After some glorious football during the opening two rounds a vivid picture has begun to emerge for our tipping forecasts.
In some cases the forecast is very clear; the Knights are in all sorts of trouble, while Souths are experiencing perfect weather. In other cases the forecast remains somewhat cloudy such as whether Manly will finally click and if the Eels can continue to improve.
See last week’s Preston’s preview on The Roar here.
With that said let’s take a look at Round 3!
Running tip total: (11/16), last week (5/8) – last week’s ‘against the odds’ winning tip: Tigers
Cowboys versus Roosters
For the third week in a row the Cowboys (1-1) have named the same 17 and again it’s a quality squad. They were pushed as predicted last week by the Eels at Pirtek Stadium but back in Townsville and smarting from a loss they should come out all guns blazing to dismantle a struggling Roosters side (0-2). The Roosters have finally realised that Blake Ferguson is an incredibly average fullback and instead have shifted him to his more natural role in the centres.
Latrell Mitchell should do well in the custodian role and will be one to watch. If he plays well he will likely lock in the position for the foreseeable future but it’s hard to see the Roosters getting their first win of the season in this match.
Tip: Cowboys 1-12
Bulldogs versus Eels
The Dogs are one of five teams to begin the season with a perfect record after two rounds (2-0). It nearly wasn’t the case until a try in the final minute from the outstanding Moses Mbye and a match winning conversion from NRL debutant Kerrod Holland stole the match from the Panther’s grasp.
On that subject Holland can consider himself very unlucky to miss out on selection as Chase Stanley returns to the backline. The Eels(1-1) were superb against the Cowboys producing one of their finest victories in years in what was both a huge upset and a fountain of hope for the club with the blossoming combination of Kieran Foran and Corey Norman reaping dividends.
While the Eels produced one of the best performances of Round 2 and the Dogs appeared to bark more than bite the Eels have an awful ANZ record and typically struggle against the Dogs and missing Nathan Peats and Manu Ma’u will hurt the boys from Parramatta.
Tip: Dogs 1-12
Knights versus Raiders
Put simply the Knights (0-2) have probably the worst side I have seen at NRL level since Souths’ return to the NRL in the early 2000s. This comes down to a complete lack of cohesion in their playing style and some bizarre player selections from coach Nathan Brown.
Jaleen Feeney is a player with huge potential, but a fullback he is not. Meanwhile, the electrifying Jake Mamo continues to languish in the NSW Cup, and former (though undeserved) international Sione Mata’utai only now arrives on the bench. Despite his pathetic Round 1 showing the axing of Kade Snowden only further highlights a lack of experience and leadership in a rudderless Newcastle team, at this stage it’s hard to see them winning a game.
The Raiders (2-0) conversely are one of five teams undefeated thus far in 2016 and having been playing a great brand of footy, even without having their two starting halves available last week. The Raiders are a fantastic team in every sense of the word, playing as a cohesive unit and they should produce another well-crafted performance to make it three on the trot.
Tip: Raiders 13+
Panthers versus Broncos
Despite being winless in 2016 the Panthers (0-2) have been consistent performers and have pushed both the Raiders and Bulldogs to their limits in their losses thus far and it’s fair to say they will do so again to the Broncos (2-0).
Unfortunately for the mountain men it’s likely the ‘close but no cigar’ trend will continue this week against the continuously improving Broncos after they boys from Brisbane added another scalp to their cap in the form of the Warriors last week.
Tip: Broncos 1-12
Titans versus Tigers
What is it with the Tigers and tough tips?! Last week I nominated the Tigers and Manly match as the most difficult game to pick, but fortunately managed to back the winning team, this week the Tigers (2-0) have a surprisingly difficult contest given their blistering start to the year against a competitive albeit steady Titans (1-1) team.
These teams have traditionally been very evenly matched. Cast your mind to Round 1 2015 where a Pat Richards drop goal seconds from full time gifted the Tigers a 19-18 victory. The trip to the Gold Coast can present problems.
That said the Tigers look wonderful at the moment and provided they keep playing the same up tempo exuberant style of play they should get the two points here, but don’t be surprised if this match goes the other way – it will be close!
Tip: Tigers 1-12
Warriors versus Storm
Did I say the Titans versus Tigers game was a tough one to pick? I might as well try my hand at quantum physics trying to work some of these out, such is the delicate equation presented with tipping the winning team in matches like this.
The Warriors (0-2) showed a slight improvement against the Broncos last week but are still far from where they should be.
The Storm (2-0) continue to prove they are the best coached side in living memory as despite the absence of super star Billy Slater, new players like Cameron Munster continue to excel.
This one is a toss of the coin, even more so due to Jeff Robson still hanging around at halfback for the Warriors. However, with their first home match of the season and with the roster at their disposal I just can’t see them getting off to a 0-3 start to the year.
I’m tipping an upset that will make Andrew McFadden very happy.
Tip: Warriors 1-12
Dragons versus Souths
The only thing colder than the Knights and Dragons (0-2) at the moment is the form of Kurt Mann (poor bloke) whose ankle injury is realistically a blessing in disguise. It allows Josh Dugan to shift back to the custodian role and the excellent Euan Aitken to slot back into the centres.
The Dragons will put in a much better showing in this match but it is simply unfathomable to picture the red hot Souths not storming away with this one.
Tip: Souths 13+
Manly versus Sharks
Manly (0-2) were much improved in their loss to the Tigers but it’s clear that they are still adjusting to the structures that Trent Barrett has implemented.
The Sharks (1-1) have been one of the better teams in the competition thus far, pushing reigning premiers the Cowboys for the full 80 before putting the Dragons to the sword last week in a 30-2 drubbing.
As evidenced by their defeat to the Tigers on Monday, Manly struggle against improvised attacking structures, which may advantage them against a Cronulla team that typically enjoys settling into the grind.
Much like the Warriors, I can’t see a 0-3 start to the Manly season occurring at Brookvale Oval and with a refreshing turn around, I’m tipping a late winner for Manly in a very tight contest.
Tip: Manly 1-12
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