Melbourne Storm vs Penrith Panthers – Thursday night – AAMI Park

For the team chasing an astonishing fifth consecutive premiership, some doubts were raised about the Panthers last week against an under-strength Roosters line-up. There are no excuses for that loss - they were simply outplayed on the night. Granted, they still found a way to turn the game into a contest in the final moments, but there's no escaping the fact that the team conceded 38 points, more points than they have conceded in any game in the previous four seasons. Now they have to dust themselves off and travel to Melbourne to take on a Storm line-up that have had nearly two weeks to prepare for this. Nelson Asofa-Solomona is back from a suspension that kept him out of the grand final last year, but he's not likely to make the seventeen. Notably, the Storm haven't had to leave home this year, unlike their opponents who might still be overcoming a Vegas hangover. For the Panthers, Dylan Edwards is out and replaced by Daine Laurie - a terrific replacement fullback, but he's not Dylan Edwards. Only a fool would write off the Panthers after one poor game, and while I show far too many moments of idiocy, I'm not a complete imbecile. I'm sure they'll improve, and I wouldn't be surprised if they won, but I can't tip them. In a round with plenty of intriguing contests, this is likely to be the best of them.

Verdict – Storm by 4

New Zealand Warriors vs Sydney Roosters – Friday night – Go Media Stadium

Important victories for both clubs last week - the Warriors gave their fans at home something to believe in and the Chooks surprised almost everybody with a win over the Panthers. Rugby League will never stop surprising you. The Chooks haven't lost in Auckland since 2017 and have won their last eight games against the Warriors - compelling stats there. They also welcome back some key forwards (Collins, Radley, Leniu) to bolster their middle. There was no fluke about their win last week and they'll be feeling better about themselves on the back of it. Rugby Union converts that succeed in the NRL are few and far between, but Nawaqanitawase could be an exception. Some lovely touches last week and he clearly has the size and strength to deliver. No changes for the Warriors seventeen that impressed against Manly last week. They're good enough, but the Chooks always seem to find a way against the Warriors.

Verdict – Roosters by 2

Brisbane Broncos vs North Queensland Cowboys – Friday night – Suncorp Stadium

It's been ten years (yes...really) since these sides met in what I call the best grand final I've ever seen. A point of controversy of course, but one thing is for certain, the derbies between these two rarely disappoint. The Cowboys have been fair to middling thus far this season, but a few significant inclusions (Taumalolo, Clifford, Nanai) should add some spark. Some tough games in the weeks ahead and there's some chance the Cowboys first points this season could be the Bye in round seven. A tough climb from there if that's the case. No changes for the Broncos seventeen - they were a little disappointing last week but the Raiders are going to do that to plenty of teams this season. The Cowboys have conceded 78 points in the first two rounds, and this Broncos backline has points in them. Walsh overplayed his hand last week, a habit his coach is no doubt trying to squeeze out of his game. Less is more, Reece. Less is more. I've heard that this game is sold out, but there's a sprinkling of tickets here and there. If you want one you might want to get on your bike. .

Verdict – Broncos by 10

Cronulla Sharks vs South Sydney Rabbitohs – Saturday afternoon – Sharks Stadium

The undefeated Rabbitohs get to test their mettle against a genuine contender on Saturday afternoon. Fortune has shone brightly on them thus far - a narrow win over the Dolphins who were distracted by the weather, followed by a narrow win over the Dragons, who scored more tries than the Bunnies but lost regardless. This is a step up in grade I think, and the Sharks will be keen to deliver in their first home game of the year. The return of Jack Wighton helps the visitors, but there's class across the paddock for the Sharks and they should get it done.

Verdict – Sharks by 7

Redcliffe Dolphins vs Wests Tigers – Saturday afternoon – Kayo Stadium

It hasn't been a great start for the Dolphins this season but they've had more disruption than anyone to contend with. This is their first home game of the year, and it's significant that they'll be playing in Redcliffe. Their home town has copped a fair battering and the club gets a chance to give the whole community a lift. Bostock and Finefeuiaki are back but neither have been named in the seventeen which is interesting. That may change before kick-off. No changes for the Tigers but Bula has a troublesome foot issue to overcome and he may be rested. Heath Mason has been named on an extended bench and would likely get the call up. The Tigers were solid against the Eels last week but I've made it clear how I feel about the Eels...this is harder.

Verdict – Dolphins by 4

Gold Coast Titans vs Newcastle Knights – Saturday night – Cbus Super Stadium

The first home game for the Titans who, much like the Dolphins, have had an interrupted start to the year. They'll be better prepared after the hit out against the Bulldogs last week. That said, conceding 40 points is a concern. The Knights are 2 from 2 and looking good. They aren't a one-man team but we all know they're a much more formidable opponent when Ponga is in form. The Knights have a very kind draw, and they're likely to be at or near the top of the ladder for the next few months. Some key omissions this weekend though, with Thompson and Pearce-Paul unavailable. That evens up the forwards battle, but the Knights have plenty of size in their backline (and the Titans don't). Bigger isn't always better, but I'm tipping the visitors in what should be a competitive high-scoring contest.

Verdict – Knights by 4

Parramatta Eels vs Canterbury Bulldogs – Sunday afternoon – CommBank Stadium

It's a shame the Eels are going so poorly, because they'd be packed to rafters if they were in any sort of form. It will still be a decent crowd, but there's some chance the visitors will have more supporters in the stands. Injuries to Burton and Kikau means the Bulldogs aren't certainties in this, but they're undefeated and travelling well. The Eels scored just the one try against the Tigers last week, and they didn't get that until the 79th minute. Their defence is worse - conceding 88 point across two games thus far. A long season ahead.

Verdict – Bulldogs by 10

Manly Sea Eagles vs Canberra Raiders – Sunday afternoon – 4 Pines Park

Manly lost their biggest supporter during the week. It's impossible to know how teams will respond to situations like these, but I'm hoping they get the job done, I'm hoping Turbo scores a try, and I'm hoping he finds a camera and gives us a 'That's Gold'. Should all that happen, I'll be a blubbering mess. I've added a video on the page for some context. RIP Beau.

Verdict – Sea Eagles by 10

Wally Lewis - round three selections (in bold)

Note: tips from Wally will be published on Wednesday night or Thursday morning

• STORM vs Panthers
• WARRIORS vs Roosters
• BRONCOS vs Cowboys
• SHARKS vs Rabbitohs
• DOLPHINS vs Tigers
• Titans vs KNIGHTS
• Eels vs BULLDOGS
• SEA EAGLES vs Raiders