Power Rankings - Round 15

1. North Queensland Cowboys
The Cowboys look unstoppable at this point, racking up eleven wins on the trot, and winning games against all odds. The vast majority of their wins have come off the back of some inspiring performances from Johnathan Thurston, so with the Cowboys resting him this week, perhaps the Sharks will be the team to break the streak.

2. Brisbane Broncos
The Broncos pulled out one of the best defensive games in not only their history, but in the history of Rugby League. They repelled set after set of Storm attacking raids, and barely looked like conceding points. But did they take too much out of themselves? Did they dig too deep? We'll find out on Friday night.

3. Sydney Roosters
The Roosters accounted for the Dragons on Monday night, and were comprehensive in their victory, even if the scoreline seemed close. Shaun Kenny-Dowall was especially impressive - easily the best on the field. The Roosters will come up against the Titans this weekend, and it'd be a massive upset if they didn't come away with the two points.

4. St. George Illawarra Dragons
Back to back losses are a bit of a concern for the Dragons, although shaky performances are to be expected during the Origin period. This weekend's clash with the Eels should steady things a little bit, considering the Eels' recent string of ineptitude.

5. Melbourne Storm
Cameron Smith was visibly frustrated in his team's inability to breach the Broncos' line last weekend, but any football fan with half a brain could tell you that Cronk and Slater provide the majority of the Storm's direction and spark. WIthout them, well, expect more impotent attack.

6. South Sydney Rabbitohs
The South Sydney Rabbitohs had the bye in round 15.

7. Canberra Raiders
The Raiders became the Cowboys' latest victim last weekend. They successfully blocked a couple of field goal attempts, but eventually JT won out. The boys in green travel across the Tasman to take on the Warriors this week, who are fresh of a big win against the Titans.

8. Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs
The Bulldogs finally look to be getting their mojo back, taking down the Panthers easily. The most impressive part of their recent wins is that they still have some high calibre players yet to return. They'll definitely be causing some teams headaches on their run into the finals.

9. Penrith Panthers
We've been waiting for the Panthers' heavy injury toll to start causing them major problems, and it looks like it is finally beginning to. The Panthers were beaten by the Bulldogs last weekend, and have now lost James Segeyaro for up to six weeks.

10. New Zealand Warriors
When they're on, they're on. The Warriors second half against the Titans was spectacular, led by Shaun Johnson, who finished with two try assists and five tackle busts. They'll need to lift again when they take on the Raiders this week

11. Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks
Michael Ennis led the Sharks to victory last week, as they defeated the Knights at Hunter Stadium. The Sharks looked out of the game for a couple of periods, but a poor passage of play from the Knights let the Sharks back into the game. They'll face a JT-less Sharks side this weekend, and will fancy themselves a chance.

12. Gold Coast Titans
The Titans simply had no answers to the Warriors attack in the second half last weekend. The Titans led 10-6 at half time, but let in 5 tries in the second half to leave themselves with no chance of winning the game. They come up against the Roosters this weekend, and their task is unlikely to get any easier - particularly if their half time speech includes a cup of tea and a nap like it did last week.

13. Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles
It has taken 15 weeks, but finally the Sea Eagles are starting to look like a football team. Yes, their win was only against the Tigers, but at least it was a win. Brett Stewart had a great game, but Manly's most impressive performance lately has been off the field, with it looking like the Sea Eagles may keep both of their halves.

14. Wests Tigers
The Tigers are the classic case of "own worst enemy". Against the Sea Eagles, the Tigers missed 33 tackles, and made 12 errors, as well as being forced into two line drop-outs. Poor execution and discipline makes it difficult to win games, and Friday night was no exception.

15. Parramatta Eels
The Parramatta Eels had the bye in round 15, and narrowly escaped with the two points.

16. Newcastle Knights
Have the Knights finally realised that playing their cards so close to their chest doesn't help anybody? On the back of the KnightsRebuild campaign, the Newcastle boys almost jagged a win last week, but an 8 minute lapse in concentration took the game away from them. 2015 looks a write-off, and the Knights have already started looking towards next season.