Soward: Broncos nosedive; Eels reach summit

I've had to slide one team down four places in the biggest week-to-week drop in our Power Rankings history.

We also have a deserved new leader after four rounds of footy.

1. Parramatta Eels (Last week: 2)

The maturation of Mitchell Moses's game-management in understanding what his team needs and at what time is why the Eels can go a long way in 2020. No, they weren't at their best against Manly and got away with a lucky call, but there are a lot of signs to like.

2. Canberra Raiders (1)

Canberra's display against Newcastle was the worst I've seen from them in a long time, but they deserve some slack. It's a very tough back-up after beating Melbourne in Melbourne - I wasn't able to do it in my career. I expect them to bounce back against the Tigers.

3. Sydney Roosters (3)

Like a shark's fin poking ominously through the water, everyone should be on high alert for the Roosters. Their 59-0 win over Brisbane was a dominant display of men against boys. Based on that performance, a three-peat is definitely on the cards.

4. Manly Sea Eagles (5)

I doubt anyone is denying Manly should have beaten Parramatta given the incorrect forward pass call, but I think they'll rue the fact they didn't get themselves into the game in the first half. I can envision the Sea Eagles facing the Eels in the finals.

5. Melbourne Storm (4)

They beat the Rabbitohs, but it wasn't convincing. I've dropped them down one place because they have to work a new halfback into their system with Jahrome Hughes out for 2-3 weeks with a broken hand.

6. Newcastle Knights (7)

What a fantastic turnaround effect coach Adam O'Brien has had. The Knights are tough, resilient and have the class to finish the job. It's great to see Kalyn Ponga and Mitchell Pearce combining and Andrew McCullough was a great pick-up, but I still think they need a natural five-eighth. They're must-watch TV.

7. Penrith Panthers (8)

The Warriors weren't a stern test for Penrith, but you can only beat who's in front of you. I mostly like what I'm seeing, however, their attack inside 20 metres is virtually non-existent. It's throw the ball to Viliame Kikau and hope he comes up with something. 

8. Cronulla Sharks (10)

The Sharks have some decisions to make in the halves, because Matt Moylan was so good in his first game at five-eighth since 2018. I loved his involvement. Their win over the Cowboys wasn't pretty, but sometimes that's what you need.

9. Wests Tigers (9)

The Tigers did some really good things in their loss to the Titans, but Michael Maguire's post-game spray about their lack of consistency said enough. Last week I thought they were top eight contenders, but they just did some really immature stuff on Sunday.

10. Brisbane Broncos (6)

This is the biggest drop I've made in three years of doing Power Rankings - and I could honestly have put Brisbane lower. Their loss to the Roosters was hard to watch. A week's a long time in footy, but it's going to seem even longer when you're preparing for Tom Trbojevic and his Manly teammates. 

11. South Sydney Rabbitohs (12)

I thought the Rabbitohs were actually pretty good against the Storm, but as Wayne Bennett would say, they beat themselves in certain aspects. Errors in the second half hurt them. We'll have to wait and see whether they can be a premiership threat.

12. North Queensland Cowboys (11)

They really missed Jason Taumalolo in terms of their go-forward and their shape. They had chances to beat Cronulla in a scrappy game but their young halves couldn't get the job done. I'd love to see Valentine Holmes increase his attacking involvement.

13. Gold Coast Titans (14)

An amazing effort to beat the Wests Tigers at the death. I'd like to be able to put them higher, but we need to see them hanging tough week-to-week. A very important win - congratulations to Justin Holbrook.

14. New Zealand Warriors (13)

The Warriors came crashing back down to earth. Their ball control wasn't as good as last week and they got punished for some silly errors in defence. Struggling with depth.

15. Canterbury Bulldogs (15)

Canterbury looked way better in attack with Kieran Foran pulling the strings in their win over the Dragons. They had some second-phase play and were able to roll down the field with patience.

16. St George Illawarra Dragons (16)

No intensity, no enthusiasm. Extremely disappointing after their poor effort last week. 

The views in this article do not necessarily express the opinions of the NRL, ARLC, NRL clubs or state associations.