NRL Week 3

By Stephen Gallagher

THURSDAY: Storm V Panthers – AAMI Park – 22.00NZT

Wow, here I was thinking these two would be playing for the Trumper Shield, but the Panthers shock loss to the Roosters has them reeling.

And it doesn’t get any easier. A refreshed Storm side after barely being tested in Round 1 and a bye.

Penrith don’t often lose two in a row, but the Storm in Melbourne is such a tough feat for them.

The Dylan Edwards injury also plays into this. I know the Panthers can upset the Storm in the Grand Final rematch, I just think that hurt of last year will be huge motivation for Melbourne.

TIP: Storm 1-12

 

FRIDAY: Warriors V Roosters – Go Media Mount Smart Stadium – 20.00NZT

Warriors proved that what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas. Home court advantage looks like it’s going to be important for them this year.

The Roosters, with the biggest upset of 2025, will be looking to try and replicate that feeling to get up and win. It’s hard to replicate that feeling. Especially with the travel across the ditch to NZ.

Wahs have to build off that win. They played composed and direct.

Roosters have the belief now. They can knock off anyone.

TIP: Warriors 1-12

Broncos V Cowboys – Suncorp Stadium – 22.00NZT

Brisbane were brought back to Earth last week, where the Cowboys are trying to leave Earth to get away from the criticism.

Even with the return of Taumalolo, Nanai and Clifford, I think this is going to be an 0-3 start for the Cowboys.

Brisbane have that grit and determination about them when they want to. And after losing last week, they have to go back to basics and go through the middle. They have to earn it. And with all those missed tackles North Queensland are making – it could open up quickly.

TIP: Cowboys 13+

 

SATURDAY: Sharks V Rabbitohs – Sharks Stadium – 17.00NZT

Now here’s a good game

The Sharks made light work of the Cowboys last week, and have a real test on their hands with the relentless Rabbitohs.

Once again, Souths under Wayne are as cunning as ever. Of course they’re 2/2 and have barely blinked in doing so.

They are tough to break down. The Sharks will have to come prepared with the right game plan to get the win.

I think there’s more X-Factor in the Sharks ranks. They just have to bring it and deliver. Otherwise, Souths may just get another upset win.

TIP: Sharks 1-12

Dolphins V Tigers – Kayo Stadium – 19.30NZT

The ‘Phins are in Redcliffe for the first time in 2025 and they have to come up against a Tigers side who were great on the weekend.

While the Dolphins have played nowhere near their best in the opening fortnight, there’s still plenty of room for improvement for them.

The connections are forming quicker for the Tigers. The more they play together, the greater they will get.

I don’t think the Dolphins have the points in them to contain the Tigers.

TIP: Tigers 1-12

Titans V Knights – Cbus Super Stadium –  21.30NZT

I can’t believe what I saw from the Titans last week, but I should have known.

They looked unfit, they looked poor, they didn’t look like a side that had basically two more weeks to prepare than every other club.

And now they have to play at home against the Knights who are looking strong.

Looks like the Titans rollercoaster is starting up, again.

Knights – should be too strong and too good for them. Especially the Ponga/Sharpe combination. It’s looking great.

TIP: Knights 1-12

 

SUNDAY: Eels V Bulldogs – CommBank Stadium – 18.00NZT

Oh dear. Eels suck. They were so bad last week, and even worse the week before.

And now they play the Bulldogs without Burton and Kikau, and the Bulldogs will still pump them.

Defence is too good for the Doggies. The Eels won’t be able to handle it.

Not much more else to say.

TIP: Bulldogs 13+

Sea Eagles V Raiders – 4 Pines Park – 20.15NZT

This is that classic match from last year where the Sea Eagles were doing Sea Eagles things and lead by like 12 and then got ran down.

I really like what I am seeing from Canberra. A young side, with plenty of resolve and enthusiasm, getting stuck in and not taking a backwards step.

They know they’re good enough to beat Manly. And with doubts around DCE and Turbo, that only adds to the favourites tag for the green machine.

TIP: Raiders 1-12

BYE: Dragons

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