NRL – Round 3 Preview and Tips

Well round 2 threw out another host of upsets and we are getting to that stage already where some teams are facing critical games, form line will start hopefully become more predictable and most importantly the quality of the games keeps lifting. I must say the opening 2 rounds have provided some of the better footy I have seen early in a season for years. Now I am going to run the rule over this week’s games and hopefully pick a few winners for everyone.

Melbourne Storm v North Queensland Cowboys, Thursday 8.05pm AEDT at AAMI Park

This shapes as the match of the round, a rematch of last year’s Grand Finalists both coming off losses in Round 2 adding an extra element to this classic. I actually like the Cowboys form a bit more the Melbourne’s at the moment who I thought were pretty poor last week against the Tigers, Brody Croft has yet to fully settle in the 7 jersey and the loss of key forwards Tohu Harris and Jordan Mclean is coming back to bite a bit. The Cowboys weren’t overly impressive either against the Broncos and were dominated in the middle of the park for long periods of the match, but with Michael Morgan back at 6 im going to tip a small upset and take the Cowboys in this one.

Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs v Penrith Panthers, Friday 6pm AEDT at ANZ Stadium

My heart says the Dogs in this one but my head says Penrith. The dogs are coming in to the game off their worst start as a club in decades having conceded 30 points in both Round 1 and 2 and the Panthers will be full of confidence after another last minute win in Round 2 to start the season with a perfect record. Dean Pay has swung the axe early and promoted Benji Marshalls younger brother to five eight this week but they are still a work in progress and I think if Penrith control the ball they will be too good in this one.

Wests Tigers v Brisbane Broncos, Friday 8.05pm AEDT at Campbelltown Stadium

We are looking at another cracker here I think, the Broncos bounced back in a big way last week with a hard fought win over the Cowboys and the Tigers have shocked everyone knocking over premiership favourites the Roosters and Storm away from home in Round 1 and Round 2. This will be a tough encounter for the Broncos at Campbelltown but I have a feeling they can put the Tiges unbeaten run to an end, a lot will depend again on how both forward packs aim up and if Pangai Jnr can keep his beast like form from last week going.

Canberra Raiders v New Zealand Warriors, Saturday 3pm AEDT at GIO Stadium

The Warriors are 2 from 2 and the Raiders are 0 from 2, I’m not sure a lot of good judges would have predicted that a few weeks ago but that’s how it currently stands. Canberra have been very wasteful in both losses and squandered good leads and the Warriors have looked to have a new steel in defence and have been able to put away Souths and the Titans with ease. Im tipping a bounce back from Canberra though in this one, they simply need a win and Ricky Stuart will have them fired up at home.

South Sydney Rabbitohs v Manly Warringah Sea Eagles, Saturday 5.30pm AEDT at ANZ Stadium

On form Manly looked like eventual premiers last week absolutely dismantling Parramatta in a crazy hot day, whether that is a mirage and Parra were just really bad is yet to be seen. Key players DCE and the Trobejevic brothers look to be in peak fitness and peak form which is a very frightening prospect for other clubs. Souths haven’t been too bad in both losses to start the season and probably should have put Penrith away last week, however I see Manly as having a bit too much class in the backs in this one and should win.

Parramatta Eels v Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks, Saturday 7.35pm AEDT at ANZ Stadium

Both clubs are under enormous pressure only 2 weeks in to the season, Parra for obvious reasons after last week’s flogging and the Sharks are also off to insipid 0 and 2 start. I just cant see how Parra could possibly be that bad two weeks in a row but there confidence would be very low and Cronulla while losing both games haven’t been terrible, I think the Sharks will win this one and then watch the knives really sharpen out Parra way.

Gold Coast Titans v St George Illawarra Dragons, Sunday 3.10pm AEST (4.10pm AEDT) at Clive Berghofer Stadium

The Titans were pretty ordinary last week without Ash Taylor against the Warriors and the Saints did enough against the Sharks to get there second win of the year. I don’t have a heap of faith in either of these teams to be honest and with Taylor back the Titans are capable of an upset on their home ground but I will play it safe and take the Dragons to go 3 from 3 to start the season.

Sydney Roosters v Newcastle Knights, Sunday 6.30pm AEDT at Allianz Stadium

This is a blockbuster to end the round on Sunday, Mitch Pearce and several ex Roosters returning home in Newcastle colours with a point to prove. The Knights have been the story of the season so far winning both games and they will fancy there chances against the Roosters who have yet to fully hit there straps with the new combo of Cronk and Tedesco in the spine. I do however think that the Roosters might have too much for the Knights and end the early season fairy tale. If you looking at a value bet for this week the Knights at $3.20 is way way overs in my opinion so a lazy 10 bucks on that would be worthwhile punting.

TIPS:

Cowboys

Penrith

Broncos

Canberra

Manly

Cronulla

St George

Roosters

Well there you have it my review for what shapes as another exciting round of footy in what is shaping up as one of the tightest comps in years. I haven’t taken to many upsets again this week but would not be surprised by anything that may happen.

I hope you all enjoyed my post and hopefully see a bit of value in some of my tips if you are having a punt this weekend, slide me an upvote and comment on who you have your money on this week, would love to hear from you all.