The NRLW competition is in full swing, and it’s been blockbuster action from the opening match. The quality has improved and delivering tremendous contests of high-quality rugby league. There are still 4 winless teams in the competition, and this week promises to feature some desperate teams looking to capture 2 competition points. Before You Bet is here to preview every match for you, with the aim of finding you a winner or two to add to your enjoyment.
Check out our preview and NRLW Betting Tips for Round 3 below and good luck to everyone following along!
NRLW Round 3 Preview & Betting Tips
Canberra Raiders vs Sydney Roosters
GIO Stadium – Saturday 18th July – 12:40pm (EST)
The Raiders made it consecutive impressive performances with a commanding 42-16 home victory over the Warriors. Clinical from the start, they dominated possession (57%), completed well (78%), and made a massive 10 line breaks established by making 8.8m per carry. The Roosters were not as convincing in their 12-10 victory over the Knights, going scoreless in the second half and grinding out victory. They were their own worst enemy, completing at just 66% with 48% possession and unable to capitalise on their 9m per carry.
Both teams are unchanged ahead of this contest. Despite a draining game last week, the Roosters are listed as strong favourites. It is a tough place to win at in the best of times so, the Roosters will have to overcome the home ground advantage and renewed confidence that this Raiders team possesses. Regardless, the right favourites are found. The result last week for the Roosters highlights the quality of their opponents, as much as their own shortcomings. They must be better in this game otherwise, the Raiders will punish them for their mistakes. This brings the line into play and, with both teams continuing to improve, a close game is expected.
New Zealand Warriors vs North Queensland Cowboys
Go Media Stadium – Saturday 18th July – 3:15pm (EST)
The Warriors failed to grab their second win of the season comprehensively defeated 42-16 by the Raiders on the road. They were their own worst enemy with just 43% possession and completing at 62%. They made just over 1,000m and missed 44 tackles. The Cowboys were equally as poor, yet it was an improved performance from their Round 1 defeat. With 53% possession they completed at 77%, missing 33 tackles and making just 3 line breaks.
There are mass changes for the Warriors with the coach aiming to create a catalyst for change. This suggests that, while a capable team, that all is not well within this club. It is puzzling to see why they are posted as overwhelming favourites ($1.13 vs $6.22) given it has only been one poor performance following their opening round victory. Despite being winless and poor at points but are trending in the right direction. The Broncos were far stronger, and they were caught out by a spirited Tigers team last week. Providing they learn from that effort, they are a chance in this contest. Rather than take them in a head-to-head market, use the large line to your advantage.
Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs vs Cronulla Sharks
Accor Stadium – Saturday 18th July – 5:15pm (EST)
The Bulldogs were left winless for the season with another flat performance in their 36-10 home defeat by the Titans. With just 42% possession and a 66% completion rate, they were woeful in their execution. They made just 7.6m per carry and 1 line break, made worse defensively by their 36 missed tackles. The Sharks were improved on their performance in Round 1 but still suffered a 22-16 loss to the Broncos at home. Trying their best to be competitive, they completed at 81% with 48% possession and averaged 8.3m per carry. Unfortunately, their lack of quality when it mattered let them down during key moments.
It is no surprise to see the Sharks listed as strong favourites ($4.25 vs $1.22). The Bulldogs have been poor to start the season and while improvement is expected, there are no major changes to their team this week to suggest that positive alterations are ahead. It is business as usual for the Sharks and following a winless start to the season, this is their chance to capitalise. The fact that they kept the Brisbane to a low total, while also scoring 3 tries, suggests they will be more than capable to handle what the Bulldogs produce in this game.
Gold Coast Titans vs Parramatta Eels
Cbus Super Stadium – Sunday 19th July – 11:50am (EST)
The Titans bounced back to winning form and made a statement with their 36-10 road victory over the Bulldogs. They were superior in every area, dominating possession (58%), completing at 83%, averaging 8.7m per carry, and making 6 line breaks. They were strong defensively, missing just 13 tackles. The Eels were again outplayed by a better opponent, defeated in the first half 22-4 for an eventual 22-8 road loss to the Dragons. Despite dominating possession (51%) and having a superior completion rate (82%), they managed just 7.8m per carry, and 2 line breaks. Their lack of quality failed to generate positive momentum in their favour.
The Titans made a statement last week which should not be overlooked; in equal measure, so too did the Eels. They were poor and failed to produce anything which would excite a fan ahead of this week. The Eels are weakened further with the omissions of Cherrington and Jackson to injury. This reduces their effectiveness in the middle of the field and will allow the Titans to generate momentum in this area. Once they get rolling, the Eels will find it hard to limit their scoring, meaning that the home team should be more than capable of covering the line.
Brisbane Broncos vs Wests Tigers
Totally Workwear Stadium – Sunday 19th July – 1:45pm (EST)
The Broncos made it consecutive victories with a strong 22-16 road win over the Sharks. Playing with to their potential, they completed at 75% with 52% possession, ran for 8.7m per carry, had 4 line breaks, and missed just 26 tackles. They were strong and worryingly for the rest of the competition, appear to be capable of more with further improvement expected. For the second straight week, the Tigers caused an upset. This time, it was a 30-18 road victory over the Cowboys whereby they overcame adversity to capture victory. With an inferior share of possession (47%) and poor completion rate (68%), they ran for 9.2m per carry and made 7 line breaks. Such an unexpected result again showed the belief and resilience this squad has.
As good as they have been to start the season, the Tigers are about to face a reality check as they travel to face the Broncos. They have been strong to start the season, but the Broncos are another level on what they have faced thus far. You only must look at the performance of each team against the Cowboys in the opening two weeks of the season. This means that the home team should be more than capable of covering the line that is on offer. This is one of the best bets of the weekend and should be an anchor of most multi’s as the performance of the Tigers to start the season – while extremely positive – has been masked by the lack of quality from their opponents.
Newcastle Knights vs St George-Illawarra Dragons
McDonald Jones Stadium – Sunday 19th July – 6:15pm (EST)
The Knights rallied in the second half against the Roosters, keeping their opponents scoreless, but ultimately fell short in their 12-10 road loss. Despite having a greater share of possession (52%) and a superior completion rate (78%), they could only manage 7.8m per carry and missed 36 tackles. In the end, that wasn’t good enough. The Dragons bounced back to winning form with a strong 22-8 victory over the Eels. Establishing the victory off strong first half performance where they lead 22-4, they completed at 81% for the match with 49% possession. The telling stat was that they averaged 9.2m per carry and made 4 line breaks. They must improve upon their 44 missed tackles should they wish to be competitive against the better teams though.
The Knights are rightly listed as favourites for this contest as the young Dragons look set to see a new standard to what they have experienced to start the season. It should be of concern that they were kept scoreless in the second half by the Eels. Regardless of the lead which they had at HT, they should’ve been capable of building on that. The Knights proved themselves a gritty and determined team. They will relish a different attacking structure this week and should look to capitalise after facing two quality opponents to start the season.
