It was the penultimate round of the season for teams and Tipsters alike.
This round has seen the top three teams order finalised.
Three teams battling for the final top 4 position.
And, the Dolphins hoping for an upset by the Bunnies over the Roosters for a chance to make history.
Raiders Minor Premiers
Congratulations to the Canberra Raiders for taking out the NRL Minor Premiership and the J.J. Giltinan Shield for 2025.
The Raiders have been clearly the best team of the season even if the Storm have been favourites all year.
They have won 19 matches with only 4 losses. They now have the luxury of resting key players (ala Panthers) knowing they have home finals, where they have lost only once this season, and a second chance if needed.
At the start of the season, the Experts Panel picked their Premiers, Finalist and Wooden Spooners.
I had the Raiders sitting with the spoon. That says a lot about my expertise.
Best of luck in the next month of football Green Machine.
Bulldogs in the Top 4
The Bulldogs have locked in 3rd spot on the ladder and will face the Storm in week one of the Finals regardless of the outcome of this round.
They played an understrength Panthers team who rested pretty much their entire first grade squad.
Expect the Doggies, Raiders and maybe Storm and Panthers to do the same this round.
Now I generally don’t have a problem with this as the teams are well in the rights and have earned this opportunity on the eve of the Finals. But, looking at the Bulldogs victory over the Panthers reserve grade team, all the risk was on the Bulldogs.
We saw a player sin binned for a hip drop on Bulldogs Matt Burton that could have ended his season.
We saw winger Jacob Kiraz limp from the field with an ankle injury competing for the ball.
Yes, accidents do happen but when you have a team full of reserves they are not at the same speed as their opposition. There is also no accountability as any suspension has zero impact to the main team.
Fourth Spot
While the Warriors slide continues with a loss to the Eels, the Broncos and Sharks’ win means there is now three teams vying for the final top 4 berth.
The Broncos currently sit in fourth position but host a Melbourne Storm side that coach Bellamy has stated will be full strength and may include the return of injured half Jahrome Hughes.
But then again, the Storm may not.
Either way, the Broncos will need to shore up their defence after letting the Cowboys cross the line on five occasions.
This game is Thursday while the Wahs take on the Sea Eagles in Manly on Friday meaning the Sharks will know if they are any chance to take 4th spot when they play the Bulldogs on Saturday.
Phew, now take a breath.
This Round’s Results
This Round’s Stats
| Standouts Correct | 45 |
| Standouts Wrong | 4 |
| Round High Score | 9 – Eight clever Tipsters |
| Round Low Score | 2 – Five not so clever Tipsters. BillyB, Chunka, Fouad Khochaiche, GeorgeTheDragon, Lukebrooksbiggestfan |
| Average Score | 4.8 |
| Biggest Mover | +3 – Tripod, Carlos, SMOG, Stallion, |
| Biggest Drop | -4 – MB, Chunka, Fouad Khochaiche, |
The Standout
Over 91% correct this week.
The other 9% (or four Tipsters) picked Panthers, Storm and Warriors which would normally be no brainers.
Main Competition
These are the Tipsters with targets on their backs for the final round.
gdadisho and Wiley C may look like they are locked into a two-horse race, but will any of the other prize holders make a move or try and protect their positions?
Now let’s also add, there are a dozen Tipsters outside this ladder within striking distance.
It’s the last round.
Risk v Reward Tipsters
Second Competition
Similarly, these are the targets in the Second Competition.
Nice snapshot, but will it remain this way again after the final round? I doubt it.
It’s the last round.
Risk v Reward Tipsters
Bart Simpson Weekly Jackpot
With no perfect rounds this week the Bart Simpson Weekly Jackpot now stands at the season finale of B$40.
And, it must go off !
If there isn’t an official winner, all Tipsters who submitted tips in Round 27 are in a random draw to win the B$40.
From your $30 investment you could earn a 33% return (or 57.2% annual return). Just make sure you reinvest your $30 into Footy Tipper 26 and take the other $10 to your financial advisor.
You’ve got to be in it to win it.
It’s the final round!
As always, good luck with your team and tipping this week.
Rob
The Creator
