2024 NRL Round 3 Betting Predictions
Get ready to strap in for another thrilling round of NRL action as Round 3 promises to deliver plenty of heart stopping moments. Here's our NRL Round 3 betting predictions!
Penrith Panthers (10th) vs Brisbane Broncos (9th)
The Panthers had a real nail-biter against Parramatta last Friday, but they managed to snag their first home win for the season. Unfortunately, prop James Fisher-Harris is out with a dodgy shoulder, but Lindsay Smith's stepping up to the plate to partner up with Moses Leota in the front row. The Panthers have come out on top in six out of their last seven showdowns against the Broncos and will be expecting to make it 8.
It's been six long months since their heart-wrenching grand final loss, but they're ready to get revenge on Thursday night. But they might still be finding their feet without some of last year's legends and now they've copped another blow with halfback Adam Reynolds nursing a dodgy knee and Payne Haas also on the sidelines. So they're counting on fullback Reece Walsh to work his magic as they chase only their second win at BlueBet Stadium in the last 15 years. Plus, keep an eye out for Fletcher Baker – he's expected to slot into the starting lineup and bring some real grunt to the Broncos' game.
Penrith's been dominating with 11 wins out of 12 at BlueBet Stadium. No Reynolds or Haas is gonna make it real rough for Brisbane, especially at a place they ain't too comfy at.
Stadium Record
Penrith are 9-1 in their last 10 games at this venue. Brisbane are 1-1 at this venue since 2018.
Head to Head Record
Since 2018, the Panthers are 5-3 against the Broncos.
Best Bet
Penrith Panthers -10.5 = $1.90
New Zealand Warriors (14th) vs Canberra Raiders (1st)
The Warriors were tipped to be in the running for a top-four spot this season. But, things haven't gone to plan thus far. They're one of four teams who haven't scored a win in the first two weeks. They copped a real gut-wrencher last week against the Storm – losing in the final seconds. Despite the sting of that loss, the Warriors haven't copped any new injuries. Last year, the Warriors came out on top in both tussles against the Raiders too.
The Raiders weren't exactly top of the pops before Round 1, but they've sure turned some heads since then, scoring wins against the Knights and the Wests Tigers. The Raiders are gonna be playing in Christchurch for the first time and Ricky Stuart's gonna be coaching his 250th game for the Raiders. They will be missing Seb Kris after he copped a concussion in Round 2. But captain Elliott Whitehead's back in action after a bit of a lay-off with a dodgy groin.
The away team has covered the line in 12 of the last 13 matches between these two sides. Raiders to keep it close in Ricky's 250th.
Stadium Record
New Zealand are 1-2 in their history. Canberra are yet to play here.
Head to Head Record
In the last 10 meetings, the head to head is squared at 5-5.
Best Bet
Sydney Roosters (8th) vs South Sydney Rabbitohs (16th)
After a bloody good win against the Broncos over in Las Vegas, the Roosters copped a reality check from Manly on Sunday. And now, they've only got five days to dust themselves off and get ready for the big Friday night showdown. To make matters worse, the Roosters are gonna be without Luke Keary after he copped a knock. So, 21-year-old Sandon Smith's gonna be stepping up to the plate alongside Sam Walker in the halves. Siua Wong's been benched, with Nat Butcher jumping into the starting lineup. The Roosters have come out on top in three out of their last four clashes against the Rabbitohs.
So, after copping it from the Sea Eagles and the Broncos, Coach Jason Demetriou's gearing up to give the team a shake-up for the local derby. Dean Hawkins is gonna be calling the shots at halfback and we've got a fresh face in the mix with recruit Jack Wighton sliding into the centres. Now, let's not sugarcoat it – the Rabbitohs have only managed to snag four wins out of their last 15 NRL games. Bit of a rough trot, but we're not giving up hope. Here's a big milestone – Rabbitohs captain Cameron Murray plays his 150th NRL appearance.
Souths have been really disappointing so far but hopefully the return of Wighton and Murray's 150th game can see them fare better in this rivalry clash.
Stadium Record
Sydney are 7-3 at this venue since 2018. South Sydney are 2-3 in their last 5 games at this venue.
Head to Head Record
Since 2018, the Rabbitohs are 8-7 against the Roosters.
Best Bet
South Sydney Rabbitohs +3.5 = $1.90
Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs (17th) vs Gold Coast Titans (13th)
Even though they've had a bit of a rough start with a 0-2 record, Cameron Ciraldo's mob is still giving us plenty of reasons to crack a smile. And what better way to turn things around than with a good old arvo at Belmore, right in front of their loyal fanbase? But the Bulldogs haven't had the best run of luck at Belmore Sports Ground lately. They've only managed to chalk up two wins out of their last 11 games there.
The Titans copped a bit of a hiding from the Dragons in Round 1, but a week off has given them a chance to regroup. Losing Kieran Foran right before kick-off didn't do them any favours. It threw their game plan right out the window. But Des Hasler's not one for makin' excuses, no matter who's out on the paddock come Saturday night. Now, the Titans haven't had the best of luck down in Sydney lately. They've only managed two wins out of their last nine games there. Kieran Foran's back in the halves, ready to rip into it for the first time this season alongside Tanah Boyd.
In nine out of the last 10 day games, Canterbury's been smashing the Over and hopefully both sides will throw the ball around here.
Stadium Record
Canterbury are 1-4 in their last 5 games at this venue. Gold Coast are 1-0 at this venue since 2018.
Head to Head Record
In the last 8, the Titans are 5-3 against the Bulldogs.
Best Bet
St. George Illawarra Dragons (11th) vs North Queensland Cowboys (2nd)
The Dragons were riding high after a ripper first-up win, but they came crashing back down to earth real quick against the Dolphins, copping a massive 38-0 shellacking on Sunday. But when the Dragons are playing at Netstrata Jubilee Stadium, they're usually in with a fair chance. They've snatched up four wins out of their last six games there. Keep your eye on Mikaele Ravalawa, he's been tearing it up lately, bagging six tries in his last five games against the Cowboys. Now, with Francis Molo out on suspension, Jack de Belin's moving up to prop and Luciano Leilua's getting the nod to start.
Up in North Queensland, the boys weren't exactly jumping for joy after scraping by the Knights with a golden point win. They spent most of the match playing catch-up but pulled it together in the end to notch up their second win on the trot. Unfortunately, they've copped a blow with back-rower Heilum Luki out for six weeks with a busted ankle. But Kulikefu Finefeuiaki's stepping up to fill the gap in the starting lineup.
Sure, the Dragons were terrible last week but they're better at home and could bounce back on their home turf. North Queensland aren't the best travelling team either.
Stadium Record
St. George are 6-4 in their last 10 games at this venue. North Queensland are 1-1 at this venue since 2018.
Head to Head Record
The Cowboys are 4-1 against the Dragons in the last 5 meetings.
Best Bet
St. George Illawarra Dragons +7.5 = $1.90
Wests Tigers (12th) vs Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks (3rd)
The Benji Marshall era kicked off with a bit of a stumble last week and it ain't gonna be a walk in the park in Round 3 either, with the Wests Tigers squaring up against a strong Sharks team. There were a few bright spots, though - Lachlan Galvin showing some promise in his debut as five-eighth and Jahream Bula showing he's still growing as a fullback. Good news is, Justin Olam's back in action after nursing a knee injury. He'll be teaming up with last week's rookie Solomona Faataape in the centres.
The Sharks are coming off a solid 25-6 win on Saturday afternoon, thanks to a ripper game from halfback Nicho Hynes. With Briton Nikora out on suspension, Jack Williams is stepping into the starting lineup. Good news - Royce Hunt's back after sitting out last week with a nasty bug. He'll be on the bench, ready to roll. The Sharks haven't tasted defeat at Leichhardt Oval since way back in 2014.
This is an opportunity for the Sharks to go 3-0 and the Tigers look to be in rebuilding mode under Benji.
Stadium Record
In their last 10 games at Leichhardt Oval, Wests hold a 3-7 record. Since 2018, Cronulla have a 1-0 record at this venue.
Head to Head Record
In the last 5, the Sharks have won 4 games against the Tigers.
Best Bet
Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks -11.5 = $1.85
Parramatta Eels (7th) vs Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles (4th)
The Eels were givin' it their all in the first half against the Panthers. They were even up by two points at halftime. But then, bam, two quick tries knocked the wind right outta their sails. The Eels have taken down Manly in three of their last four games. They've been smashin' it at CommBank Stadium, winnin' eight outta their last ten games there. Looks like Morgan Harper's moving to the wing to cover for Bailey Simonsson, who's out with a head knock. Keep an eye out for Blaize Talagi, mate - it's his NRL debut.
The Sea Eagles are flyin' high, but they're in for a real test when they hit up CommBank Stadium to take on the Eels, who are keen to bounce back from their loss to the premiers. The Sea Eagles haven't had much luck against the Eels at CommBank lately. Plus, they copped a rough blow when Tom Trbojevic got sidelined with a shoulder injury there back in 2022. But they're hoping for a change in luck this time around as they aim to kick off the season 3-0. There's more drama for the Sea Eagles. Tommy Talau hurt his ankle in his debut game for the club, and to top it off, Jason Saab's out for another month with a dodgy hamstring.
Should be a close game but you have to like the Sea Eagles chances of an upset with the Tom Trbojevic and DCE combo.
Stadium Record
Parramatta are 8-2 in their last 10 games at this venue. Since 2018, Manly have a 2-4 record at this venue.
Head to Head Record
The Eels are 3-2 against the Sea Eagles in the last 5.
Best Bet
Newcastle Knights (15th) vs Melbourne Storm (5th)
The Knights had a real nail-biter up in Townsville, but they ended up with zilch after Chad Townsend's field goal in golden point. Now, they're back on their home turf at McDonald Jones Stadium and they've gotta shake off that disappointment real quick. They're hungry for a win to get their season kick-started. The Knights have been pretty solid at home, winning eight of their last 10 games at the Jones. Plus, they've got Jack Cogger in as the new halfback, while Jackson Hastings is riding the bench. Good news too, co-captain Jayden Brailey's bounced back from a hamstring injury.
The Storm are absolutely buzzing with that miracle try from Xavier Coates at AAMI Park, putting them at a solid 2-0. Against the Knights, they've been on fire, winning 11 outta their last 12 games against 'em. Coates himself has been on a roll, scoring 13 tries in his last 13 NRL games. Now, with Jahrome Hughes out on suspension, Tyran Wishart's jumping from the bench to take over at halfback. With Cameron Munster still out with a dodgy groin, Jonah Pezet's holding it down at five-eighth. Plus, prop Christian Welch is sidelined after copping a knock.
No Hughes or Munster in the halves for the Storm should make it tough for them to score a lot of tries. So I like the under 3.5 tries market here.
Stadium Record
Newcastle are 4-1 in their last 5 games at this venue. Melbourne are 2-1 at this venue since 2018.
Head to Head Record
Since 2018, the Storm are 7-1 against the Knights.
Best Bet
