NRL Round 3 Preview

When all their spine players are playing, the Storm have one of the best free-flowing attacks in the competition. After an impressive showing last week, expect Ryan Papenhuyzen to cross the line.

In a rematch of the 2024 Grand Final, both teams will be looking to outdo each other, but it’s hard to go past the Storm, as the defending premiers will be without the likes of James Fisher-Harris, Jarome LuaI, Sunia Turuva, and Dylan Edwards.

The Roosters produced a remarkable win last week against the four-time defending premiers, so they shouldn’t be counted out and receive massive boosts in the likes of Spencer Leniu, Victor Radley and Lindsay Collins returning to the side.

Whenever he faces his former team, Roger Tuivasa-Sheck manages to produce strong showings. Playing on the wing, he will attempt to use his footwork to get past the defenders when close to the line.

Still off-contract, every match this season is a chance for Selwyn Cobbo to impress Broncos officials in the hope for an extension. Competing against a lacklustre Cowboys defence, he is an east favourite to cross the line at least twice.

The Cowboys have been absolutely demolished in their first two matches, and this week isn’t expected to be different. Failing to defend well on the edges, the Broncos will target this and put on a large score-line.

A bolter for the NSW Blues team last year, Sharks centre Jesse Ramien manages to find the try-line with ease. Needing to be their best to win the match, Ramien is expected to have a strong performance against either Jack Wighton or Campbell Graham on the edges.

Considered underdogs for the clash, the Rabbitohs shouldn’t be counted out after two wins from two matches. In what will be their hardest test yet, they receive a massive boost in Jack Wighton while Jye Gray and Jamie Humphreys have been playing out of their skin.

On his day, Sunia Turuva is one of the best wingers in the NRL and he showed exactly this last week when he scored a hat-trick. It’s hard to see him not score and he may even cross for a double.

After a strong showing against the Eels, the Tigers will be eager to go back-to-back. Despite being outsiders, the Tigers seem like a more well-rounded team whilst the Dolphins are yet to find their form.

Last week, David Fifita was only brought onto the field after 50 minutes of football and the decision by Des Hasler caught the attention of fans and several media pundits. Needing to win, Fifita is set to land more game-time and should be considered a bolter to cross the line for a four-pointer.

The Knights have been in terrific form lately mainly due to star fullback and skipper Kalyn Ponga. Whenever Ponga is on song, the Knights manage to find away to win, so it will all come down to the QLD Maroons representative.

Going up against his former team, Josh Addo-Carr returns to the field this week after a long suspension due to an off-field incident. An Origin level winger, the Fox not only has the skill to cross the line but also the speed.

At the moment, the Eels are easily the worst team in the competition and have failed to muster a strong attack with no Mitchell Moses in their line-up. On the other hand, the Bulldogs may be without Matt Burton and Viliame Kikau but the rest of the squad will stand up in their absence.

Relying heavily on Tom Trbojevic, you could easily see that they crumbled in attack when he left the field last week. With the fullback returning, he will need go play a crucial role if Manly are to win.

The Raiders are two from two and are looking to extend their streak against the Sea Eagles. Favourites for the Wooden Spoon heading into the season, they have continued to prove critics wrong and have a chance to do the same again this week.