NRL Round 3: The Preview

By Stephen Gallagher

Another week of tipping 6/8 for me. Two weeks in a row. Talk about consistency! Sitting at 12/16 this season.

 

THURSDAY: Panthers V Storm – BlueBet Stadium – 22.05NZT

The Panthers are yet to concede a point this season as they take on their grand final counterparts from last season.

With Melbourne losing last week, it’s hard to see them losing two in a row. However, this Panthers side looks even better than 2020.

There’s plenty of excitement in this match up. Hopefully the weather plays ball so we can see the best of these two sides!

TIP: Panthers 1-12

 

FRIDAY: Dragons V Sea Eagles – WIN Stadium – 20.00NZT

Manly are yet to fire a shot, where the Dragons have shown there’s something there for them to believe they can get some runs on the board.

There’s no injury concerns in the Dragons squad, which is total opposite to the Sea Eagles who are struggling.

Friday night under lights, the Dragons should be able to get the job done here. Manly have to click sooner rather than later, however. Could be a messy game.

TIP: Dragons 1-12

 

Rabbitohs V Roosters – Stadium Australia – 22.05NZT

While the Roosters are absolutely flying to start the year, there’s nothing quite like their arch rivals to bring them back to ground.

Souths looked better last week in the pouring rain, but there’s plenty of improvements to be made. More around handling errors and poor fifth tackle options under pressure.

The Roosters have lock Victor Radley back for his first game since tearing his ACL, a massive inclusion.

I think there’s more to this game than people think. The Rabbitohs will love a game like this, and it’s a perfect opportunity to show they want to be contenders this season.

The Roosters will be tough.

TIP: Roosters 1-12

 

SATUDAY: Raiders V Warriors – GIO Stadium – 17.00NZT

Injury concerns and suspension are starting to hurt the Warriors only two weeks in, but there’s plenty of spirit and grit about them.

The Raiders are happy with skipper Jarrod Croker back from injury. His defence and goal kicking will go a long way to helping them win this match.

The Warriors have youngster Sean O’Sullivan in the halves for his first game for the club, and has some expectations on his shoulders.

Canberra in Canberra are always tough to beat, but the Warriors have gotten the win there a few times over the last few seasons.

TIP: Raiders 13+

Broncos V Bulldogs – Suncorp Stadium – 19.30NZT

It’s a very long losing streak for the Broncos. One they are deserate to break against the Bulldogs.

There are a few injury and suspension concerns for Canterbury-Bankstown, but they will want to continue to add to the misery of Brisbane. I’m just not sure they will be able to.

The Broncos defensive worries have been bad, but knowing the Bulldogs have only scored three tries this season will help their mental state.

This game really could go any way, but I think Brisbane will get the monkey off their back.

TIP: Broncos 1-12

 

Eels V Sharks – Bankwest Stadium – 21.30NZT

Parra look to make it three in a row to kick off the season, but the Sharks will be in with a sniff like they always are.

A tough, nuggety side. Cronulla will bring plenty of physicality up front to try and match the Eels side who have been very impressive so far.

The Eels second-phase play has been good, and with Mahoney at hooker he’s been a big difference on attack.

Goal Kicking will be on the menu for the Sharks this week, it’s an important part of the game they are lacking.

TIP: Eels 1-12

 

SUNDAY: Knights V Tigers – McDonald Jones Stadium – 18.00NZT

Watching the Tigers is like pulling teeth, and I can only imagine what it’s like to be a fan of theirs.

Newcastle have been impressive so far, with a convincing win, and a hard fought win to see them undefeated.

They’re not even at full strength, which is a great sign for the club.

The Tigers, what is there to say? I hope for their sake they are competitive. Otherwise it’s going to be a big score.

TIP: Knights 13+

 

Cowboys V Titans – Queensland Country Bank Stadium – 20.15NZT

While the Cowboys sit winless in 2021, they haven’t been horrible. It sucks losing Jason Taumalolo for a month with a broken wrist, but that just shows there’s room for their other representitive forwards to step up.

The Titans are looking better each week, and with only one change to their team for this match up, they’ll be relatively settled.

Another Queensland derby that both teams will have invested interest in.

Titans should be good enough to get up.

TIP: Titans 1-12

Follow Stephen Gallagher on Twitter