The 2024 NRL season is set to be tight, with plenty of player movement during the offseason as clubs hope to turn their fortunes around or maintain their dominance. Tipping eight winners each weekend is going to be near impossible, so each week we'll give you some extra help with three standout games.
The sure thing
Penrith Panthers vs. Brisbane Broncos, BlueBet Stadium, Thursday March 21, 8pm (AEDT)
We finally cracked our first "sure thing" last week with the Raiders, after being burnt by the Warriors first up. Thank you Tigers. This week it was difficult to be absolutely sure about any game, when even the teams that haven't won yet are still capable of a form rehearsal.
The grand final rematch should be a great game to watch, with the Broncos arriving in Penrith with a win under their belt and eyes full of revenge. What they won't have with them is halfback Adam Reynolds, who is out with a knee injury. He is such a key part of the team when they are playing well.
The Panthers looked more like themselves in beating the Eels last week, but still have a lot of improvement left in them. I think this week against the weakened Broncos, in Penrith, they should win.
Round 3 sure thing: Panthers
The toss of the coin
Parramatta Eels vs. Manly Warringah Sea Eagles, CommBanks Stadium, Sunday March 24, 4:05pm (AEDT)
I've thrown the Roosters coin away for this week, after they let me down against the Sea Eagles on the weekend. This classic clash between the Eels and Sea Eagles promises to be a thriller, and one that could go either way. The Eels weren't quite good enough to beat the Panthers last week, but still showed plenty of promise. The Sea Eagles remained unbeaten with a gutsy win over the Roosters.
At Parramatta, on a Sunday afternoon, in front of a packed stadium, the Eels are a very attractive prospect. But, there is something about the Sea Eagles this season, especially with Tom Trbojevic lurking and Luke Brooks sharing the attacking load with Daly Cherry-Evans. I'm going with the Sea Eagles in a game that will test both clubs' premiership credentials
Toss of the coin game winner: Sea Eagles
The roughie
Wests Tigers vs. Cronulla Sutherland Sharks, Leichhardt Oval, Saturday March 23, 7:35pm (AEDT)
Okay, so the reason these teams are called roughies is because the weight of money from the punters suggests that they can not win. And so far this season I have picked two roughies, both of whom did not win -- although I feel the Warriors owe me an apology for last week.
Still, in choosing the Tigers in this game, I've gone for the roughest of the rough and to be honest this game could almost be the sure thing of the week, with the flying Sharks tipped to win.
BUT, the Tigers already have their backs against the wall, Benji Marshall is copping flack and they are playing this game at Leichhardt Oval, where Tigers miracles have been known to occur.
Once again, take this tip with a grain of salt if you are travelling well in your tipping competitions. Just remember where you read it if the Tigers do get up.
Round 3 roughie: Tigers
Click here for a full guide to Round 3 of the 2024 NRL season