Round three selections

Manly Sea Eagles vs Parramatta Eels – Thursday night – 4 Pines Park

First plays last to open proceedings for round three, and few would have had Manly undefeated and the Eels without a win after two rounds. Manly impressed in the trials and took that form into round one with a thorough dismantling of the Bulldogs. You could doubt that form, but the Dogs then dismantled the Storm in Melbourne. Perhaps the Sea Eagles are pretty good, and perhaps Siebold is a pretty good coach. Two narrow losses for the Eels but losses are losses, and it's unusual for a team that have a history of starting the year well. 0 from 3 will have the Parramatta faithful restless. It's been a bleak start, but J'maine Hopgood is a shining light - he couldn't get a run with Penrith last year and I'll be putting him in a QLD origin jersey at this rate. Manly should be fresh and fit after the bye and they'll have a big crowd at Brookvale to push them on.

Verdict – Sea Eagles by 7

Result – Sea Eagles 34 defeated Eels 30

Newcastle Knights vs Redcliffe Dolphins – Friday night – McDonald Jones Stadium

The Knights get a pass mark for hanging tough and holding out the Tigers when they had more than enough reasons to throw in the towel. Gallant they were, but the opposition was, as the French would say, not terrific. Meanwhile, the Dolphins head off on their first ever road trip and they'll be feeling confident but not cocky. The depth of their roster will be tested at some point this season, and the first test comes here, with Marshall-King unavailable. I honestly don't know who the Dolphins will pick at number 9 (perhaps Nikorima), so we can wait for the team lists for that one. As for the Knights, their roster is getting tested already. We may have seen the last of the Ponga in the halves experiment. Brailey, Frizzell and Jacob Saifiti are also unlikely to be available. The risk for the Dolphins is that they are already thinking about the round 4 blockbuster against the Broncos, but their coach is a pretty sensible bloke and I think he'll have his team focused on this week. Another win for a team that have never lost an NRL game...ever

Verdict – Dolphins by 4

Result – Dolphins 36 defeated Knights 20

Sydney Roosters vs South Sydney Rabbitohs – Friday night – Allianz Stadium

I've been waiting for the team lists to drop for this game, with some key inclusions for both sides confirmed. The Chooks welcome back Waerea-Hargreaves and Radley, while Brandon Smith has also been cleared to play. Handy inclusions as all three are certifiably mad, and the last time these sides met madness was a prerequisite for participation. Tatola and Sele return for the Bunnies, ensuring both forward packs have no excuse. When they last met seven players were sin-binned and three players failed HIA assessments and couldn't return. After 80 minutes of chaos, the Rabbitohs got to sing the team song. That's been the case more often than not in recent clashes between the heritage clubs.

Verdict – Rabbitohs by 1

​​​​​​​Result – Roosters 20 defeated Rabbitohs 18

Gold Coast Titans vs Melbourne Storm – Saturday afternoon – CBus Super Stadium

Everything has it's limits. On the weekend I found out how many bowls of ice cream I can eat in a single setting (four), and we all found the limits of the Melbourne Storm roster. For years this team has found blokes and drifters to plug gaps where needed, and the purple machine soldiered on. Not last Saturday night though, when the Melbourne Storm played their first game at home and were shredded by a team that have shredded so few in recent years. Craig Bellamy went through his unique five stages of grief on the night - denial, anger, more anger, chair kicking and acceptance. In the end I expect he knew what he needed to do - bring the old band back to save the day. Olam is back earlier than anticipated, as are Coates, Kamikamica and Sims. They have lost Big Nelson for 6-8 weeks, and he's hard to replace unless you tape two men together. The inclusions, and a week of discipline from the coach, may very well be enough. The Titans appeared to be travelling well against the Dragons. Then the Dragons stepped up or the Titans switched off, or perhaps both. It was a performance that reminded me of the 2022 Titans, and not in a good way. The injury to Verrills doesn't help either.

Verdict – Storm by 4

​​​​​​​Result – Titans 38 defeated Storm 34

North Queensland Cowboys vs New Zealand Warriors – Saturday afternoon – Queensland Country Bank Stadium

The Cowboys have named Tom Chester at fullback. I'd be putting Valentine Holmes back there but I'm not a coach and never will be. The Warriors have similar issues with the fullback role, and have named debutant Tuaupiki to replace Nicoll-Klokstad at the back. Tohu Harris plays his 200th NRL game this weekend. He deserves a result to fit the occasion, but the Cowboys will be tough to beat at home.

Verdict – Cowboys by 8

​​​​​​​Result – Warriors 26 defeated Cowboys 12

Brisbane Broncos vs St George Illawarra Dragons – Saturday night – Suncorp Stadium

There have been a few false dawns for the Broncos in recent years. It does feel like the Broncos have found some playmakers that can propel the club back to where they probably should be. Ezra Mam and Reece Walsh look like superstars to me, and they're both just 20 years of age. A former Bronco in Ben Hunt has continued on with the good form he showed us last season. The Dragons are sure to make this a contest but this Broncos squad could be on the verge of something special.

Verdict – Broncos by 8

​​​​​​​Result – Broncos 40 defeated Dragons 18

Canterbury Bulldogs vs Wests Tigers – Sunday afternoon – Belmore Sports Ground

In the Tigers last pre-season game they scored 7 tries in about 45 minutes against the Raiders. Last weekend against a depleted Knights outfit it would have taken them 45 hours to score 7 tries. The Bulldogs proved they can score points last week and I expect more of the same here.

Verdict – Bulldogs by 14

​​​​​​​Result – Bulldogs 26 defeated Tigers 22

Canberra Raiders vs Cronulla Sharks – Sunday afternoon – GIO Stadium

The Raiders are 0 from 2 but will appreciate getting home to Canberra after a fortnight in the tropics. Mind you, the weather forecast is predicting a 35 degree day on Sunday in Canberra - Raiders fans can keep the scarves and beanies at home for a change. They stick with the same starting thirteen that couldn't quite knock off the Dolphins. No changes to the starting thirteen for the Sharks either, with Nicho Hynes yet to return. The Sharks impressed in attack last week and I'll back them to outpoint the Raiders.

Verdict – Sharks by 4

​​​​​​​Result – Raiders 24 defeated Sharks 20

Wally Lewis - round three selections (in bold)

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

  • SEA EAGLES vs Eels
  • Knights vs DOLPHINS
  • ROOSTERS vs Rabbitohs
  • Titans vs STORM
  • COWBOYS vs Warriors
  • BRONCOS vs Dragons
  • BULLDOGS vs Tigers
  • Raiders vs SHARKS

Comments

a's picture

What an unpredictable round last round was

The Thinker's picture

Greetings football fans

I have updated the NRL ladder and the tipping competition after round 2. Right now the top four, and the only undefeated teams in the NRL are the Sea Eagles, Dolphins, Dragons and Broncos. I don't think many would have predicted that.

A pretty tough round for tipsters, but a big shout out to Rabbitoh chick who, despite getting the first game of round 2 wrong when the Rabbitohs lost, came home strong and top scored with 6 from 8. Outstanding selections. The King/Emporer continues his strong start to the season.

I'll have my previews and selections updated by Wednesday, and Wally will have his tips published by Thursday morning.

If anyone notices any issues with the scoring just let me know in the comments.

All the best

The Thinker

Rocket Ryan's picture

Well done Michael N

Wrex Y's picture

Round 3..
Eagles
Dolphins
Rabbits
Titans
Cowboys
Broncos
Bulldogs
Sharks

a's picture

Nice tips don forget to submit your tip for my 3 strike comp

Wrex Y's picture

Round 3..
Eagles
Dolphins
Rabbits
Titans
Cowboys
Broncos
Bulldogs
Sharks

Rob181's picture

Hey Thinker
What happened to my R2 scores - I know I only got 2 from 8 but its better than zero.
My first selection for the 3 strikes comp also tanked - damn you Storm.
Can submit my selections of you need them.
Thanks
Rob

The Thinker's picture

@Rob181

I've got you on a total of 8 after 2 rounds.

6 from round one

2 from round two

All the best

The Thinker

Rob181's picture

Hey Thinker
Perfect - thank you
Rob

newbie from perth's picture

8512121505225182515145,

This magnificent game never ceases to amaze me and just when I’m feeling comfortable, it reminds me that I shouldn’t. Garbage round tipping-wise for me last week but at least I’m hitting my 50% average so far so all things seem normal 😂. OK, let’s do this thing …

Manly vs. Eels @ Brookvale
Probability @ 55-45
Ladder Position = Manly
Bookies Favourite = Manly

Verdict: Manly are “rested” courtesy of the bye last week and the Eels will be desperate after a disappointing 0-2 start to the season. Against my better judgement, I’m giving Baggy’s BOYS one last chance ... Eels by 6.

Knights vs. Dolphins @ McDonald Jones
Probability @ 40-60
Ladder Position = Dolphins
Bookies Favourite = Dolphins

Verdict: At the time of writing this I’m not too sure who will line up for the Knights (geez they were good last week) but with the physical toll they undoubtedly suffered last week and the way the Dolphins have gone so far this year, I think the smart tip is to stick with Wayne’s boys ... Dolphins by 12.

Roosters vs. Rabbitohs @ Allianz
Probability @ 45-55
Ladder Position = Rabbitohs
Bookies Favourite = Rabbitohs

Verdict: It pains me to say this but even though they won last week, the Roosters have been pretty ordinary so far. These games always (mostly) make for “entertaining” encounters and what my BBB have shown in the first 2 rounds doesn’t give me a lot of confidence. I really hope I’m wrong and more than willing to take the hit tipping-wise if I am, but … Rabbitohs by 8.

Titans vs. Storm @ Cbus
Probability @ 40-60
Ladder Position = Titans
Bookies Favourite = Storm

Verdict: I don’t think the Titans have it in them for this one. The Storm were well beaten by the Bulldogs last week (who saw that coming?) but will be fired up for the “bounce back” … Storm by 10.

Cowboys vs. Warriors @ Townsville
Probability @ 65-35
Ladder Position = Warriors
Bookies Favourite = Cowboys

Verdict: The Cowboys fell short when it mattered last week (which is a worry) but will have too much discipline for a Warriors team that seems to be “lacking” at the moment … Cowboys by 12.

Broncos vs. Dragons @ Suncorp
Probability @ 70-30
Ladder Position = Dragons
Bookies Favourite = Broncos

Verdict: The Broncos reinforced their first round form with a good win last week against the Cowboys. The Dragons impressed in their first match of the season but I can’t fault the Broncos at the moment. This might be a close one though … Broncos by 6.

Bulldogs vs. Tigers @ Belmore
Probability @ 65-35
Ladder Position = Bulldogs
Bookies Favourite = Bulldogs

Verdict: In theory, based on both teams’ efforts last week, this should be an easy one to pick. I know we’re just 2 rounds into the season but I think the Tigers are going to struggle for the next 5-6 weeks. The Bulldogs should build on last week’s effort and get home … Bulldogs by 6.

Raiders vs. Sharks @ GIO Stadium
Probability @ 45-55
Ladder Position = Sharks
Bookies Favourite = Sharks

Verdict: I can’t quite get a read on these two but on the face of it, the Sharks have acquitted themselves better against quality opposition than the Raiders have (just my opinion). This might be close and the Raiders will be desperate to notch their first win at home but … Sharks by 6.

Bye = Panthers

Let’s finish off with another “Song of the Week”…

Haven’t heard this little “gem” for such a long time. Beautiful, beautiful song and watching this 9:50 live version is so worth it.

https://youtu.be/Kbcro30GBtU

OK kids, good luck with your tipping and may your team win by 40 points! Cheers 🐔 🐔 🐔

tigerholic's picture

Evening All
It's taken me all week to find the courage and resilience to get back on my tipping horse and get back into the footy.

Being a Tigers fan, all of my life takes its toll, last Sunday almost broke my spirit for good and I was done with anything to do with footy including tipping.

Here I am still here, there is no other reason other than deep down footy is only a sport and it is not the end of my life when the Tigers lose.

I along with a lot of other Tigers fans, am embarrassed to say we follow the Tigers. Ponga gets taken off in the first tackle, one of the big boppers from Newcastle gets marched, a few sin bins and we still can't win. Unsure if we can get a win this year and this Sunday, we face the Bulldogs who are fresh after a resounding victory.

I won't even be confident of 2 points when we get a bye. I was in Emerald from Friday last week through to Tuesday, was filling up my Hilux that just happens to have "T1GERS" for number plates. A truckie who was dropping off a load of diesel to the garage said to me"I bet you'll have trouble selling those plates at the moment". The misery follows everywhere.

Anyway folks, enjoy this week's footy matches, my tips are in and good luck to whoever you follow.

Tiger

Esra Star's picture

Good on ya,Tiger.

Princess's picture

Hi a,

I have had a difficult March and managed to get tips in (badly) but forgot three strikes comp. I think Mary said you could join in round 3 with 1 strike, if that is the case then I will take Bulldogs for round 3.

Thanks,
Princess

MGM's picture

The link for tipping is no longer available (7:50pm) so here are my tips for round 3 -
Eagles
Dolphins
Rabbitohs
Storm
Cowboys
Broncos
Bulldogs
Sharks

mark ashford's picture

WOW what a game Manly v Eels. A great contest all supporters for both teams should be proud.
Big Pete a nice win by your team if only by a few points, thought Manly were a little bit better than the Eels but baggy may disagree with me.
Bring on the rest of round 3.

TheScribbleKing's picture

I have to ask because I can't believe it.

I haven't put my tips in because (insert my sob story here)...

But can I tip for the remainder of the games for this round at all ?

If I can :
Dolphins
Roosters
Storm
Cowboys
Broncos
Bulldogs
Raiders

The Thinker's picture

@MGM and The Scribble King

I'll add those tips for round 3

All the best

The Thinker

The Thinker's picture

@tigerholic

Stay solid. One day the Tigers will reign again. And when they do, it will be all the sweeter.

All the best

The Thinker

BigPeteBx's picture

Manly shot themselves in the foot towards the end Mark. They were throwing the hot potato about and at 14 nil I thought at 4Pines/Brookie, they were in for a game of 20/20 Cricket. Schuster is now showing his skills and more time with DCE he'll show his worth. Never fear, I have a lot of time for Clint Gutherson and he was rallying his troops. If Moses had converted a few more - it might have been closer than predicted. I took a Manly 8pt margin and looked like I was getting it, until 3mins to go.
Keep well up North Champ - Big Pete

BigPeteBx's picture

Happy Friday Thinker - what is Wally up to or is he "hedging his bets".
Roosters on Thinker site
Souths at WWOS site
I noticed it yesterday and did a post here, but it must have got lost in transfer.
No big issue unless others here happen to follow The King.
Cheers and Keep well - Big Pete

Esra Star's picture

All these stop and starts with the new rules and reviews,it is getting more and more like the Gridiron. I don't like it.
Also,the 6 again calls,,,half the time the players don't hear them and we,the viewers have no idea what it is for!

newbie from perth's picture

20-18 … never been happier to lose a tipping point 💪. Edge of the seat stuff (for me at least). Maybe I should tip against my BBB more often.

We have next week off which will be most welcome so for my footy “fix” I’ll be looking forward to watching the Eels vs. Panthers and the Dolphins vs. Broncos games especially. Both should be crackers. Have a good one frens. 🐔 🐔 🐔

MGM's picture

@Triipin_c
Not very often that Only One tipster out of 79 gets it right !
All hail Triipin_c !!... the only tip for the Warriors , well done.
The previous match was surprising enough when the Titans took it to the Storm for a well deserved win (only 8 had that one)!
Will "Surprise Saturday" get 3 from 3 ?

MGM's picture

Only 3 have gone the Dragons (all with a Dragons logo or jersey in front of their name) and atm the Dragons have the first try !

mark ashford's picture

Hey MGM
Looks like the Broncs have this one with only 5 minutes to go. has been interesting so far this round. Who would have thought Titans to beat Storm and Warriors to beat Cowboys. Early days yet so keep the faith in your teams, there's a long way to go.

mark ashford's picture

Well Steely my mate. Warriors beat the Cows in Townsville, no easy feat. Must give you a little hope for this year. Also Wayne Bennet's Dolphins beat a much depleted Knights but a win is a win. Must put Wayne up there for Coach of the Year (so far). On a serious note really hope your weather has improved and you can get back to normal.
Take care my friend.

a's picture

I can not believe the rubbish the cowboys are serving up but I’m giving them one last chance next week

a's picture

The unpredictable results are costing people strikes in my comp we like only have 2 people so far that haven’t picked. Up a strike so far the chances of someone getting to 10 points without a strike is looking slim

Steel Panther's picture

Good to hear from you Mark

Yes weather has settled down a bit but it seems like we are on winter's doorstep already and we haven't even had a summer. Temps definitely cooler here.

Never in a million years did I see the Warriors win coming last night. They played well or is it just the Cowboys played bad?? It will take a lot more convincing that things are on the up at the club, than just last night's win. Your Broncos have started well that's for sure.

Hope you have settled on the GC. Keep in touch!!

MGM's picture

Hi Mark A, nice to hear from you mate.
Your team's going much better than mine so far (Eels), so thanks for the words of encouragement but I'm feeling much like Steely but double !
Steely, we may all not be giving Warriors credit where it's due by practically no-one tipping them this round ... in the one loss they've had they were very competitive against a top rated team and there was only one try the difference.
To echo Mark's sentiments, hang in there everyone , it's early days and who knows how this season's rule changes will affect some of the top teams (especially the concussion protocols but not only).

Steel Panther's picture

Hi MGM,

Way too many false dawns with the Warriors over the years to get excited over one good win. I've been a harsh critic at times. Need to see a more "die for the jersey" attitude, then you can accept a loss, knowing everyone gave 110%, but sadly this is missing too much.

Eels got another tough assignment next week.

Christine 's picture

To the regulars that know me I have been dealing with a lot of things right now I am never far away from the site I will be a bit absent at the moment rocket so don't get to smug ...

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