Magic Round NRL mascots race form guide: All eyes on Suncorp showdown

The true race that stops a nation will take place at Suncorp when the NRL’s mascots scorch the turf. Fatima Kdouh rates the contenders including Storm Man, Buck, Bluey, Rocky and Reefy. WATCH THE VIDEO

There’s the race that stops the nation but Magic Round will have the race that stops the rugby league world.

The ultimate bragging rights will be up for grabs when the NRL’s team mascots go head to head in a 100-metre dash at Suncorp Stadium on Saturday night.

Fourteen club and three sponsor mascots will go head-to-head this year in the strongest field to date.

WATCH IN PLAYER ABOVE: HOW THE MASCOTS MATCH UP AGAINST GOUT GOUT

Storm Man’s cocky showboating came at a huge cost in last year’s race, slipping over 10 metres before the finish line only for the Chemist Warehouse mascot to claim victory in classic Steven Bradbury style.

Tony Wood, the man behind Victor the Viking, conquered Las Vegas but will be a late scratching in Bris Vegas after succumbing to a knee injury initially suffered in America.

NRL Mascots will go head-to-head at Magic Round.

Victor, who is no stranger to a mascot race, will charge on with the NRL to suit up a Brisbane local in Wood’s place.

Woods’ advice ahead of the big race on Saturday is simple.

“In my 42 years as Victor, I have run two mascot races and won, both were at a local school fete,” Wood said.

“You don’t normally get a lot of time to prepare, so they need to make sure they stretch. Then take a deep breathe in and just go

“Seeing the smiles on people is easily the best thing about being a mascot, I’m a supporter who has the best seat in the house.”

Brisbane’s forecast for partly cloudy conditions during the day but with cooler temperatures expected when the race will be run in the evening, the mascots are in for a slick track.

THE 2025 MASCOTS FORM GUIDE

STORM MAN

Club: Melbourne Storm

2024 finish: Runner up

Looked unbeatable as he led the field only to take a tumble metres from the finish line in a demoralising defeat. Storm Man’s ‘all arms, no legs’ gym routine is made for running. Buff on top but speedy at the bottom, he is a hot favourite to avenge last year’s loss.

SPARKY

Club: Parramatta Eels

2024 finish: Last

Sparky? More like Malarkey. Threw in the towel last in last year’s race to skip across the finish line dead last. Even the 15th placed Eels showed more fight than Sparky in 2024.

Sparky and his partner in crime. Picture: NRL images

ROCKY

Club: Sydney Roosters

2024 finish: Did not run

A first time starter, Rocky is a red hot chance to take maiden line honours in 2025 as the only mascot to do the dash in studded boots giving him a clear advantage in slick conditions.

REEFY

Club: Cronulla Sharks

2024 Finish: 6th

A predator in deep water but more flounder above ground. Reefy went tail over fin into the first row on the Suncorp Stadium after overrunning the finish line. Will likely struggle through the same visual disadvantages on Saturday night.

Bulldogs mascot Brutus is questionable over the distance. Picture: Getty Images

BRUTUS

Club: Canterbury Bulldogs

2024 Finish: Did not run

More stocky than speedy, Bulldogs are not known for being the fastest runners but can be zippy in short bursts. Much like Brutus’ NRL team, he is a real chance of running out of steam before the finish line.

PHINNY

Club: Dolphins

2024 Finish: 4th

Phinny made up ground to finish fast after a slow start in 2024. Phinny’s biggest obstacle is minimising the drag from his dorsal fin, which wobbled uncontrollably in last year’s race.

Phinny the Dolphins mascot has a few hurdles to swim over. Picture: NRL Images

NOVO

Club: Newcastle Knights

2024 Finish: 10th

This race has no real chance of ever being another feather in the plume of Novo’s knight helmet. Novo is packing enough chin to power a small village, but none of it is reaching his legs.

REGGIE

Club: South Sydney Rabbitohs

2024 Finish: Did not run

Another newbie to the field. Reggie will be wearing spikes but any advantage is quickly undone by carrying too much weight on top, thanks to his oversized head and large floppy ears.

Warriors mascot Tiki brings good wet weather form to the race. Picture: Getty Images

TIKI

Club: New Zealand

2024 Finish: Did not run

The most athletic in the field, Tiki is a genuine smoky to spoil Storm Man’s revenge mission.

BLADE

Club: Gold Coast Titans

2024 Finish: Did not run

Blade’s body armour looks the part but will be his downfall. It’s too big, too bulky and will slow Blade down.

BUCK

Club: Brisbane Broncos

2024 Finish: 9th

Suncorp Stadium is Buck’s turf and pride is on line. Buck cantered across the finish line last year but only a gallop down the straight will get the job done in 2025.

Victor the Viking's trophy cabinet.

VICTOR

Club: Canberra Raiders

2024 Finish: Did not run

Already a two-time mascot race winner, Victor knows what it takes to conquer Suncorp Stadium. Victor’ sizeable viking boots, however, will be his biggest weakness.

TIMMY

Club: Wests Tigers

2024 Finish: 7th

Magic Round is a rugby league jungle and Timmy the Tiger should feel right at home. Riding high after a golden point win at Leichhardt Oval, Timmy has no excuses for anything less than a podium finish.

BLUEY

Club: North Queensland Cowboys

2024 Finish: Did not run

Cattle dogs are typically behind the herd but if the mascots underestimate Bluey, it will be at their own peril. Bluey’s energy and work ethic make him a dark horse.

Can Timmy the Tiger better his 7th place finish last year. Picture: Mark Kolbe/Getty Images

BBQ SHAPES

Sponsor Mascot

2024 Finish: 5th

Tasty but way too boxy. Right angles don’t make for good aerodynamics. In a larger field this time round, Shapes won’t finish any higher than in 2024.

CHEMIST WAREHOUSE

Sponsor Mascot

2024 Finish: Winner

Won it at the death after race leader Storm Man stacked it with 10 metres to go. Will need another Steven Bradbury moment to go back-to-back in 2025

BUNDY BEAR

Sponsor Mascot

2024 Finish: Did not run

Easily the longest stride length of any competitor thanks to Bundy’s towering frame, making him a genuine contender in 2025.