North Queensland Cowboys vs Sydney Roosters – Thursday night – 1300SMILES Stadium

Frustrating losses for both sides on the road last week. The Cowboys get to go home and lick their wounds but it's another unpleasant road trip for the tricolours. The heat hasn't abated in the tropics at this time of year, and it's that humidity that saps the energy out of visiting teams. The last time the Chooks lost the first two games of the season was quite some time ago - I'm pretty sure it pre-dates John Howard as Prime Minister, and there's every chance they'll be losing their first three. An injury-depleted Raiders outfit scored 21 points last round. I'd expect a full-strength Cowboys to at least match that...and that's enough.

Verdict – Cowboys by 4

Result - Cowboys 40 defeated Roosters 0

Canterbury Bulldogs vs Parramatta Eels – Friday night – ANZ Stadium

Here's a game that should pull a few numbers through the turnstiles. Debutant Kerrod 'Eyes' Holland got the Bulldogs over the line after the siren last round, and his reward is a demotion to the NSW Cup. Don't worry Ms Thinker - I'm sure you'll get to see those eyes again. David Klemmer is facing the judiciary for inappropriate touching which sounds worse than it is. I don't expect him to play. And once again the hamstring of Keiran Foran hangs over his head - which is probably why he can't run. I'm all for stretching before a game but that seems unnatural. He won't run at all before kick-off and, quite frankly, that has me thinking he won't be playing either. With Foran unlikely and Peats unlucky I'm tipping the Dogs to start the season 3-0. Woof Woof Woof.

Verdict – Bulldogs by 4

Result - Eels 20 defeated Bulldogs 6

Newcastle Knights vs Canberra Raiders – Saturday afternoon – Hunter Stadium

Last week I mentioned that the three coaches making their club debuts this season hadn't won a game yet, and I can say it again because it's still true. Trent Barrett is probably under more pressure than Knights coach Nathan Brown, but it's Brown with the highest mountain to climb. The Knights simply don't look like a first grade side at the moment. The Raiders did everything to win last week which is a refreshing change of attitude from the green machine. Traditionally I favour the Knights in these afternoon games in the Hunter, but traditionally the Knights are better than this.

Verdict – Raiders by 8

Result - Knights 24 drew with Raiders 24

Penrith Panthers vs Brisbane Broncos – Saturday night – Pepper Stadium

The Panthers have been playing well but they've little to show for it. Two narrow losses to teams that have beaten other teams is fair form in this competition. Sadly, it reminds me of the period when Anthony Griffin was coaching the Broncos - they were turning up and playing well, but found themselves just falling short when it mattered. Griffin gets an opportunity at revenge when he takes on the coach that replaced him in Brisbane, but he's not the kind of man that bears a grudge. When Wayne Bennett 'applied' for the Broncos job he claimed he knew what needed to be done to take them from being a competitive side to a premiership side. The old buggar was probably right. Expect Jamie Soward to test Englishman Greg Eden with his kicking game on Saturday night. A competitive affair, but the visitors will prevail.

Verdict – Broncos by 7

Result - Panthers 23 defeated Broncos 22

Gold Coast Titans vs Wests Tigers – Saturday night – Cbus Super Stadium

I'm a little suprised that the Titans have their fair share of support to win this game. They did win at home in round one, but the form from that game (against the Knights) has to be questionable. The Tigers meanwhile are undefeated, and while this is their first away game for the year their record on the glitter strip is pretty good. A fair chunk of the Tigers starting side are up for contract renewals in the near term...and they're playing accordingly. James Tedesco has jumped out of the box this season and while he's running freely and playing with confidence he's a joy to behold. Don't be surprised if the Tigers get a fair chunk of the crowd support on Saturday night too. Sheesh! Now I've got four teams maintaining their undefeated status.

Verdict – Tigers by 4

Result - Titans 30 defeated Tigers 18

New Zealand Warriors vs Melbourne Storm – Sunday afternoon – Mt Smart Stadium

For years the Warriors moved their first home game of the season to Eden Park and they would lose every single time. Finally they've nailed that coffin shut and returned to the ground that has been a graveyard for many a visiting side. If the Warriors like their coach at all they turn up and win this game. Perhaps they don't like him. If they do they'll be feeling the pressure, and I don't believe we get the best of the Warriors when they're under pressure. The Storm eat pressure for breakfast, and they dish it out for their opponents too. It's hard to replace Billy Slater, but Cameron Munster goes close. Note that half the Storm pack are Kiwis, so this will feel a little like a home(coming) game for a fair chunk of the purple machine. The Warriors haven't won a game since July and the Storm are undefeated in 2016, yet the Warriors are the bookies tip. What can they see that I can't see? Potential I suppose. I'll focus on the results.

Verdict – Storm by 1

Result - Storm 21 defeated Warriors 14

St George Illawarra Dragons vs South Sydney Rabbitohs – Sunday afternoon – SCG

For more than a while I've been harping on about the Dragons and their limitations with the ball in hand. Their showing against the Sharks last week has done little to dispel my concerns. To make matters worse their opponent has racked up 90 points in two outings thus far. The only game this round where the winner virtually picks themselves. In any case, it's great to see two grand old clubs battling it out at a grand old venue on a Sunday afternoon. If you can be there....be there.

Verdict – Rabbitohs by 22

Result - Dragons 8 defeated Rabbitohs 6

Manly Sea Eagles vs Cronulla Sharks – Monday night – Brookvale Oval

Another false favourite on show here with the Sea Eagles favoured to beat the Sharks. Manly are missing Brett Stewart at the back, and they're really missing Keiran Foran in the halves. At some point the current halves pairing clicks or Jamie Lyon gets switched in for Dylan Walker. I suspect the latter, but it doesn't look like we'll see that on Monday. And what's not to like about the Sharks demolition job on the Dragons last week? I'll stick, and if its close I can bank on the goal-kicking of James Maloney to get the Sharks over the line.

Verdict – Sharks by 2

Result - Sea Eagles 22 defeated Sharks 12

Wally Lewis - round three selections (in bold)

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

• COWBOYS vs Roosters
• BULLDOGS vs Eels
• Knights vs RAIDERS
• Panthers vs BRONCOS
• Titans vs TIGERS
• Warriors vs STORM
• Dragons vs RABBITOHS
• SEA EAGLES vs Sharks