NRL Round 3

By Stephen Gallagher

THURSDAY: Panthers V Broncos – BlueBet Stadium – 22.00NZT

DON’T MENTION THE GRAND FINAL!!! Will this tactic work? Probably not – but with each team missing key players through injury – this game has a slight shine missing from it, but will no doubt be a blockbuster.

Panthers left so many points on the field last week, which will add to the fuel of perfection. The Broncos got the two points but that was pretty much it.

Penrith at home are hard to go past, even without JFH – but I think the loss of Reynolds for Brisbane will be too much.

High scoring affair, and the Panthers will get the dub.

TIP: Panthers 1-12

 

FRIDAY: Warriors V Raiders – Apollo Projects Stadium, Christchurch – 18.00NZT

The South Island gets some love in this game, but the Warriors certainly don’t enjoy playing away from Mount Smart.

We’ve seen them be the best side to be 0-2 so far, and can easily be 0-3 if the Raiders continue to do what they’ve done over the opening fortnight.

Canberra’s style is just ripping in and starting fast will help them. The Warriors just need to put it all together for 80 minutes, something they haven’t done yet.

This has the makings of a classic. Hard to go past the Raiders in this one.

TIP: Raiders 1-12

 

Roosters V Rabbitohs – Allianz Stadium – 22.00NZT

I have the privilege of attending this one. JWH’s 300th, and Wighton’s first for his new club. Exciting times!

This Roosters line up is nothing short of stacked, even with Keary missing through HIA protocols. Their bench certainly has it over their opponents.

Souths need this to be the game that kicks them in the ass and fires them up. They’ve been poor so far and the pressure is on. Nothing like this derby to bring the fireworks and spice up the season!

TIP: Roosters 1-12

 

SATURDAY: Bulldogs V Titans – Belmore Sports Ground – 17.00NZT

A week off may have been heaven or hell for a poor Titans side, but having Foran back will make things a little better for sure.

Even though the Doggies are 0-2, they haven’t been woeful – but haven’t even shown a glimpse of what they can do either.

I feel like this one could be an absolute bludger, or one of those 42-38 final score games, especially in the sunshine at Belmore, the Doggies spiritual home ground.

I really want to see the Bulldogs forwards lay a better platform, their belly has been soft.

For the Gold Coast – they need to turn pressure into points. If they pin the Bulldogs early, they will likely have success.

TIP: Bulldogs 1-12

 

Dragons V Cowboys – Netstrata Jubilee Stadium – 19.30NZT

A week is a long time in footy – the Dragons proved that in a disgraceful performance in round two. The Cowboys did it the hard way, but that’s also somewhat of a confidence booster too.

A couple of changes for the Dragons will provide some much needed spirit in the Red V jersey, but there’s absolutely no guarantee they will respond or match what North Queensland can do.

The Cowboys have so much success on the flanks. They’ll be running hard at the third man in and doing everything they can to put St George Illawarra to the sword.

TIP: Cowboys 1-12

 

Tigers V Sharks – Leichhardt Oval – 21.30NZT

Well, the Tigers gonna Tiger….That hype of the week one bye leading into whatever that was in Canberra last week was not what they would have wanted at all.

Cronulla’s pre-season has purely been around their defence, and you can see that play out with just how well they’ve been repelling teams on their line, and the impact they’re having in tackles.

This will frustrate the Tigers, knowing they’re gonna have to throw absolutely everything and have a bit of luck go their way to get the win.

Sharks look different this season.

TIP: Sharks 1-12

 

SUNDAY: Eels V Sea Eagles – Commbank Stadium – 18.05 NZT

Parramatta will know that last week’s result could have been a lot worse, and coming up against a very strong Sea Eagles side this week will be something they’ll be looking forward to.

You have to say that this Manly side look very composed and confident 1-13. No holes in their defence, they’re a side I’ve really enjoyed watching this season.

Travelling across the bridge and into Western Sydney will be a tough one as the Eels love their home ground.

Game of the round for me. Two sides that will tussle for 80 minutes. The Eels have what it takes to stand up against this Sea Eagles forward pack, I just don’t know if they have enough points in them to overcome Manly.

TIP: Sea Eagles 1-12

 

Knights V Storm – McDonald Jones Stadium – 20.15NZT

A change in the halves has to be the kick up the bum they need to perform. Losing a game they should have won will also hurt from last week.

The Storm are rolling up to the Hunter with a new halves pairing, and a whole lot of confidence. 

I want Newcastle to earn the metres through the middle first. Something they haven’t really shown this season even if we’re only two weeks in.

The Storm, as we know – can never be counted out. Not even with 23 seconds to go. Expect them to win this, because they’ve earned the favourites tag.

TIP: Storm 1-12

 

BYE: Dolphins

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