Our NRL betting tips Round 3 cover every game with best bets, totals and predictions across the full weekend schedule.
Raiders vs Bulldogs – GIO Stadium
Hard to pick a winner here as Bulldogs have had a 19 day break post Vegas and Canberra are coming off a big loss across the ditch. The total seems too high in this game. There could be some rain about in Canberra and Canberra may focus more on defence this week after conceding 40 last week. The Bulldogs attack was unconvincing in Vegas but they are one of the stronger defensive sides.
Suggested Bet: Under 48.5 Pts @ 1.90 (neds)
Roosters vs Panthers – Allianz Stadium
Should be a high quality game. Liam Martin returns for Penrith and Reece Robson plays his first game for the Roosters. There doesn’t appear to be much between the sides. Penrith deserve favouritism but it’s difficult to find too much value in this one and the market looks correct.
Suggested Bet: No bet.
Storm vs Broncos – AAMI Park
Another much anticipated match with the Grand Final replay. These two sides couldn’t have started off more differently this season though with Melbourne looking a Premiership contender again and Brisbane in need of a big lift. Reynolds will be out of this one and Shibasaki has been dropped with ex-Storm outside back Grant Anderson making his Brisbane debut on the wing.
If Brisbane can’t get up for this match then they could be in for a long season. It’s hard to back them in Melbourne against a red hot Storm side and it’s best to sit back and enjoy the game without a betting play on this one.
Suggested Bet: No bet.
Knights vs Warriors – McDonald Jones Stadium
Newcastle v Warriors is a game between two unbeaten sides but with a number of players missing for both sides. Newcastle’s injury woes are more significant with Dylan Brown and Kalyn Ponga out for a number of weeks each. Nicoll-Klokstad, Capewell and Harris-Tavita are still significant outs for the Warriors too. The obvious thought is to side with the red hot Warriors but they are playing their first game on the road here and Newcastle should have a vocal crowd in their opening home game so picking a winner isn’t easy. The total does look high for this game considering the key attacking players that are missing for both sides so taking the unders seems the sensible play, especially with some potential storms brewing on Saturday.
Suggested Bet: Under 51.5 points @ 1.90 (neds)
Sharks vs Dolphins – Ocean Protect Stadium
Cronulla v Dolphins should see a Sharks bounce back from last week’s loss to Penrith. Cronulla appear fairly disciplined defensively but the Dolphins attack could click at some point, though it’s unlikely to be this early in the season. It’s difficult to find a solid edge on this one as Cronulla -7.5 line looks about right.
Suggested Bet: No bet.
Rabbitohs vs Wests Tigers – Polytec Stadium
Should be an enjoyable game in Gosford. Souths appear a good side this season while Tigers definitely appear to have some attacking starch this year but it’s still difficult to judge considering the Cowboys were such poor opposition last round.
There could be some rain about in Gosford which could potentially effect the dynamics of the game. It’s a difficult one to call and though Souths deserve favouritism there doesn’t appear to be enough value in this one to make a confident play.
Suggested Bet: No bet.
Eels vs Dragons – CommBank Stadium
These two sides met last season here and it ended in a Golden Point victory for the Eels, picking up their first win of the season. Fast forward a year and it’s the Dragons looking to get off the mark for the season. Dragons played well for over 60 minutes against Melbourne last week and showed toughness for the entire game v Bulldogs in Vegas. A repeat performance here and they’ll come close at the very least.
Parramatta deserve favouritism here but rather than pick a winner I’d prefer to predict the game to be another close, hard fought contest.
Suggested Bet: Either team to win by Less than 12.5 Pts (Tribet 1-12) @ 1.87 (neds)
Cowboys vs Titans – Queensland Country Bank Stadium
Two sides both looking to get off the mark for 2026. Gold Coast came very close last week but surrendered a 14 point lead and were a tad unlucky to lose it late vs Dolphins while the Cowboys put in an inept display. However, the Cowboys do find themselves at home for the first time this season which could potentially see a change of fortune. The Titans showed a bit of toughness for parts of last round but it would take a brave person to back them on the road. Cowboys have points in them but struggle defensively. This is another game that appears best left alone from a betting perspective.
Suggested Bet: No bet.
MULTI’S OF THE ROUND
Panthers H2H / Storm H2H / Cronulla H2H / Newcastle +12.5 @ $4.73 (neds)
Panthers 1-12 / Newcastle H2H / Sharks -7.5 @ $13.56
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