NRL round seven tips: Andrew Johns picking 'biggest upset of the season' to rock NRL
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Andrew Johns has tipped the raging premiership favourites to cop a major reality check in round seven, picking the Panthers to fall in Darwin against a team that has flattered to deceive so far in 2026.
On the back of their first loss of the season and some key outs, Johns believes Penrith are ripe for the picking in hot and humid conditions in the top end, where they will meet the Dolphins on Friday night.
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Ivan Cleary has been forced to test his depth, with young gun centre Casey McLean (suspended) and representative forward Liam Martin (knee injury) both sidelined. Those team changes have convinced Johns that the Panthers are vulnerable.
Nine commentator Andrew Johns still has command of the Steeden. Getty
"I'm going a big upset. Biggest upset, I think, of the season so far, Dolphins," Johns said on Wide World of Sports' Freddy and the Eighth's Tips.
"I thought their bench looks a little bit skinny, considering the heat and the humidity, you're going to have to really lean on your bench here.
"Dolphins coming off a bye. I think they can win."
According to the Bureau of Meteorology, it will reach a top of 33 degrees in Darwin on Friday, with showers and a possible storm forecast in steamy conditions.
The Dolphins' freshness after a bye could give them an edge, although their form has been shaky at best this season, with just two wins from their five games.
They sit 12th on the ladder on the back of a tense 18-14 victory over local rivals the Titans before their round six bye.
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Brad Fittler remains unconvinced in the Dolphins' ability to take down one of the competition heavyweights, claiming they have not adjusted to the evolution of the game this season.
"I just don't think they have it in their attack," Fittler told Freddy and the Eighth's Tips.
"I don't think Katoa's adjusted, I don't think their team has adjusted at all. They were top on scoring tries last year, they're now 14th, so their game has fallen apart a little bit.
"I'm going the Panthers to rebound."
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