What a round of football. Big scores, big tries, and big upsets.
In a season where it’s been Panthers first and daylight second, we welcome the return of the Bulldogs, Raiders and Warriors in the winner’s circle. While the Cowboys, Roosters and Wests Tigers continued their impressive form.
The Upsets
In seasons gone by, the Standout was automatically the Storm or the Panthers and Tipsters who followed this trend paid dearly this week.
The Bulldogs ambushed the Panthers to race away with an early 16-0 lead. And while the Panthers still showed plenty of class to claw back into the game, the Dogs had done enough to put the former Premiers(x4) off their game. The Panthers looked clunky at best, and this may be the blueprint for other teams to follow.
Have the Panthers peaked too soon? I’m not sure I want to be in the Dolphins boots next week, but I also don’t think I will be taking the Panthers as Standout either.
The other upset was the Wah’s going to town on the Storm to win their first game in Melbourne in 17 attempts. The Storm’s defense looks as bleak as their city. They have now lost four straight games since leading the Broncos 14-0 at halftime way back in round 3. They take on a resurgent Raiders side in Canberra where the result could be anything.
Tries, Tries, Tries
There were some great tries this weekend, especially in the Rabbitohs v Raiders match and the Broncos v Cowboys. Both games were big scoring, came down to the wire where defense was a secondary priority.
In fact, take away the Dragons v Sea Eagles game, all winning teams managed a score of 30+ this week.
Dragons Dilema
It was sad to see Shane Flanagan on the sideline for the Dragons’ 6th loss of the season. He looked like he needed a hug. It was also telling to see Dean Young and Michael Ennis in the coaches box and addressing the team at half-time.
The Dragons tried hard and managed to lead another game in the second half but all teams must know they only have three tries in them. The first two were just forwards falling over the line. The team are devoid of any attack and looked as confused as their coach did.
But the answer is there in the NSW Cup team where the Dragons sit second on the competition ladder. The answer was there last year too as the Dragons marched into the grand final. The Dragons beat the Sea Eagles 52-12 on the weekend.
Maybe it will be the next coach that will finally give the young local halves an opportunity.
In Other Games
Dragons fans were not the only ones booing their team as the Eels players found out after conceding another 50+ for the season. They were terrible.
The Wests Tigers move to 2nd on the competition ladder with another impressive victory over the Knights. They face their biggest test of the season hosting the Broncos at Campbelltown on Saturday.
This Round’s Results
This Round’s Stats
All Tipsters managed to submit their tips, but a new Standout calamity sees most Tipsters pause on the ladder.
A special callout to Yackas for scoring the first -2 of the season. Now that takes as much skill as a perfect round.
| Standouts Correct | 5 – BillyB, gdadisho, Runner, Splinter, Timbo |
| Standouts Wrong | 44 |
| Round High Score | 7 – Congratulations Splinter |
| Round Low Score | -2 – Congratulations Yackas. That’s a feat in itself |
| Average Score | 0.0 |
| Biggest Mover | +9 – Runner, Splinter |
| Biggest Drop | -9 – Unsurprisingly, Yackas |
The Standout
10% correct this week, our worse result of the season.
One Tipster opted not to select a Standout this week, and I bet many others wished they did the same.
Please let me remind you all, as according to our rules, you cannot win the Bart Simpson Weekly Jackpot without selecting a Standout.
Main Competition
The top three are locked in Eddie. Chunka holds off UpthePamfers and Bart Simpson by one point.
I sense a change is coming.
Bart Simpson Weekly Jackpot
Rinse and repeat… Still no perfect rounds for 2026. The Bart Simpson Weekly Jackpot continues to climb to a new season high of B$70.
As always, good luck with your team and tipping this week.
Rob
The Creator
