Thursday:
Eels at Sea Eagles
It’s a battle between speed and size, with the Sea Eagles looking to play an expansive game with pace, and the Eels looking to grind you out with big boys in the middle. The Eels will be disappointed with their results so far, and have struggled with consistency through a full 80 minutes. I can see coach Arthur prepping them to weather the attack of Manly and using their speed at the halves themselves against weary forwards to score a few tries though the centre of the park.
Eels 22 over Sea Eagles 12
Friday:
Dolphins at Knights
The Dolphins travel away from home for the first time, and are meeting a banged-up Knights team that will be missing some key players, including Kalyn Ponga for an extended period of time. Coach Bennett has his boys playing inspired defence, and the Phins are already looking like one of the hardest hitting teams in the comp. Look for them to keep this physicality going and win comfortably.
Dolphins 18 over Knights 6
Rabbitohs at Roosters
My game of the week, these two perennial finals contenders meet for a blockbuster clash at Allianz. Both teams have seen one win from two, and will be looking to build some consistency. Lachlan Ilias played great in Round 1, but the Panthers shut him down last week. A key to the game will be to pressure him on his last tackle kicks, not allowing the Rabbitohs to flip field position. I can see Victor Radley licking his chops to get his paws on the young halfback, as he returns from injury. I expect a close game with, the Roosters stellar defence the difference.
Roosters 18 over Rabbitohs 14
NRL Round 3 Preview
Saturday:
Storm at Titans
Melbourne travel to the Goldy for a matchup with the woefully inconsistent Titans. After a shocking display against the Bulldogs, Bellamy will be cracking his whip to ensure that his boys can put it to the Titans, and I can see him driving up the score in this one. Expect a blow-out.
Storm 38 over Titans 10
Warriors at Cowboys
The Warriors travel to North Queensland, trying to take advantage of missing pieces on a Cowboys side that was humbled against the Broncos in the XXXX Derby last weekend. Without Scott Drinkwater and Peta Hiku (both suspended), the Cowboys will be blooding some new players, including exciting junior fullback Tom Chester. The Warriors defence has looked uncharacteristically stout, and the Cowboys will need to lean on Val Holmes and the experience of Chad Townsend to make sure they take advantage of opportunities in the redzone. I see a close first half, with the humid conditions sapping the Warriors forward pack, and the Cowboys pulling away late.
Cowboys 28 over Warriors 18
Dragons at Broncos
The Broncs look like the class of the comp in all phases at the moment, with their dominant forward pack and excellent spine play. The Dragons looked OK against the Titans in their win, but will be outmatched at just about every position in this one. Look for a drubbing.
Broncos 44 over Dragons 14
Sunday:
Tigers at Bulldogs
Just about the worst timing for the coldest team in the comp (Tigers) to face one of the hottest (Bulldogs). After an incredible game by their young guns like Burton, Kiraz and Kyle Flanagan, it will be interesting to see the peaks of this dangerous Bulldogs attack. The Tigers are a mess, and the Doggies would be good to keep them in the pigsty that Wests are sitting in.
Bulldogs 28 over Tigers 6
Sharks at Canberra
We finish the weekend with what could be a rough and tumble game between two packs that can get nasty. Cronulla play a cracker of a game with the Eels, showing their resilience up against a tough, physical opponents. Look for them to try and impose their will against a Raiders team that will feel cheated after some shocking officiating against the Dolphins, and some poor execution led to their defeat. I can see a back and forth game, with tempers flaring, and Cronulla pulling out a hard fought win in the nation’s capital.
Sharks 18 over Raiders 16
Alas, my Panthers are on the bye, hopefully allowing Nathan Cleary to shake the knock he picked up against the Rabbitohs. See you on the other side!
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