AJ’s Magical 213. The Panthers and Storm are already the teams to beat. See what happened in Round 2.
Alex Johnston “Simply the Best”
Congratulations to Alex Johnston for scoring that record breaking try to become the greatest try scorer in NRL history. It’s taken 53 years for a player to equal and then surpass the great Ken Irvine with AJ scoring tries either side of halftime.
And the fans storming the ground did happen to join in on the celebrations. Kudos to the fans for behaving respectfully but you could tell AJ was overwhelmed by the on field crowd.
The record-breaking try was scored in the 1st minute of the 2nd half resulting in an extended break before play resumed. A nice touch was the gold numbered jersey worn by AJ for the remainder of the game. Every try he scores now will be part of the legacy for another player to chase down.
It’s just a shame the Roosters didn’t come to the party and stole the win in the final minutes.
Tricky Tipping
The Panthers and Storm once again show they are the teams to beat for 2026 and are joined by the Wahs and Knights as the only teams to have won both games this season.
If you’re a Queenslander, it’s time to look away with the Broncos, Cowboys and Titans anchoring the bottom of the ladder joined by the Sea Eagles and Dragons as the only teams not to open their account for this season.
And if you thought tipping was already challenging enough, check out the 1st four matches for Round 3. Good luck!
Tiger Power at Leichhardt
The Wests Tigers have produced their best performance in years to defeat the Cowboys 44-16 at a sold out Leichhardt Oval.
The (Inner) Wests Tigers fans celebrated like it was 2005 in the bright autumn sunshine. The Tiges had the game well and truly locked up at halftime with a 28-2 lead and probably should have notched up a half century score to red pen the Cowboys for this season. For all the promise the Cowboys showed in the trials they have fallen flat with coach Todd Payten already feeling the pressure.
I bet he wishes it was 2005 as well.
Fortress Brookie No More
The Sea Eagles have blown an opportunity to start the season on the front foot having lost their opening two matches at home. The Knights were in total control leading 30-10 at halftime despite losing both Kalyn Ponga and Dylan Brown to injury.
The omens were not good for the Sea Eagles when half Luke Brooks refused to catch the ball from the kick-off. The Knights scored in the one minute later.
The Sea Eagles have the bye in Round 3 before facing off against the Roosters for their 3rd consecutive home game. While the Knights host the inform Warriors minus first choice spine players Fletcher Sharpe, Dylan Brown, and Kalyn Ponga.
In Other Games:
- I still don’t know what I witnessed in the Broncos v Eels opener of the round. Very strange game.
- The Dragons were on track for another upset victory over the Storm leading 20-18 with less than a quarter of the match remaining. The final 20-46 scoreline may have flattered the Storm but it was the Harry Grant dive over try right on halftime that set the scene of what was to come.
- The Wah’s were way to strong against the Raiders
- The ‘Phins scored the final 18 points of the match to beat the Titans 18-14
This Round’s Results
This Round’s Stats
Our 100% participation rate continues. Can we get a hattrick of all Tipsters submitting in Round 3? I hope so.
| Standouts Correct | 32 |
| Standouts Wrong | 18 |
| Round High Score | 9 – Bridie, blakey94 |
| Round Low Score | 0 – MLC (again), Splinter |
| Average Score | 2.9 |
| Biggest Mover | +21 – Yackas |
| Biggest Drop | -30 – Shagger |
The Standout
64% correct this week.
If you had you standout on the defending Premiers(x1) your weekend couldn’t have started any worse.
Main Competition
Bridie, courtesy of a round high (make that a season high) score of 9 is our new outright leader. Here’s hoping Bridie can last a week longer than Runner did.
Bart Simpson Weekly Jackpot
Still no perfect rounds for 2026. The Bart Simpson Weekly Jackpot now stands at a (new) season high of B$30.
As always, good luck with your team and tipping this week.
Rob
The Creator
