Every Wednesday Greg Prichard rates how your team is really travelling in the National Rugby League.

Do you agree with his assessment after Round 25? Join the debate.

Industrial action meant last week's Power Rankings were not published online.

This is how they stood:
1 Melbourne
2 Manly
3 Canberra
4 Cronulla
5 Brisbane
6 St George Illawarra
7 Warriors
8 Parramatta
9 Newcastle
10 Sydney Roosters
11 Penrith
12 South Sydney
13 Wests Tigers
14 Gold Coast
15 North Queensland
16 Bulldogs

After round 25 

1 MELBOURNE (1)

Win-loss record: 16-7

The loss they were supposed to have needed to have was the one against the Warriors a few weeks ago. Losing to the Knights, even on the road, wasn't on the radar. The shock should keep them honest.

2 MANLY (2)

Win-loss record: 16-7

They were always going to be too good for the Titans, but the problem they have had recently too many turnovers was in evidence again. They can't hope to beat the Storm until their ball control improves.

3 CRONULLA (4)

Win-loss record: 16-7

They're not going to go away. They can't match any of the other teams in the top eight for attacking firepower, but they are right up there when it comes to commitment, resilience and resolute defence.

4 BRISBANE (5)

Win-loss record: 13-1-9

Their win over the Bulldogs wasn't top shelf, but given their proven ability to step up in the finals, it is best to give them the benefit of the doubt and remain wary of them in the big games ahead.

5 ST GEORGE ILLAWARRA (6)

Win-loss record: 13-10

Massive Friday night coming up for them. They have recovered after a slump, and if they beat the Roosters and the Knights beat the Broncos they will get a home game in the finals.

6 NEWCASTLE (9)

Win-loss record: 12-11

Easily the win of the round, their upset of the Storm. They are capable of knocking over the Broncos as well, in the mood they're in. They have had a terrific season and deserve to make the finals.

7 WARRIORS (7)

Win-loss record: 12-11

If they could do on the road what they can at home, they would be in the top four, instead of needing to beat the Eels and hope for either the Raiders or the Knights to lose for them to make the top eight.

8 CANBERRA (3)

Win-loss record: 12-11

Their game against the Bulldogs on Sunday will be their last at home this season, and that is their big worry. They are not the same team away, as recent losses to the Cowboys and Broncos showed.

9 SYDNEY ROOSTERS (10)

Win-loss record: 14-9

The hole they fell in against the Rabbitohs was huge. They led 22-0, yet only Chris Sandow hitting the post with a conversion attempt stopped the Rabbitohs from forcing extra time. A worry.

10 PARRAMATTA (8)

Win-loss record: 11-12

Their campaign for a place in the finals, which had mostly been off the pace anyway, finally ended with that soulless performance against the Dragons last weekend. A huge disappointment.

11 PENRITH (11)

Win-loss record: 10-1-12

Scored first against the Warriors, but that was as good as it got. Like the Eels, they have let themselves down with too many below-par displays this season. Their form has been truly yo-yo-ish.

12 SOUTH SYDNEY (12)

Win-loss record: 8-15

Produced some great comebacks to win games, and they almost pulled off another against the Roosters. Can they upset the Storm in Melbourne? Highly unlikely, but they will have fun trying.

13 NORTH QUEENSLAND (15)

Win-loss record: 5-18

Beat the Raiders to finally get off the bottom of the table. They should be safe from the wooden spoon now, since the Bulldogs have to play the Raiders in Canberra in the final round.

14 WESTS TIGERS (13)

Win-loss record: 10-13

Have well and truly racked the cue on this season, judging by their recent displays. Even playing at Leichhardt Oval, they couldn't raise a yelp against a Sharks side that wanted it more.

15 GOLD COAST (15)

Win-loss record: 10-13

Have been much more competitive since Scott Prince returned from injury, but their actual results haven't improved, with three straight losses. Injuries have beaten them for the second straight year.

16 BULLDOGS (16)

Win-loss record: 5-18

What price they go to Canberra on Sunday and get the upset win they need to avoid the wooden spoon, presuming the Cowboys lose against Cronulla the night before? Any old price, really. Woof.