The Bulldogs remain undefeated, and all other Clubs have now officially opened their account for 2025. What happened in Round 5?
The Bulldogs are the only undefeated team in the competition and will be for at least two more weeks as they face the bye this round.
At the other end of the table both the Eels and Dolphins recorded their 1st wins of the season while 4x Reigning Premiers, the Panthers, plummet to their 4th consecutive loss and sit only above the Roosters and Eels on for/against differential.
The Big Upsets
A collective nine tips were on the Cowboys, Eels and Dolphins this round, but didn’t all three teams deserve their victories.
The Eels pipped the Dragons with a golden point field goal by their renegade ex player Zac Lomax.
It’s the second time in three matches where the Dragons had handy 12 point leads only to fall short by field goals. It’s only early rounds but these losses will cost the Dragons any chance of finals football.
Have the Dolphins managed to break the Wayne Bennett curse with their 1st victory of the season? They looked entirely in control throughout the match against fellow Queenslanders the Titans.
The other upset happened at Penrith’s surrogate home ground with the Cowboys strong winners over the Panthers.
It still feels like the Panthers are giving the competition a head start but the true test will be during the Origin period. How many more games can they afford to lose now?
The Panthers next match is up against the Dolphins at Suncorp. Can the ‘Phins make it two in a row?
The Try of the Round
Easily the last-minute win by the Raiders. Watching the final 10 minutes I both marvelled and was frustrated at the control and composure of the Raiders in attack. I was waiting for somebody to take a risk before it was too late.
Well, they returned that in spades.
Battle of Brookvale
Not really a battle but entertaining. Both the Storm and Sea Eagles scored in bursts with Manly looking down a 50+ loss at one stage. I so wanted to bring out the red pen and end their charade of a season.
With the DCE circus and no Tommy Turbo it’s only a matter of time before their season whimpers out.
Be concerned both Manly supporters. Your premiership window is closing fast.
Round 5 Results
Round 4 Stats
| Standouts Correct | 37 |
| Standouts Wrong | 15 |
| Round High Score | 8 – Ad, Yackas |
| Round Low Score | 1 – I miss Benji |
| Average Score | 3.3 |
| Biggest Mover | Ad +16 |
| Biggest Drop | I miss Benji -20 |
The Standout
If you had your money on the Broncos or Bulldogs you would be all smiles and heading up the competition ladder.
Which is most Tipsters.
Spare a thought for those who went different. Now, that’s long enough.
And how about crazy blakey94 who picked the Raiders as standout. Remind me again why you’re sitting last?
Main Competition
The top three and their big prize money hasn’t changed this week with Rossco the Pom, Magnum and Panthers29 rounding out the other prizes.
Bart Simpson Weekly Jackpot
Too many upsets. Too much for Tipsters to handle.
The Bart Simpson Weekly Jackpot now sits at B$30.
Good luck with your team and tipping this week.
-Rob
The Creator
