NRL 2026 - Round 3 Preview

Here are the stats and predictions for the upcoming round of the NRL.

These are the notes I use for 2GB radio and other media gigs for NRL updates.

RAIDERS v BULLDOGS – Thursday @ GIO Stadium, Canberra

Canberra hold a 22–17 home advantage over the Bulldogs.

The Bulldogs won the last meeting at this venue 32–20.

The Raiders have won nine of the last 11 clashes between the sides.

Four of the last six meetings have produced 52 points or more.

Hudson Young has scored in his last two games against the Bulldogs in Canberra.

TIP

RAIDERS WIN / HUDSON YOUNG ANYTIME TRY SCORER / OVER 38.5 POINTS ($4.68)

PANTHERS v ROOSTERS – Friday @ Allianz Stadium, Sydney

Penrith have won 11 of the last 12 meetings against the Roosters.

Dylan Edwards has scored in five of his last six games against the Roosters.

TIP

PANTHERS WIN / DYLAN EDWARDS ANYTIME TRY SCORER ($3.50)

STORM v BRONCOS – Friday @ AAMI Park, Melbourne

This is a Grand Final rematch.

Melbourne hold a dominant 23–7 home record against Brisbane, including nine straight wins.

The Broncos are 0–2 to start the season.

Will Warbrick has scored six tries in his last five games against Brisbane.

TIP

STORM FIRST HALF / STORM 13+ / WARBRICK ANYTIME TRY SCORER ($2.86)

KNIGHTS v WARRIORS – Saturday @ McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle

This has traditionally been a tight matchup, with the Warriors leading 27–25 overall.

Newcastle hold a 14–9 home advantage.

The Warriors have won three of the last four clashes.

No game in the last four meetings has produced more than 38 total points.

TIP

EITHER TEAM BY UNDER 10.5 POINTS / UNDER 44.5 TOTAL POINTS ($4.85)

SHARKS v DOLPHINS – Saturday @ PointsBet Stadium, Cronulla

All three games played at Cronulla have seen the Dolphins lead the record 2–1.

The Sharks have won their last eight home games.

Herbie Farnworth has scored a try in his last seven away games.

TIP

SHARKS FIRST HALF / SHARKS WIN / FARNWORTH ANYTIME TRY SCORER ($4.62)

RABBITOHS v TIGERS – Saturday @ Central Coast Stadium, Gosford

The Tigers remain undefeated in 2026.

The last meeting at this venue finished 42–28 to South Sydney.

The Rabbitohs have won four of the last five clashes.

They have scored at least 22 points in eight of their last nine games against the Tigers.

Alex Johnston has scored six tries, including a hat-trick, across his last four games against the Tigers.

Cody Walker has scored in his last three games at Gosford.

TIP

ALEX JOHNSTON ANYTIME TRY SCORER / CODY WALKER ANYTIME TRY SCORER ($5.86)

EELS v DRAGONS – Sunday @ CommBank Stadium, Sydney

Parramatta lead the record 5–2 at CommBank Stadium.

The Dragons won the most recent clash 34–20.

Before that, the previous three meetings were tight, with a combined margin of 11 points.

The last four clashes have produced at least 46 total points.

TIP

EITHER TEAM BY UNDER 10.5 POINTS / OVER 44.5 TOTAL POINTS

COWBOYS v TITANS – Sunday @ Queensland Country Bank Stadium, Townsville

North Queensland dominate this matchup 22–13 overall and 14–4 at home.

They have won the last four clashes in Townsville.

Murray Taulagi has scored six tries in his last eight games against the Titans.

Scott Drinkwater has produced two doubles in his last four meetings against Gold Coast.

TIP

COWBOYS WIN / TAULAGI ANYTIME TRY SCORER / DRINKWATER ANYTIME TRY SCORER ($4.41)