St George Illawarra Dragons vs Cronulla Sharks

Thursday March 24 | WIN Stadium | 8.05pm AEDT

A grudge match to kick off round three – and this should be another ripper edition of a growing feud. As mentioned in the opening rounds, I’m a big fan of the Sharks under Fitzgibbon this year. The Sharks seem to be in great sync with centre Jesse Ramien and halfback Nicho Hynes guiding the side beautifully. The Sharks have won their past three against the Dragons and I believe they are now a much better side.

Suggested bet: 3u Sharks – 1.5 at $1.90

Wests Tigers vs New Zealand Warriors NRL Round 3 Predictions

Friday March 25 | Campbelltown Stadium | 6.00pm AEDT

Big game for both sides, with the loser set to go 0-3 to start the season. The Tigers were stoic in losing to the Storm in round one, before being outclassed by the Knights. The Warriors have suffered tight losses to sides on the improve. The Warriors have prevailed in this match-up the past three times and I think they can make it four here. Kodi Nikorima is a welcome inclusion for the Warriors.

Suggested bet: 1.5u Warriors -2.5 at $1.90

Suggested bet:

South Sydney Rabbitohs vs Sydney Roosters

Friday March 25 | Accor Stadium | 8.05pm AEDT

Hard clash to predict, with the Rabbits out of sorts and staring down a 0-3 start. The Roosters were off to a slow start but hit back to destroy Manly last week. They’ll be keen to exact revenge after the famous 54-12 rout and Latrell Mitchell’s hit on Joey Manu the last time they met. It’s safe to say we should see some fireworks in this fixture. I think the Roosters are deserved favourites, but this once has so many elements, none more important than a Rabbitohs side looking to avoid being winless after three rounds.

No suggested bet

Penrith Panthers vs Newcastle Knights

Saturday March 26 | Carrington Park | 3.00pm AEDT

This shapes as a mouth-watering clash as the reigning premiers take on one of the improved sides of the competition in 2022. Nathan Cleary is being touted as ready for his return to the Panthers, but Kalyn Ponga returning is just as important for the Knights. Daniel Saifiti is also a key inclusion for the Knights. With Cleary out of match fitness, the Panthers might also be ripe for the picking with Brian To’o also out due to injury.

Suggested bet: 1u Knights +10.5 at $1.90

Melbourne Storm vs Parramatta Eels

Saturday March 26 | AAMI Park | 5.30pm AEDT

Another cracking clash with the Storm looking to remain unbeaten. The Eels are 1-1 after failing in the final minutes against the Sharks. But it’s fair to say neither the Storm or Eels are at their best in the early stages of the season. Both sides go in relatively unchanged, other than the Storm pulling the pin on Harry Grant after he tested positive to COVID. Parramatta have a good record against the Storm in recent clashes, and there was a lot to like despite losing to the Sharks last week.

Suggested bet: 1u Parramatta win at $2.60

Canberra Raiders vs Gold Coast Titans

Saturday March 26 | GIO Stadium | 7.35pm AEDT

The tight match-ups continue here with two sides evenly poised and likely to be around the mark for a top eight spot at the end of the minor rounds. The Raiders were error-riddled in losing convincingly to the Cowboys last week, making it ultra hard to give them much chance against an improving Titans side. I’m surprised the Raiders are favourites, so this is definitely a bet on the Titans. Jordan Rapana and Nick Cotric returning for the Raiders may cause some headaches, but I like how settled the Titans look with AJ Brimson at no. 6.

Suggested bet: 2u Titans win at $2.15

Brisbane Broncos vs North Queensland Cowboys

Sunday March 27 | Suncorp Stadium | 4.05pm AEDT

The Broncos have shown resilience in two wins to start the season. If they are to press for finals, this is a game they must win. While the Cowboys smashed the Raiders last week, their opponents were dreadful with possession. They will have to lift a notch to match it with a Broncos side where gun recruit Adam Reynolds appears to have seamlessly fit in. No bet in this game as I’d prefer to see the Broncos deliver in a ‘must win’ such as this.

No suggested bet

Manly Sea Eagles vs Canterbury Bulldogs

Sunday March 27 | 4 Pines Park | 6.15pm AEDT

Manly have started the year completely rudderless, and now they are down on confidence after two hefty losses. It’s hard to see them turning it around so quickly, but there’s no better opportunity to do so than against the Bulldogs. Having said that, the Bulldogs have shown real signs of improvement. It simply depends which Manly side shows up, because we know they have the talent.

No suggested bet