Veteran sports journalist Robert Craddock emerged as the winner of The Daily Telegraph’s National Rugby League (NRL) tipping competition for the 2024 season, finishing with a total of 136 points. Known primarily for his expertise in cricket, Craddock built an early lead during the 27-round contest and maintained his advantage through the final rounds to secure the top spot.
Telegraph NRL reporter Dean Ritchie finished closely behind in second place, accumulating 133 points and contributing to a strong showing by New South Wales-based participants. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese demonstrated his knowledge of the competition’s dynamics, particularly benefiting from the late-season performance of the South Sydney Rabbitohs, to finish tied for third place with Sunday Serve columnist Adam Pengilly, each tallying 131 points.
The leaderboard also featured a number of prominent figures from the sports and media communities. Jimmy Smith took fifth place with 130 points, followed by Tom Sangster, Michael Carayannis, and Lara Pitt, who each recorded 129 points. Other notable competitors included former professional player Braith Anasta and commentator Andrew Voss, who ended the competition with 127 and 116 points respectively.
At the lower end of the standings was actor and former previous winner Brendan Cowell, who concluded the season with 107 points. Cowell, a dedicated supporter of the Cronulla Sharks, was noted for his willingness to back upsets throughout the campaign, a strategy that ultimately impacted his final ranking.
The tipping competition ran alongside the 2024 NRL season, coinciding with the State of Origin series in which Queensland’s Maroons were unable to secure a series victory. Despite this, Craddock’s triumph offered a measure of pride for Queensland fans within the broader contest.
The full leaderboard reflects the competitive nature of the tipping contest and the diverse group of participants engaged in the annual event that continues to capture the attention of rugby league followers across Australia.