Records were broken, pitches were invaded and premiers were defeated. The NRL wasn’t messing around last week, and the second round of the 2026 season is one that won’t be forgotten in a hurry, if ever.

Naturally, Alex Johnston becoming the NRL’s greatest ever try scorer hogged the headlines, as footy fans got to witness an event rarer than the “once in a lifetime” variety.

There’s no doubt it’s going to be hard, if not nigh impossible, for NRL Round 3 to top its predecessor.

However, with a fixture list that features: the Roosters vs Panthers, Storm vs Broncos and Knights vs Warriors, it looks like Round 3 is going to give it one hell of a go.

For all the latest news, analysis, odds, and betting tips ahead of Round 3, check out our expert NRL Round 3 tips and predictions below.

Canberra Raiders vs Canterbury Bulldogs Prediction

Thursday, March 19, 8:00pm AEDT – GIO Stadium

NRL Round 3 kicks off with the badly beaten Raiders welcoming the fully rested Bulldogs to the nation’s capital on Thursday night.

The Green Machine were rolled 40-6 across the ditch by the Warriors, in what is sure to be a massive wake up call for the reigning minor premiers.

We have a feeling another wake up call might be coming their way this week in the shape of recalibrated Canterbury.

The Bulldogs were the beneficiaries of the bye last week and with an opening round win and a subsequent full week’s rest under their belts, they are primed to inflict more misery on the faltering Raider’s machine.

Head-to-head prediction: Canterbury Bulldogs. 

Betting tip: Jacob Preston anytime try scorer.

Sydney Roosters vs Penrith Panthers Prediction

Friday, March 20, 6:00pm AEDT – Allianz Stadium

The Roosters and Panthers are set to kick-off one of the best Friday Night double headers in recent history at Allianz Stadium this week.

You’d be forgiven for forgetting the Roosters actually won last week, with the result rightfully overshadowed by Johnston and his record-breaking performance.

Despite a full-scale pitch invasion and all the attention being on their rivals the Rabbitohs and their prolific winger, the Chooks still found a way to cut through all the noise and secure the points.

After a shaky start to life in the tri-colours, new recruit Daly Cherry-Evans showed why his new employers decided to gamble on the nearly 38-year-old veteran, turning in a match-winning display.

He’ll need to be at his best if he wants to guide his new side home against the Panthers here, as there is no doubt about it, Penrith are once again the team to beat in the NRL.

Ivan Cleary’s side barely put a paw wrong as they mauled the Sharks by 20 points in Bathurst, with literal favourite son Nathan Cleary pulling the string in the middle of the park to perfection.

Winger Thomas Jenkins has also hit the ground running to start the season, with a brace in both of his first two games. Look to him to add to his tally, should the Panthers continue to purr here as expected.

Head-to-head prediction: Penrith Panthers.

Betting tip: Thomas Jenkins first try scorer.

Melbourne Storm vs Brisbane Broncos Prediction

Friday, March 20, 8:00pm AEDT – AAMI Park

The second part of Friday night’s double delight is as big as they come, with the Storm hosting the Broncos in a replay of last year’s Grand Final.

It was the Broncos who of course triumphed on that occasion and oh how they’ll be desperate to run it back here.

Alarm bells are officially already ringing at Red Hill, with Brisbane 0-2 to start the season.

Despite being the reigning champions, and playing their last two games at home, Michael Maguire’s men became the first set of champions in five years to start a season with two losses.

Now, it’s odds on to become three. Melbourne have been the antithesis of Brisbane, winning their opening two games with aplomb.

In fact, they came just two points shy of clocking up a combined total of 100 across their opening pair of games in their win over the Dragons. Though something tells us they’re going to breach that 100-point mark here and then some.

Head-to-head prediction: Melbourne Storm.

Betting tip: Sualauvi Faalogo first try scorer.

Newcastle Knights vs New Zealand Warriors Prediction

Saturday, March 21, 3:00pm AEDT – McDonald Jones Stadium

NRL Round 3’s Saturday action sets off with two of the 2026 season’s most impressive starters.

Both the Knights and Warriors are two for two to start the season, despite not being fancied by pundits and punters alike.

The Warriors in particular have been on another level, despite missing key men. Their 40-6 victory over the Raiders last week, was the very definition of a statement win.

Speaking of missing key men, that’s the reality Newcastle face this week, with their two biggest stars in Kalyn Ponga and Dylan Brown set to be sidelined for some time.

They will join fellow livewire Fletcher Sharpe in the infirmary, and with their three hottest steppers out of action, we’ll be siding with the white hot Wahs.

Head-to-head prediction: New Zealand Warriors.

Betting tip: Leka Halasima first try scorer. 

Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks vs Dolphins Prediction

Saturday, March 21, 5:30pm AEDT – Shark Park

A couple of strong swimmers will square off on Saturday, when the Sharks welcome the Dolphins into their waters.

After a stunning start to the season, Cronulla were handed a reality check by the Panthers last week out in Bathurst.

The Dolphins did the opposite, starting their campaign with a loss, before getting back on track against the Titans last week.

However, we weren’t overly convinced by their late, scrappy four-point win over the Gold Coast. Particularly considering, their opponents here, put 50 on Josh Hannay’s side in Round 1.

The Sharks home record is also impossible to ignore when it comes to choosing a winner here. The men from the Shire have won each of their last eight home matches and we’re tipping them to make it nine.

Head-to-head prediction: Cronulla Sharks.

Betting tip: Jesse Ramien first try scorer. 

South Sydney Rabbitohs vs Wests Tigers Prediction

Saturday, March 21, 7:30pm AEDT – Polytec Stadium

Alright South Sydney, you can go back to solely focusing on winning footy games. There were scenes that will be etched into eternity when Rabbitohs winger Alex Johnston broke the NRL’s all-time try scoring record against fierce rivals the Roosters last week.

Unfortunately, once in a generation moments don’t always translate into competition points and while the Bunnies won the headline battle, it was the Roosters who won the war.

Still, with all the fanfare, expectation and potential pitch invasions behind them, this Souths side is certainly capable of making plenty of noise on the field this season.

They are also set to welcome back boom rookie halfback Jamie Humphreys finally, meaning they are as healthy as they have been in months.

While we were impressed with the Tigers 44-16 win over the Cowboys last start and in particular new signing Kai Pearce-Paul, a fully focused Rabbitohs side, this close to full-strength, is impossible to ignore.

Head-to-head prediction: South Sydney Rabbitohs.

Betting tip: Kai Pearce-Paul anytime try scorer.

Parramatta Eels vs St George Illawarra Dragons Prediction

Sunday, March 22, 4:05pm AEDT – CommBank Stadium

Looks like Parra are going to be THAT team this year. Ridiculous one week, sublime the next.

They backed up their opening round disaster class against Melbourne, by scalping reigning Premiers Brisbane at Suncorp, in an early contender for match of the season.

Kelma Tuilagi and Isaiah Iongi both grabbed doubles in the boilover, with Iongi looking particularly lively at the back.

As for the Dragons, it also looks as if they’re going to be THAT team this year. That team that does nothing but struggle.

Two games, two losses and an all too familiar feeling for the Red V. A feeling that unfortunately we only foresee continuing here against the Eels.

Head-to-head prediction: Parramatta Eels.

Betting tip: Isaiah Iongi first try scorer.

North Queensland Cowboys vs Gold Coast Titans Prediction

Sunday, March 22, 6:15pm AEDT – Queensland Country Bank Stadium

The final game of NRL Round 3 is an all-Queensland affair and its desperation stakes already for the Cowboys and the Titans.

After entering 2026 with questions about his future lingering overhead, North Queensland boss Todd Payten is plummeting towards the axe, after starting the season with back-to-back losses.

Meanwhile, new Titans boss Josh Hannay is quickly realising life in the NRL is no walk in the park, also opening up season with a pair of Ls.

Both teams are borderline untippable, but we have to swing one way or another, unless an unlikely draw materialises.

It’s times like these when we defer to the odds and the H2H market shows that, at home, the Cowboys are the favourites to win this one.

Head-to-head prediction: North Queensland Cowboys.

Betting tip: Over total match points.

Manly Sea Eagles – BYE

After a disappointing start to the season, Manly get the week off to lick their wounds and return to the drawing board in Round 3.