Power Ranking the NRL After Two Weeks of the 2016 Season

With two weeks of the 2016 NRL season in the books, it's time to take stock. 

Pre-season predictions can be cast aside because we've actually got some results to look at. 

1. Broncos

Wayne Bennett's boys look the goods after the opening fortnight of the competition. 

A pair of very tidy performances against the Eels and Warriors have Brisbane sitting in second place, only behind South Sydney on points differential. 

2. Rabbitohs

Souths have produced two sensational performances to open their season and top the current ladder but remain just behind the Broncos on the strength of their opposition so far.

If their early performances continue, they'll be moving on up soon. 

3. Storm

Many predicted this might finally be the year the Storm dropped out of the eight, but they've managed two good wins despite the absence of Billy Slater and Matt White. 

With the woeful Warriors up next, Melbourne should stay perfect at least until week four. 

4. Sharks

Cronulla belted the Dragons in their local derby at the weekend, and they look mightily impressive after two strong performances. 

Losing a close one to the premiers in round one is no embarrassment, but the hiding handed out to Saints suggests the Sharkies mean business in 2016. 

5. Cowboys

The Cowboys have dropped from top spot after a shock defeat to Parramatta. 

Coming into the match on one of the longest winning streaks in the club's history, North Queensland were sloppy and ill-disciplined. They conceded nine penalties and never really got going at Pirtek Stadium. 

6. Bulldogs

The Bulldogs were fortunate to escape with the win over Penrith as Kerrod Holland's post-siren conversion gave them their only lead of the game. 

Two wins from two is a good start for Des Hasler's boys, but they'll need to lift for the massive derby against Parramatta this week. 

7. Eels

Parramatta pulled off a shock this weekend when they knocked off the Cowboys in a quietly impressive performance.

Playing both Grand Finalists in their opening two games isn't easy, but the Eels have a big chance to make a statement when they face the Dogs on Friday night.

8. Raiders

Two from two is a surprisingly good start for Ricky Stuart's men, particularly given the glut of injuries they've suffered. 

Canberra outworked the Roosters in round two and outlasted the Panthers in Week 1. 

Their first away trip of the season, against Newcastle, is up next. 

9. Tigers

You can only beat who is in front of you, and the Tigers have done just that this season. 

A pair of flashy performances have proven too much for the Sea Eagles and Warriors, but bigger tests still lay ahead. 

Winning a tricky test against the Titans this weekend would likely see them shoot up the power rankings. 

10. Titans

One win, one loss. Forty-six points scored, 46 points conceded. 

The Titans appear to be the early benchmark this season. 

Their opening week win over the Knights was promising, but the Storm brought them back down to earth. There's surely more to come from the Gold Coast in 2016. 

11. Panthers

With a bit more luck and a bit better management, Penrith could be two from two, but they're winless. 

They've not been outclassed in either of their games so far, but they've lacked the quality to hang on against both the Raiders and Bulldogs. 

The Broncos are up next, so things don't get any easier for the Panthers any time soon. 

12. Roosters

The Roosters were crushed by Souths in the opening round but restored some credibility in their spirited defeat in Canberra. 

A team that fell just one win short of a Grand Final appearance last season, the Roosters will surely start to rise soon. 

After all, class is supposedly permanent. 

13. Sea Eagles

Turns out a team can't jump to the front of the queue by just signing some good players and appointing a new coach. 

Manly are finding out the hard way that pre-season predictions don't count for much once the real action gets underway. 

They've been outclassed twice and could stay winless when they face Cronulla on Monday night. 

14. Warriors

As usual, the Warriors would be near the pointy end if the power rankings were based on potential, but they're near the bottom of this list because it's based on results.

Every neutral fan wants to see this Warriors group click, but two insipid performances to open the season suggest there's not much chance of that. 

15. Knights

The Knights aren't the worst team in the competition, but it's close. 

The Rabbitohs nearly put 50 on them on Saturday, and new coach Nathan Brown probably only now is realising the extent of the difficulties he's facing. 

16. Dragons

After a credible first week performance against Melbourne, the Dragons were a disgrace against Cronulla. 

The Sharks are a good side, but Saints offered little in the way of opposition in a game that is supposed to mean more than most. 

Coach Paul McGregor could be in trouble if Souths hand them another hiding this weekend.