NRL Round 3 Predictions by NRLnews.com

FRIDAY
Eels v Tigers, at Parra Stadium 7.30pm
Both teams without a win in 2007 and both teams coming off shocking efforts last week. Desperation from both camps makes this a must see, and hopefully we don't get a drop-ball-a-thon! Parra sees Grothe and Hindmarsh return and the Tigers are pretty much at full strength also. Home ground will help Eels, Eels to win in a close one.


Broncos v Panthers, at Suncorp 7.30pm
Penrith found form last week and spanked the Bulldogs - surely confidence must be high! However the Broncos are 0 from 2 this year and will have Lockyer back. The Broncos will be desperate to win this game and they should get the points. Broncos to win.

SATURDAY
Dragons v Cowboys, at WIN (5.30pm AEDT)
This should be a cracker game. Both teams are known for this stylish and open attacking footy. The Dragons see Head and Hornby back at the scrumbase which is positive, and unfortunately for the Cowboys Jason Smith is at home in the rocking chair with an injury. Saints to win in front of big WIN crowd.

Sharks v Souths, at Toyota (7.30pm AEDT).
Both teams here have been solid in 2007 and will be looking to keep the positive stuff happening. Souths have been impressive without really being tested by good teams. Sharks on the other hand have been in close matches both times and only lost once. The Sharks can do this at home, not as much pressure and priming by Ricky. Sharks to win.

Storm vs NZ Warriors, at Olympic Park (8.30pm AEDT)
Match of the round here. Two big guns come together in Melbourne. The Storm undefeated so far and playing their usual unbeatable style and the Warriors who have recruited well and have been simply unstoppable in attack. Witt, Crockett and McKinnon the main strike weapons. Melbourne should have enough to win this at home.

SUNDAY
Bulldogs vs Titans at Telstra (2.00pm AEDT)
The Titans face the wounded Bulldogs at Telstra. A task that is unenviable. You simply have to put the house on the Bulldogs this week. After two losses and a thumping last week, they will win. Bulldogs.

Roosters vs Manly at Aussie(3.00pm AEDT).
Should be a good match-up this one. The Roosters have been poor in 2007, but they get Amos Roberts back into the side and Manly have won both games but have played poor opposition and are still working their combinations out. Manly to win on current form.

MONDAY
Canberra v Newcastle at Canberra Stadium (7.00pm AEDT)
A nice one for Monday night, Joey returning for the Knights and the Raiders get to strut their stuff in front of the home crowd.Tough one for the locals because Newcastle will be full of confidence after 2 wins and having Joey back will send it even higher. Could be the Knights by a long shot. Knights.

NRL Round 2 Predictions by NRLnews.com

FRIDAY
Dragons v Newcastle, at OKI Jubilee Oval 7.30pm
Home ground is enough to tip this one the Dragons way. Both teams won in close games last week, and improvement is needed. I think the defensive irregularities will hurt the Knights, prediction: Dragons by 8


Penrith v Bulldogs, at CUA Stadium 7.30pm
It gets harder for the Panthers in Rnd 2, while the Dogs lost last week - their commitment and attack was scintillating against the Knights. The Dogs forwards will be too strong here. Dogs by 12

SATURDAY
WESTS TIGERS v MANLY, at Leichhardt Oval (5.30pm AEDT)
This will be a great match to watch, both teams played well in Round 1 and a full house at Old Leichhardt. Careful not to get splinters in your bottom from the old seats, I think the Tigers will be up for this game after missing the win last week. Tigers in a close one.

CANBERRA v MELBOURNE, at Canberra Stadium (7.30pm AEDT).
Canberra will need divine intervention here, watch for weather conditions here - if rain appears, Canberra may upset the Storm. However, Storm should win comfortably. Storm by 12+

NORTH QUEENSLAND v SYDNEY ROOSTERS, at Dairy Farmers Stadium (8.30pm AEDT)
The Roosters must forget the 1 man marker ploy here, otherwise Cowboys will put a cricket score on them. Cowboys scrumbase combo will get even better, which spells trouble for the Roosters. The Chooks need more experience at 6 and 7. Cowboys by 10

SUNDAY
NEW ZEALAND v BRISBANE at Mt Smart Stadium (2.00pm AEDT)
Another strong match-up here, Brisbane will miss Lockyer badly in this one. In what should be a huge forward match up, NRLnews.com predicts the Warriors to string 2 wins together. Their giant backline will have too much size for the Broncos. Warriors by 8

SOUTH SYDNEY v PARRAMATTA, at Telstra Stadium (3.00pm AEDT).
Things will get tougher for the out of sorts Eels. They face a confident Souths team, boosted by their Rooster rolling. Watch for Souths to play an expansive game here and outshine the poor defending Eels. Eels conceded the most points in Rnd 1 and will leak again. Souths by 14

MONDAY
GOLD COAST v SHARKS, at Carrara Stadium (7.00pm AEDT)
In the Monday night desert match, the travel and occasion might get the better of the young Sharks. The Titans will be better for the run last week, and while they will miss Walker - I think they will notch their first win of 2007. Titans by 4

NRL Predictions, Round 1 2007:
Friday
Melbourne Storm vs Wests Tigers (Olympic 7.30)
Storm to win by 18 points. A Melbourne side fully ladden with stars and the graveyard, will be too good for Tigers.
Brisbane Broncos vs Nth Queensland Cowboys (Suncorp 8.30pm)
Cowboys to win by 2 points. Broncos preparation has been poor and the Cowboys love beating them.
Saturday
NZ Warriors vs Parramatta Eels (Mt Smart 5.30)
Warriors by 8. Strong trial form and a home game should see them beat the patchy Eels.
Sharks vs Penrith Panthers (Toyota 7.30)
Sharks by 4. Hard one to pick, Sharks in a close one at home.
Manly Sea Eagles vs Canberra Raiders (Brooky 7.30)
Manly by 14. Eagles will enjoy this one, and win easily.
Sunday
Newcastle Knights vs Bulldogs (EnergyAus 2pm)
Bulldogs by 2. A juicy match-up. Bulldogs in a physical encounter. Just.
Gold Coast Titans vs St George Dragons (Suncorp 4pm)
Titans by 8. Will have too much class for the Dragons in their first ever game.
Monday
Sydney Roosters vs South Sydney Rabbitohs (Aussie 7.30)
Souths by 4. Halves from both teams hold the key. Rabbits will just get the points.