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NRL & AFL Upsets? | Top 5 Underdogs & Brandon Smith’s Move | Ahead of the Game Ep. 11

Jeremy Darke

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Last updated: 19 Mar 2025

Jeremy Darke 19 Mar 2025

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Bold AFL & NRL Predictions
The Greatest Underdog Stories in Sports
Brandon Smith’s Exit & NRL Blunders

Episode 11 of Ahead of the Game with Ryan & Jez

NRL & AFL Upsets, Top 5 Underdogs & Brandon Smith’s Big Move

Another massive episode of Ahead of the Game is here, and Ryan & Jez are tackling bold predictions, legendary underdog stories, and one of the biggest NRL transfers of the year.

NRL & AFL Upsets, Top 5 Underdogs & Brandon Smith’s Big Move
Bang Bang – Bold AFL & NRL Predictions
Tux’s Top 5 – The Greatest Underdog Stories in Sports
Below Average – Brandon Smith’s Exit & NRL Blunders
Get in the Game!

Bang Bang – Bold AFL & NRL Predictions

Kicking off the show, Jez throws down a massive call in Bang Bang—Melbourne to beat four-time defending NRL premiers Penrith by double digits on Thursday night. It’s a rare sight to see the Panthers as 9.5-point underdogs, but with form and trends working against them, Jez is confident in the Storm. Check out the full game preview at bets.com.au.

Ryan is also tipping Carlton to take down Hawthorn in the AFL. The Blues are under pressure to get their first win of the season, while the Hawks are cruising at 2-0. Ryan’s analytics favor Carlton, making this one to watch.

In the NRL, Parramatta vs. the Bulldogs is another key matchup, with Ryan backing the Eels due to Canterbury’s mounting injury list.

Tux’s Top 5 – The Greatest Underdog Stories in Sports

Ryan ditches the weird sports rankings and jumps into a new Top 5 format—underdog stories in sports history. Here’s how the list shaped up:

🥉 #3 – The 2005 Socceroos’ World Cup qualifier vs. Uruguay – Australia finally ended a 32-year World Cup drought, winning on penalties.

🥈 #2 – The 1995 Queensland Maroons – A squad written off before the series ended up sweeping a star-studded NSW team.

🥇 #1 – Steven Bradbury’s gold medal – The ultimate underdog moment, as the Aussie speed skater stayed on his feet while the rest crashed out in the 2002 Winter Olympics.

Other mentions included Leicester City's EPL title run and Kieren Perkins' legendary 1500m swim at the Olympics.

Below Average – Brandon Smith’s Exit & NRL Blunders

The show wraps up with Below Average, featuring:

Brandon Smith’s move to South Sydney – The Roosters hooker has signed a two-year deal with cross-city rivals the Rabbitohs. Is this the right move for his career?
St George vs. South Sydney’s endgame disaster – A shocking lack of field-goal execution from both teams left fans in disbelief.