80 words in 80 minutes. NRL round three

By Stephen Gallagher

Thursday, March 22

Storm v Cowboys, AAMI Park, 21.50 NZT

Seeing the Storm go down at AAMI Park two weeks in a row could almost be impossible, so expect them to bounce back in a big way.

The Cowboys are looking good without looking great, and that was the way I saw the Storm last week.

It is only early days, so it’s hard to gauge. The Storm should get the result here.

Michael Morgan is back for the Cowboys however, and he will add a lot. Expect it to be close.

TIP: Storm 1-12

Friday, March 23

Bulldogs v Panthers, ANZ Stadium, 20.00 NZT

0-3 will not be a good look for the new Bulldogs era. Even if they’re up at half time, be wary. The comeback Panthers are never out of a match.

Penrith will look to address their slow starts this week though, they can’t keep doing what they’re doing and expecting to win.

The Bulldogs have a new look halves pairing with Kiwis Marshall-King and Foran together for the first time.

Expect a physical clash.

TIP: Panthers 1-12

Wests Tigers v Broncos, Campbelltown Stadium,21.50 NZT

How much will everyone be cheering for the Tigers to win this one?

They are up against it though, Brisbane were much better in their victory over the Cowboys last week.

The Tigers aren’t playing incredible football, but they are getting enough done to get the result. They just have to continue to build from it.

The Broncos forwards will believe they have enough to get the job done up front.

Wests will need to be sharp.

TIP: Broncos 1-12

Saturday, March 24

Raiders v Warriors, GIO Stadium, 17.00 NZT

If you’d have said the Warriors would be undefeated, and the Raiders would be winless a lot of people would think you’re crazy, but here we are.

The Raiders have been good, just not good enough. This is their change to chance it around.

All while the Warriors are staring down the barrel of history, never winning their first three games.

I think this has the potential to be the game of the round. High scoring, with lots of live wire players all over the park.

TIP: Raiders 1-12

Rabbitohs v Sea Eagles, ANZ Stadium, 19.30 NZT

What we saw from the Sea Eagles last week was nothing short of brilliant. They obliterated the Eels and will believe they can do the same to the Rabbitohs.

Souths are under pressure, looking for their first win of the season.

A big game here for both sides. Souths need to look to their experiences players to help get the job done. The Burgess brothers have been bad so far.

Manly should win, but it will be a tough grind.

TIP: Sea Eagles 1-12

Eels v Sharks, ANZ Stadium, 21.30 NZT

This is a hard game for me to tip. The Eels really have to bounce back after last week, while the Sharks have been okay so far.

A game that really can go either way, I do think the Sharks are going to do enough to get the two points.

Parramatta will have to dig deep, and restore some faith. A more direct game from their halves will help.

Cronulla have to get in to the trenches and win up front to win the match.

TIP: Sharks 1-12

Sunday, March 25

Titans v Dragons, Clive Berghofer Stadium, Toowoomba, 19.10 NZT

A treat for Toowombians, with the Titans taking a home game there. No doubt it’ll be their biggest crowd of the season too.

The Dragons have a good record against the Gold Coast side, but that never really counts for much.

Gold Coast Titans are bolstered with the return of Ash Taylor in the halves/

Dragons unchanged, and looking to get another win in the bag for a positive start to the season.

I believe the Titans can get a scrappy win here.

TIP: Titans 1-12

Roosters v Knights, Allianz Stadium, 20.30 NZT

If Canberra and the Warriors isn’t game of the round, this will be.

Pearce and Guerra get to go up against their old side for the first time, as they look to help steer the Knights to another good win.

The Roosters clicked a lot better last week, and will need to do more of the same again.

Reece Robinson makes his club debut for the injured Daniel Tupou, and he will be dangerous.

The Knights are going to be tough, and so are the Roosters. There’s not much in this at all!

TIP:  Roosters 1-12

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