As we head into NRL Round 8, here’s a new addition to our NRL previews – an analysis of each team’s strengths and weaknesses from the previous round with our NRL Round 8 Teams Strengths & Weaknesses.
NRL Round 8 Teams Strengths & Weaknesses
S = Strength W = Weakness
NZ Warriors
S: Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad was outstanding again, with 258 run metres.
W: After their poor start against Manly last weekend, the Warriors conceded three tries in 11 minutes against the Dragons.
W: While the Warriors still have a lot of goodwill – and potential – they need to back it up with more consistent performances.
W: 78% possession and 35 missed tackles against the Dragons.
Gold Coast
S: They’ve been a lot more competitive the last two games: that first win is getting closer.
S: Once again, Alofiana Khan-Pereira scored a crucial double.
S: Had a better completion rate than Manly (81%-72%).
W: Had 25 minutes to score one more try to win the game, but they couldn’t do it.
St George Illawarra
S: Continue to defy the critics who tipped them to be wooden spooners.
S: Have already won four games in 2024 after winning five in total in 2023.
S: 184 run metres and 14 points for Zac Lomax – he’s proving that signing with Parramatta won’t be a distraction.
W: 34 missed tackles against the Warriors.
Sydney Roosters
S: 193 run metres for Teddy and avoided a suspension for that attempted trip on Ryan Papenhuyzen.
W: They didn’t make of most of Munster’s sin bin, going scoreless during that period.
W: A crucial loss to the Storm keeps them outside the top eight.
W: 45 missed tackles against Melbourne.
Melbourne
S: Even though they’re not at their absolute best, they’re still equal first.
S: Another 46 tackles to Harry Grant.
S: While not as spectacular as THAT Warriors try, Coates again ices a game win an important try.
W: A silly sin binning from Cameron Munster – a rare moment of indiscipline from Melbourne. Bellyache wouldn’t have been happy with that.
South Sydney
S: The bye after a fighting display against Cronulla seems to have settled the bloodthirst against Jason Demetriou. For now.
S: Damien Cook is back: though he was unlucky to be dropped in the first place.
W: At the moment, they’re fighting it out with the Titans for the wooden spoon.
W: Have a 3-13 record against Melbourne since 2014.
Manly Warringah
S: Rebounded from the Warriors draw (a game they should have won) to be on the edge of the top four.
S: How good is fit and firing Tommy Turbo? Two tries and 196 run metres.
S: Held their nerve against a Titans side who gave their all.
W: Had more missed tackles (23-17) and more ineffective tackles (14-4) than the Titans.
Parramatta
S: 170 running metres for Bailey Simonsson.
W: Will we see more focus on Brad Arthur’s future now?
W: 31 missed tackles and 20 ineffective tackles.
W: Have conceded 105 points in the past three games, including two 40+ scores.
Wests Tigers
S: Lachlan Galvin made the most of his return, with 355 kick metres.
S: 224 run metres for Jahream Bula. He continues to be one of the most promising fullbacks in the NRL.
W: Sunia Turuva’s two tries put the Tigers away after their promising start.
W: For all their potential, three straight losses means the reality of a long season is starting to kick in.
Brisbane
S: Despite consistent rain and no Adam Reynolds and Payne Haas, Brisbane did it easily against Canberra.
S: Reece Walsh is back and firing: replacing silly hats with scintillating tries, 199 run metres, and 224 kick metres.
S: 4-0 at Lang Park so far this season.
W: Could have put 60 on the Raiders if they wanted to be ruthless, but 15 errors and a couple of bombed tries didn’t help.
North Queensland
S: 167 run metres for Semi Valemei, making the most of his first grade return.
W: 12 errors and 33 missed tackles against Cronulla.
W: While they’ve won four games and are in the eight, their -8 differential is a concern.
W: 73% completion rate against Cronulla.
Penrith
S: Obviously the bye did them some good, as they handled the Tigers comfortably. They’re now 2-1 with Brad Schneider as halfback.
S: 229 run metres for Brian To’o and 207 for Dylan Edwards
S: Eight tries in six games for Sunia Turuva this season.
W: 36 missed tackles and 19 ineffective tackles against the Tigers.
The Dolphins
S: Their highest NRL score and second biggest win in NRL history.
S: The Dolphins tryscorers were lining up in Darwin: including a hat-trick to Jack Bostock and doubles to Tesi Niu and Max Plath.
S: They stuck with Parramatta in the first half and cashed in after half-time.
W: 12 errors to Parramatta’s seven.
Newcastle
S: 43 tackles for Jayden Brailey.
W: Starting to lose touch with the top eight.
W: Were blown away by Canterbury in a 24-minute period.
W: Another injury to Kayln Ponga and he’s out for 12 weeks – a huge blow to Newcastle.
Canberra
S: Full credit to Chevy Stewart: he had a horrible first half, but he kept fighting, taking the high balls, and never dropped his head. He’ll learn a lot from that game.
W: Had chances early but couldn’t capitalise and Brisbane destroyed them in just 20 minutes.
W: Jamal Fogarty’s out for 12 weeks, which will have massive implications for Canberra’s season.
W: Lang Park continues to be a graveyard for Canberra: six wins, 16 losses, and two draws since 2004.
Cronulla-Sutherland
S: Top of the ladder for a reason – only losing to the Wests Tigers so far.
S: Arguably their best performance of the season against North Queensland.
S: 212 run metres for Kayal Iro.
W: 34 missed tackles against North Queensland.
NRL Round 8 Teams Lists
Want the actual Team lists for this weekend? Follow the link below to Nothing But League website for more.
