Dolphins flying, Eels hit bottom despite not playing and Manly in crisis: Power Rankings, Round 15

I'm on record as saying I found Round 15's action a little underwhelming.

Unfortunately, that is the cold, hard reality of Origin-effected football.

That said, results very much matter over this period and they've seen a big shift in both the NRL ladder and here in our Power Rankings.

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Where did your team land on our Power Rankings following Round 15?:

1. Canberra Raiders (Last Week: 1)

The Raiders enjoyed their first Bye of the season. They sit pretty right now with 11 wins and a very comfortable +98 points differential.

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An away trip on Friday night against the Tigers certainly won't scare the well-rested Green Machine.

2. Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs (2)

The Dogs held off a spirited South Sydney side on Sunday afternoon but were the much better side on the day.

Their back five were all monsters on the day while Toby Sexton created a welcome headache for Cameron Ciraldo by putting in a massive performance.

The feet will go up this weekend via the Bye. The Dogs continue to set the pace in many areas and are absolutely the real deal.

3. New Zealand Warriors (3)

The Warriors had a rare travel-free weekend for a Warriors team that are sitting extremely pretty right now.

A home game against an Origin-depleted Panthers outfit presents a perfect opportunity to continue their winning ways.

4. Melbourne Storm (4)

The Storm are another team who enjoyed the action in Round 15 from their couches via the Bye.

Saturday night's clash with the Bunnies certainly won't be easy but it could be a chance to rest those Origin stars who play big minutes.

5. Cronulla Sharks (5)

The Sharks ended their winless streak on Thursday night but their win over the Dragons was hardly one that will inspire great confidence.

Sione Katoa had a blistering game on his second game back from injury. Blayke Brailey continued his run of good games against lesser sides.

The Sharks stocks are thin right now so it will be interesting to see how they run out against the Broncos post Origin.

6. The Dolphins (7)

The Dolphins are absolutely flying right now. Their latest win saw them beat the Cowboys 58 points to 4.

Jack Bostock crossed for four tries, Herbie Farnworth had spiders on him, Kodi Nikorima looks like prime Wally Lewis right now and Isaiya Katoa is the most exciting talent in the game!

A trip west to Perth to "host" the Knights awaits. I can't see the Knights stopping this momentum.

7. North Queensland Cowboys (6)

A heavily Origin-depleted Cowboys outfit was absolutely pummelled by the Dolphins on Saturday night.

There wasn't much in terms of positives here so we move on quickly.

A Sunday afternoon trip to Sydney should give Dearden and co. time to refresh post Origin but it looks a tough ask.

8. Penrith Panthers (8)

Penrith fans will have enjoyed not having to see their team play Origin-depleted footy this past weekend due to the bye.

They are rewarded by seeing their team play Origin-depleted footy this weekend in New Zealand due to the Perth/Auckland trip.

9. Brisbane Broncos (9)

A week over due to the bye has allowed the club to position themselves to re-sign legendary halfback Adam Reynolds.

A home game on Sunday afternoon against the Sharks will allow them to send a message. Either that they are for real or there to make up the numbers.

10. Sydney Roosters (12)

The Roosters benefited from the latest Bunker howler but did well to beat the Knights sans their host of Origin stars.

James Tedesco looks to have found the fountain of youth in 2025. Dom Young said goodbye to the club via a win.

A Sunday afternoon home game against the Cowboys is a brilliant opportunity to prove that they have genuine Finals aspirations.

11. Manly Sea Eagles (10)

The Sea Eagles are officially in crisis mode. Talks of a new coach being lined up, coupled with an injury to Haumole Olakau'atu, have energy focused elsewhere.

Tom Trbojevic looks set for a long overdue shift into the centres. He looked so slow on Friday night in the heavy loss to the Titans.

The bye this week is perfectly timed. They need to get their house in order ASAP.

12. St George Illawarra Dragons (11)

The Dragons had a special 20 minutes against the Sharks and looked set to end their losing streak.

The less said about a comical second half, the better.

They have a bye this weekend, which, as a rugby league fan, saves me having to watch them play. That is a good thing right now.

13. South Sydney Rabbitohs (13)

At one stage it looked as though the Bunnies were going to cop 50 to the Dogs. A delay actually helped Souths, who ended up coming within a converted try of Extra Time.

Jamie Humphreys looks like a special talent. I really hope he gets the time to develop in the halves.

A Saturday evening home game against the Storm is exactly what you don't want to see right now.

14. Newcastle Knights (14)

The Knights were desperately unlucky to concede that "try" against the Roosters. That said, they ran into a Roosters side missing so many Origin stars.

I love that Jackson Hastings has finally been welcomed back into the side. Dylan Lucas is legit putting his name into special territory.

A trip west to play the red hot Dolphins looks a tough one.

15. Gold Coast Titans (17)

The Titans sent a huge reminder on Friday night in belting the Sea Eagles. That message? Don't forget us!

AJ Brimson was again brilliant at fullback while Alofiana Khan-Pereira crossed for yet another try double. Chris Randall was massive in the middle.

The Titans need to start putting wins together. An away trip to a depleted Eels outfit surely has to see success.

16. Wests Tigers (16)

The Tigers enjoyed a quiet weekend off. This was far different from the last time they "enjoyed" a Bye.

A tough home game against the red hot Raiders awaits on Friday night. There can be no excuses as they've had two weeks to prepare.

17. Parramatta Eels (15)

The Eels suffered the extremely rare occurrence of dropping two spots here despite not playing.

Mitch Moses has been ruled out for an extended period while Dylan Brown has been suspended for an accidental collision with a referee.

They start as massive outsiders against the team currently sitting last. That says it all.

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