the newer players like Ethan Strange, Chevy Stewart, Trey Mooney (finally getting consistent first grade opportunities), and Morgan Smithies have mostly played well.
After 12 rounds in 2023: (8th) 6 wins, 5 losses, 1 bye
After NRL Regular Season in 2023: (8th) 13 wins, 11 losses, 3 byes
Leading Try Scorer: 7 Hudson Young
Leading Points Scorer: 50 Jamal Fogarty (24 G, 2 1pt FG)
9. MANLY-WARRINGAH SEA EAGLES (6-5-1, 0 BYES)
It’s been a strange season for Manly so far: while they’re in top eight contention, they could easily be top four. They had the honour of playing – and winning – the first NRL game in Las Vegas (beating South Sydney 36-24), but they’ve also let a lot of games slip: they lost 28-24 to Parramatta after leading 14-0; they drew with the Warriors 22-22 after leading 16-0 and 22-10; they lost 24-20 to Canberra after leading 20-0; and they lost 30-24 to The Dolphins after leading 16-4. To highlight their frustrating inconsistency, they’ve also beaten the Sydney Roosters, Penrith, and Melbourne.
After 12 rounds in 2023: (9th) 5 wins, 5 losses, 1 draw, 1 bye
After NRL Regular Season in 2023: (12th) 11 wins, 12 losses, 1 draw, 3 byes
Leading Try Scorer: 7 Tom Trbojevic, Tommy Talau, Reuben Garrick
Leading Points Scorer: 108 Reuben Garrick (7 T, 40 G)
10. CANTERBURY-BANKSTOWN BULLDOGS (5-6, 1 BYE)
After a few lean seasons, the Bulldogs have been one of the big improvers of 2024. They’ve been competitive in every game and have enjoy massive wins over the Gold Coast (32-0), Newcastle (36-12), and St George Illawarra (44-12). Patient Bulldogs fans should be pleased with their progress under Cameron Ciraldo: things are finally clicking with their star recruits and the rewards are coming.
After 12 rounds in 2023: (15th) 5 wins, 7 losses
After NRL Regular Season in 2023: (15th) 7 wins, 17 losses, 3 byes
Leading Try Scorer: 8 Matt Burton
Leading Points Scorer: 98 Matt Burton (8 T, 33 G)
11. NORTH QUEENSLAND COWBOYS (6-6, 0 BYES)
North Queensland’s 6-6 record sums up their inconsistent season. They won four of their first five games but have won just two games since. They’ve had close losses to Parramatta, Penrith, the Dolphins, and the Gold Coast, and were thumped by Cronulla. And their 317-315 differential shows their dynamic attack is let down by their leaky defence. Though Kyle Feldt overtook Matt Bowen as the Cowboys’ leading try scorer, bringing up his 131st try against the Titans in round 5.
After 12 rounds in 2023: (14th) 5 wins, 7 losses
After NRL Regular Season in 2023: (11th) 12 wins, 12 losses, 3 byes
Leading Try Scorer: 10 Jeremiah Nanai
Leading Points Scorer: 116 Valentine Holmes (7 T, 44 G)
12. ST GEORGE-ILLAWARRA DRAGONS (5-6, 1 BYE)
While the Dragons have been better than the wooden spoon contenders some predicted, they’ve still been frustrating at times. They beat the Gold Coast 28-4 in round 1, following by a 38-0 loss to The Dolphins a week later – it became the pattern for their inconsistent start. Five of their six losses were by 20 points or more, with a 60-18 Anzac Day loss to the Sydney Roosters the lowlight.
After 12 rounds in 2023: (17th) 3 wins, 8 losses, 1 bye
After NRL Regular Season in 2023: (16th) 5 wins, 19 losses, 3 byes
Leading Try Scorer: 7 Tyrell Sloan, Zac Lomax
Leading Points Scorer: 92 Zac Lomax (7 T, 30 G)
13. NEW ZEALAND WARRIORS (5-6-1, 0 BYES)
After being everyone’s second favourite team last year, “the Wahs” haven’t been able to reproduce that form so far. While they started with three wins and two close losses, they then lost four and drew one of their next five. They finally turned things around with consecutive wins over Penrith and The Dolphins, keeping their season alive. The Warriors have been destroyed by injuries, to the point Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad moved to five-eighth to cover the absent Shaun Johnson.
After 12 rounds in 2023: (7th) 6 wins, 5 losses, 1 bye
After NRL Regular Season in 2023: (4th) 16 wins, 8 losses, 3 byes
Leading Try Scorer: 6 Dallin Watene-Zelezniak
Leading Points Scorer: 60 Shaun Johnston (4 T, 22 G)
14. GOLD COAST TITANS (3-8, 1 BYE)
It’s been a rough season for the Titans: while they’re unlikely to escape the bottom four, they have shown some improvement. The turning point was in round 6 against Canberra (which they lost 21-20 in Golden Point), They’ve won three from six since then, beating the Warriors on Anzac Day, North Queensland, and Brisbane. They were also unlucky not to force the Newcastle Magic Round game to Golden Point (with Brian Kelly denied a try close to full-time). Tino Fa’asuamaleaui only played two games before being ruled out for the season and they’ve had the distraction of ‘Fifita Watch‘ – with David Fifita all set to go to Penrith, then signing for the Roosters, before changing his mind and staying on the Gold Coast.
After 12 rounds in 2023: (10th) 5 wins, 6 losses, 1 bye
After NRL Regular Season in 2023: (14th) 9 wins, 15 losses, 3 byes
Leading Try Scorer: 9 Alofiana Khan-Pereira
Leading Points Scorer: 36 Alofiana Khan-Pereira (9 T)
15. PARRAMATTA EELS (3-8, 1 BYE)
It’s been another frustrating season for Parramatta. After narrowly missing the finals last year, they’ve nosedived in 2024. Their first month was impressive: wins against Canterbury and Manly and narrow losses to Penrith and the Wests Tigers. But the rot set in from round 5: smashed 41-8 by Canberra, a narrow win over North Queensland, and then five straight losses. Not only have Clint Gutherson and Mitchell Moses been out for periods (though Blaize Talagi and Raiders-bound Ethan Sanders have been impressive), but Brad Arthur lost his job following the 48-16 Magic Round loss to Melbourne.
After 12 rounds in 2023: (13th) 5 wins, 7 losses
After NRL Regular Season in 2023: (10th) 12 wins, 12 losses, 3 byes
Leading Try Scorer: 9 Maika Sivo
Leading Points Scorer: 46 Clint Gutherson (1 T, 21 G)
16. WESTS TIGERS (2-9, 1 BYE)
After a much-needed boardroom cleanout, hiring Shane Richardson as the CEO, the emergence of Lachlan Galvin, and giving Benji Marshall the reins as solo full-time coach, the Tigers looked to be finally turning things around. They started well, winning two of their first three games (against Cronulla and Parramatta), but they’ve since lost eight in a row. While they’ve been competitive in most games (their biggest loss was 24 points against Brisbane), they’ll probably miss the finals for a 13th straight season.
After 12 rounds in 2023: (16th) 3 wins, 8 losses, 1 bye
After NRL Regular Season in 2023: (17th) 4 wins, 20 losses, 3 byes
Leading Try Scorer: 4 Justin Olam, Jahream Bula
Leading Points Scorer: 38 Api Koroisau (2 T, 15 G)
17. SOUTH SYDNEY RABBITOHS (2-9, 1 BYE)
After crashing out of finals contention last year, 2024 has been even worse for Souths. They lost the opening Vegas game to Manly, followed by five more losses up to round 8 (including big defeats to the Roosters, Warriors, and Melbourne). That was enough to cost Jason Demetriou his job, with Ben Hornby becoming interim coach. Injuries, droppings, and suspensions haven’t helped (with Jack Wighton moving from centre to five-eighth to cover some key absences), and it probably won’t get any better.
After 12 rounds in 2023: (2nd) 8 wins, 4 losses
After NRL Regular Season in 2023: (9th) 12 wins, 12 losses, 3 byes
Leading Try Scorer: 5 Latrell Mitchell
Leading Points Scorer: 60 Latrell Mitchell (5 T, 20 G)
