Storm-Bulldogs
The Storm confirmed their tag as premiership favorites with a convincing win over the Cowboys (one of the genuine contenders) in Townsville. But the amount of travel they’ve done, and the short turn around for the Grand Final re-match is their only concern.
The Dogs got home in a tight one against the Eels, but it will be a different defensive proposition they face at AAMI Park. With that to contend with - and the absence of three key forwards and Barba - it’s hard to see where enough points to win the match will come from.
Look for Cooper Cronk to continue his outstanding form, creating much of what the Storm have done in the opening two rounds. For the Bulldogs, Josh Reynolds has shouldered much of the responsibility with the ball and with great effect. However if they're to bust the Storm defence, Tony Williams will need to improve significantly. Tip: Storm
Tigers – Eels
It was scrappy, but after their first round performance the Tigers would have been pleased just to get their season under way with a last-up win over the Panthers.
There was a lot to like about the Eels' effort against the Bulldogs and with a better short kicking game and a more involved Jarryd Hayne they might have got away with the points. Robbie Farah and Benji Marshall had some important touches to get the Tigers enough points for their win. Their battle to create scoring opportunities against the Eels duo of Sandow and Hayne will go a long way in deciding this one.
The Tigers will miss big man Keith Galloway however young Jack Buchanan has shown enough to suggest he is up to the job. In fact the battle upfront will be a deciding factor. Aaron Woods (the best young front-rower in the game) was outstanding against Penrith but to counter that the Eels front-row led by Tim Mannah laid a great platform last start. Leaning slightly towards the Tigers - however if Jarryd Hayne can get excited it could be a different story. Tip:Tigers
Titans – Sea Eagles
Both clubs had big wins in Round 2. The Titans looked to have solved one of the questions hanging over the club coming into 2013. Who would fill the halfback role? Albert Kelly was very good against the Raiders and while it's only early in the season, there were plenty of good signs. Jamal Idris had his best game since joining the club, while skipper Greg Bird was a constant threat with the ball.
However while there was an improvement in some key areas for the Titans, they face an experienced and hardened Manly outfit. Manly are an old fashioned team that give their opposition very little respite. Their scope with the ball through halves Foran and Cherry-Evans always presents a threat. If Manly’s forwards can square off against a quality Titans pack, the Sea Eagles have the class on the edges to get the win. Tip: Manly
Roosters – Broncos
Both teams come into the Round 3 fixture on the back of away wins. While the two points were critical, it’s hard to run a line through the form because of the opposition.
The form of the Roosters' big off season buys, SBW, James Maloney and Michael Jennings was a step in the right direction. Sonny Bill Williams got through 80 minutes against the Warriors and was a handful at times on the left edge, combining well with Jennings.
Brisbane defended their hearts out to set up there win over the Dragons, which must have impressed coach Anthony Griffin after there ineptitude in that department in Round 1. Justin Hodges has been named. However with his history of hamstring problems you would think he would be at long odds to play.
The Roosters have only beaten the Broncos once since 2003 at Allianz Stadium, but despite that I think they can win. Tip: Roosters
Sharks – Warriors
With the dark clouds circling above the Shire, the Sharks can be proud of both efforts so far this season. Defence has been the cornerstone of their performances and there was an improvement with their use of the ball against the Bunnies. They troubled the Souths defence with their combinations on the left and right side of the field. Their control, however, needs to improve.
The Warriors have started the year as I thought, slowly. No doubt they can score points when they have a side on the back foot. But do they have the mental toughness to impose themselves on the opposition? They look a confused team at the moment.
Trying to discern what might happen in this one is almost impossible. If Cronulla can somehow ignore what’s happening off the field, they have an edge that might be to tough for the Warriors to handle. Todd Carney looked his best in periods on Monday night, while I think Michael Gordon is settling into his new team and might be ready to tear the Warriors apart. Tip: Sharks
Panthers – Rabbitohs
The Panthers found it difficult to overcome the early loss of Lachlan Coote against the Tigers on Sunday. Tom Humble has been named to fill the void at five eighth.
Souths' two early tries threatened to blow the Sharks away on Monday night, but from there their game disintegrated.
Penrith will look to new buys Sika Manu on the right and Lewis Brown on the left to break open the Rabbitohs defense. James Segeyaro looks the most likely to get things going around the ruck.
In the corresponding round last year, Greg Inglis made the switch to fullback. He tore the Panthers apart. Sam Burgess also returns which is a huge boost.
You have the feeling after winning ugly against the Sharks, Souths will revert to the simple formula which makes them so dangerous. Completing their sets, the kicking game of Adam Reynolds with Sutton, Inglis and Luke playing off the back of it. Souths too strong. Tip:Souths
Raiders – Dragons
One of these teams will be faced with an 0–3 record at fulltime on Sunday. Not the start either was looking for. The Raiders will be looking for some sort of reprieve in conditions after struggling in the heat in their opening two matches.
The Dragons could be still there today trying to score against the Broncos. Their effort with the ball was predictable and poses serious problems for the 2013 campaign. Coach Steve Price has surprisingly stuck with the same combinations. Surely it’s a last chance scenario.
The Raiders have been disappointing but you know there is a better team there somewhere. At home for the first time might be what brings it out. If the Raiders can get through their sets, the Williams-McCrone combination has too much football in it for the Dragons to handle. Raiders to continue the hoodoo of Canberra Stadium. Tip: Raiders
Newcastle – Cowboys
Newcastle came back to earth with a thud at Brookvale. They were completely unprepared for the Manly onslaught. And, with Willie Mason and Dane Gagai ruled out for this clash it's an extra blow for the Knight, even if Timana Tahu and David Fa'alogo are handy replacements.
The Cowboys found themselves short against the Storm, but still showed they will be one of the better teams this season. The Newcastle pack were completely dominated by the Sea Eagles, which I'm sure Wayne Bennett has been pointing out. That should see the Knights ready to match the Cowboys physically.
Look for Thurston to attack the right side of the Newcastle defense. Akuila Uate had a defensive nightmare against the Eagles and I'm sure JT will look to expose the Newcastle winger with long balls and kicks in behind the line. Hunter Stadium will make it a tougher win for the Cowboys but that’s the way I'm leaning. Tip: Cowboys
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