NRLW Round 3 is more than just the third week of the new women’s rugby league season. It marks the 20th anniversary of Women in League Round. 

Established in 2007, Women in League Round celebrates the contributions of women to rugby league and the 20th edition falls across what shapes up to be the most competitive weekend of the season so far.

The standout clash this week is the unbeaten Raiders vs Roosters at GIO Stadium, while the Broncos host the Tigers in another top four battle on Sunday.

With plenty of points and pride on the line, NRLW Round 3 is not to be missed. For the latest analysis, news and betting tips, check out our NRL Round 3 tips and predictions below. 

Canberra Raiders Women vs Sydney Rooster Women Prediction

Saturday, July 18, 12:40pm AEST – GIO Stadium 

NRLW Round 3 kicks off with arguably the match of the round, when two early season title contenders in the Raiders and Roosters go head-to-head.

The Raiders have been the most dominant team on points differential after two rounds, dismantling the Warriors 42-16 last week. 

Sheridan Gallagher leads the Dally M Medal standings with seven points, with Zahara Temara and Simaima Taufa also among the votes. 

The Roosters, meanwhile, edged the Knights 12-10 in a tight contest last start. Jess Sergis and Tarryn Aiken both sit on 6 Dally M points. 

Home advantage may prove decisive here and the Raiders showcased attacking firepower and defensive discipline last time out that the Roosters will find difficult to match away from home.

Betting tip: Canberra Raiders Women. 

New Zealand Warriors Women vs North Queensland Cowboys Women Prediction

Saturday, July 18, 3:15pm AEST – Go Media Stadium 

The Warriors Women enter Round 3 with complications off the field, after a couple of their players were charged by the judiciary following Round 2. 

Those potential suspensions add uncertainty to a side already dealing with inconsistent form after a win in Round 1 was followed by a 42-16 thrashing at the hands of the Raiders. 

The Cowboys, meanwhile, are sitting bottom of the ladder having lost both of their matches to date, including a 30-18 defeat to the Tigers last week. 

Despite the judiciary cloud hanging over them, the Warriors should have enough class at home to capitalise on the Cows early season struggles. 

Betting tip: New Zealand Warriors Women. 

Canterbury Bulldogs Women vs Cronulla Sharks Women Prediction

Saturday, July 18, 5:15pm AEST – Accor Stadium

The winless Canterbury Bulldogs Women and Cronulla Sharks Women meet in a battle of the bottom six in NRLW Round 3. 

The Bulldogs, skippered by Tayla Preston, sit 11th and are yet to trouble the scoreboard in a meaningful way. 

The Sharks (9th) have been competitive without converting, dropping a narrow 22-16 defeat to the Broncos in Round 2. 

Neither side has shown enough consistency to inspire confidence, but the Bulldogs host this one at Accor Stadium, and that home-ground advantage could tip a genuinely 50/50 contest.

Betting tip: Canterbury Bulldogs Women. 

Gold Coast Titans Women vs Parramatta Eels Women Prediction

Sunday, July 19, 11:50am AEST – Cbus Super Stadium 

There is no denying that Titans superstar Jaime Chapman is the player of the moment in the NRLW right now. 

The Gold Coast winger scored four tries against the Bulldogs last start racking up 184 metres and 7 tackle busts in a commanding 36-10 victory. 

Halfback Lauren Brown set up two of those tries, showing sharp combination play that the Eels' defence will struggle to contain here.

Parramatta sit 10th with two losses to their name, including a 22-8 defeat to the Dragons last week. 

Captain Mahalia Murphy's 3 Dally M votes suggest she's fighting hard, but the Titans and Chapman look several gears ahead right now.

Betting tip: Gold Coast Titans Women. 

Brisbane Broncos Women vs Wests Tigers Women Prediction 

Sunday, July 19, 1:45pm AEST – Totally Workwear Stadium 

Two unbeaten teams, two genuine premiership contenders, one crucial early-season clash. 

The Brisbane Broncos and Wests Tigers headline Sunday’s action when they meet in the Queensland sunshine.

Tamika Upton once again stole the headlines last week with a hat-trick against the Sharks.

That three-piece included her 50th career NRLW try, making her the first player in the competition's history to reach that milestone. She now also leads the Dally M Medal count with 9 points. 

With veteran Ali Brigginshaw in her final NRLW season and the captaincy passed to Upton, the Broncos are playing with purpose. 

Meanwhile, the Tigers, led by Australian skipper Kezie Apps, are no easybeats. Faythe Manera (seven Dally M points) and Raecene McGregor (six Dally M points) have been outstanding — but Upton and the Broncos' home advantage and point-scoring form is hard to overlook here.

Betting tip: Brisbane Broncos Women.

Newcastle Knights Women vs St George Illawarra Dragons Prediction

Sunday, July 19, 6:15pm AEST – McDonald Jones Stadium 

We’ve got a quality finish to NRLW Round 3 with the Newcastle Knights Women welcoming the Dragons’ ladies to McDonal Jones Stadium on Sunday arvo.

The Knights sit 5th after falling agonisingly short against the Roosters 12-10 last start. While that result stings, it confirms they're capable of competing with the top teams. Yasmin Meakes has been their standout performer, sitting on six Dally M points. 

Meanwhile, the Dragons come in with momentum after dismantling the Eels 22-8 in Round 2. Teagan Berry and Kasey Reh both polled four Dally M votes, showing this is a squad with depth across the park. The Knights, however, get the home crowd at McDonald Jones Stadium and are the comfortable favourites in the H2H market. 

Betting tip: Newcastle Knights Women.