<p>The NRL Pre-season Challenge exploded into life last week, with it raining tries across all eight games of round two.</p> <p>There were two sides who hit a half-century, two that breached 40 and a couple more who clocked more than 30.</p> <p>As teams find their feet and test out different combinations ahead of the new season, it’s clear that defence is optional.</p> <p>While that’s not ideal for certain side’s tackling coaches, it’s just what every fan watching at home wants.</p> <p>With plenty more bumper clashes on the cards for Week 3 of the NRL’s Pre-season Challenge, we are eagerly anticipating more of the same.</p> <p>Let there be tries! For the latest news, odds and analysis for all the games this week, check out our NRL Pre-season Challenge Week 3 tips and predictions below.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>NRL Pre-Season Challenge Tips and Predictions – Week 3</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Heading into the third and final round of the 2025 NRL Pre-season Challenge, the Warriors are top of the pops, with the Sharks swimming just behind them.</p> <p>However, reigning champs the Brisbane Broncos appear to be in pole position to defend their title as both the Warriors and the Sharks have fulfilled their preseason duties and will not feature in round 3.</p> <p>After their monster win over the Titans, Brisbane can steal top spot and the title with another big win this week, can they do it? Let’s find out.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Manly Sea Eagles vs Penrith Panthers Prediction</h2> <p><em><strong>Friday, February 21, 6:00pm AEDT – Leichhardt Oval</strong></em></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Week 3 of the NRL Pre-season Challenge opens up with the Sea Eagles taking on the Panthers.</p> <p>An almost unrecognisable Sea Eagles’ side got the best of the Bunnies last time out in a high scoring shootout.</p> <p>As one of the teams playing a week earlier than everyone else due to their participation in the season launch in Las Vegas we expect Penrith to rest every single one of their stars here.</p> <p>Manly have no such commitments and will want their senior players to have some sort of a competitive hit out as it will be over a fortnight until they start their NRL campaign.</p> <p>If this is what transpires, it makes backing the Sea Eagles far more appealing than siding with Penrith’s cubs.</p> <p><strong>Head-to-head prediction: </strong>Manly Sea Eagles.</p> <p><strong>Betting tip: </strong>Big win little win - Manly 13+</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Wests Tigers vs Parramatta Eels Prediction</h2> <p><em><strong>Friday, February 21, 8:00pm AEDT – Leichhardt Oval</strong></em></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>The Parramatta Eels started life under new coach Jason Ryles in fine fashion recording a resounding victory over the Newcastle Knights.</p> <p>Their opponents this week the Tigers had no such luck, going down in a spirited showing against the Bulldogs.</p> <p>There were promising signs for Benji’s boys however, with rookie centre Solomona Faataape popped up for a quick fire double just after halftime and if selected here, appears good value to find the stripe again.</p> <p>Rising star Lachlan Galvin was also in fine touch and could be primed for a massive 2025 in the NRL.</p> <p>At their spiritual home of Leichhardt Oval, we’re backing the Tigers to record an upset win to finish off their pre-season on a high note.</p> <p><strong>Head-to-head prediction: </strong>Wests Tigers.</p> <p><strong>Betting tip: </strong>Solomona Faataape first try scorer.</p>

<h2>St George Illawarra Dragons vs South Sydney Rabbitohs Prediction</h2> <p><em><strong>Saturday, February 22, 3:00pm AEDT – Glen Willow Stadium</strong></em></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>This could be the year the Dragons finally get their act together. On paper their squad is actually rather impressive, and their new recruits have brought sizzle and experience to their side.</p> <p>All of the above was on full display as Shane Flanagan elected to roll out a near full strength side against the Roosters in their comfortable 26-8 win.</p> <p>The off-season additions of rep players Damien Cook, Clint Gutherson and Valentine Holmes are already paying dividends, with Damien in particular cooking the Chooks.</p> <p>If they roll out the same side against Souths in the Charity Shield, we can see them condemning them to the same fate as their arch rivals.</p> <p><strong>Head-to-head prediction: </strong>St George Illawarra Dragons.</p> <p><strong>Betting tip: </strong>Damien Cook anytime try scorer.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Brisbane Broncos vs Canterbury Bulldogs Prediction</h2> <p><em><strong>Saturday, February 22, 5:30pm AEDT – Kayo Stadium</strong></em></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>The Michael Maguire effect appears to already be in full swing, just one game into his tenure at Red Hill.</p> <p>The baby Broncos dismantled the Titans last week to put themselves in pole position to defend their Pre-season Challenge title.</p> <p>After racking up 50 points thanks to some truly devastating running from meter eaters like Deine Mariner, Brendan Piakura and Benjamin Te Kura, we’re backing the Broncs to run it back and book another big win here, as well as retain their pre-season title.</p> <p><strong>Head-to-head prediction: </strong>Brisbane Broncos.</p> <p><strong>Betting tip: </strong>Deine Mariner first try scorer.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>The Dolphins vs Gold Coast Titans Prediction</h2> <p><em><strong>Saturday, February 22, 7:30pm AEDT – Kayo Stadium</strong></em></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Two teams on opposite ends of 50-point scorelines last week, meet on Saturday night.</p> <p>Both played in all-Queensland affairs last time out and find themselves in a Sunshine State showdown once again here.</p> <p>For the Titans who had 50 put on them by Brisbane, coming up against the Phins who dropped 50 of their own on the Cowboys, they are staring down a 100-point swing.</p> <p>While we don’t think the scoreline will be that extreme, we are picking up what the Dolphins are putting down and like them to get the chocolates here.</p> <p><strong>Head-to-head prediction: </strong>The Dolphins.</p> <p><strong>Betting tip: </strong>Jake Averillo anytime try scorer.</p>

<h2>Melbourne Storm vs North Queensland Cowboys Prediction</h2> <p><em><strong>Sunday, February 23, 2:00pm AEDT – Casey Fields</strong></em></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>A week off vs a 50-point shellacking. It’s certainly tough to back the Cowboys here.</p> <p>Obviously, it’s pre-season and results don’t mean as much as they do in the regular season, but there’s never really a good time to face the Storm.</p> <p>Certainly not after conceding half a century to a team that has been tipped to struggle in 2025. Weather forecast in Melbourne this weekend? Stormy with a high chance of tries.</p> <p><strong>Head-to-head prediction: </strong>Melbourne Storm.</p> <p><strong>Betting tip: </strong>Big win little win – Melbourne 13+</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Sydney Roosters vs Newcastle Knights Prediction</h2> <p><em><strong>Sunday, February 23, 4:00pm AEDT – Industree Group Stadium</strong></em></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>The final game of Week 3 and the entire NRL Pre-season Challenge sees the Sydney Rooster take on the Newcastle Knights.</p> <p>Both were losers in round two so someone will be guaranteed of a morale boosting bounce back ahead of the season proper. That is unless of course this game ends in an unlikely draw.</p> <p>We doubt that will be the case and instead are backing the Knights to ride into the new season on a high.</p> <p><strong>Head-to-head prediction:</strong> Newcastle Knights.</p> <p><strong>Betting tip: </strong>Greg Marzhew first try scorer.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>NRL Pre-Season Challenge 2025 Winner Odds</h2>