Panthers Imploding, Crows Crumble & Taupō Supercars Surprises | Ahead of the Game Ep. 20
Episode 20 of 'Ahead of the Game' highlights significant moments across AFL and NRL. The Crows couldn't maintain their lead against Geelong, leaving fans with bittersweet memories. Meanwhile, the NRL champions, Penrith Panthers, are in crisis with an unusual losing streak. However, the Dolphins rise with strong performances from key players. Kiwi drivers in Taupō's Supercars show promising talent, while anticipation builds for the F1 event in Bahrain. Upcoming AFL and NRL matches promise intense competition, with detailed insights and predictions available.
- Crows lose grip to Geelong, veterans lead comeback.
- Penrith Panthers in NRL struggle, rare slide continues.
- Kiwi drivers lead in Taupō Supercars, exciting F1 preview for Bahrain.
Ahead of the Game Ep. 20
Panthers Imploding, Crows Crumble & Taupō Supercars Surprises | Ahead of the Game Ep. 20
The defending NRL champs are spiralling, the Crows blew a golden chance, and Kiwi drivers could be set to dominate at home.
In Episode 20 of Ahead of the Game, Ryan and Jez start with the biggest storylines from Thursday night footy across both codes. The Crows’ Gather Round opener looked like a celebration but ended in heartbreak, with Geelong storming home thanks to veterans Patrick Dangerfield and Jeremy Cameron. Tex Walker was immense, but the Crows lost their grip. Ryan reckons they’ll bounce back, but the scars will linger.
In the NRL, it’s panic stations at Penrith. The Panthers are now 1–5, and stats are piling up around just how rare this slide is for a defending champion. Jez nails the vibe shift—when you lose glue guys like Luai, Fisher-Harris, and Turuva, the culture starts to wobble.
Meanwhile, the Dolphins are surging, with Kristian Woolf settling in as coach and Hammer finally getting on the scoresheet consistently. Their backline is starting to look like one of the league’s best, and they’re a team to watch.
The lads then turn to Whatya Watchin, starting with Taupō Supercars, where Kiwi drivers are dominating early practice. Big teams are off the pace, tyre balance is tricky, and the home crowd is riding high.
They also preview F1 in Bahrain, hoping for more action than last week’s processional run in Suzuka. For full analysis of that mess, they recommend heading back to [Episode 19].
Next up is Storm vs Warriors, where Jez reveals some sharp stats suggesting this one could be a lot tighter than expected. Want the full breakdown? Head to bets.com.au/nrl.
The AFL gets its moment with Dees vs Bombers and St Kilda vs GWS both on the radar. Ryan believes Melbourne will finally notch win #1, while the Saints’ historic edge over the Giants makes that a must-watch matchup.
Tips, stats, chaos and laughter—this one’s got everything.
Top Betting Sites
Betting offers
Upcoming Events
27 May 2026
- French Open Day 4 -
- Tennis
- Happy Valley - May 27 -
- Horse Racing
- Joao Fonseca vs Dino Prizmic -
- Tennis
- Pablo Carreno Busta vs Thanasi Kokkinakis -
- Tennis
28 May 2026
- St Kilda Saints vs Hawthorn Hawks -
- AFL
- QLD Maroons Women vs NSW Blues Women NRL State of Origin Game 3 -
- Rugby League
29 May 2026
- Carlton Blues vs Geelong Cats -
- AFL
- Cronulla Sharks vs Manly Sea Eagles -
- Rugby League
Load More
