Round 2 in the NRLW is in the books and there are just three teams left unblemished, with the Broncos, Roosters, and Bulldogs all 2-0. On the other end of the ladder, the Tigers, Titans, and Raiders remain winless. We now turn our attention to Round 3 which gets underway on Saturday.
Check out our preview and NRLW tips for Round 3 below, with odds thanks to Neds!
2025 NRLW Round 3 Predictions & Tips
Canberra Raiders vs Parramatta Eels
GIO Stadium – Saturday 19th July – 12:45pm (AEST)
The Raiders were dealt a reality check last week in their 56-6 drubbing by the Sharks at home. The less said about that match, the better but just 38% possession, missing 36 tackles and allowing 8 line breaks highlights the type of performance displayed. The Eels were kept scoreless by the Warriors in New Zealand, defeated 14-nil in a grinding contest. They were their own worst enemy with a 64% completion rate plaguing their momentum.
The Raiders are favourites for this game but only just. People are quick to forget just what the Eels offered in Round 1 and while they also have a trip from New Zealand (and a short turnaround) to contend with, they are still the superior team. The Raiders are undoubtedly stronger last than last week with a few key players returning, but it is unknown whether that will be enough to defeat their opponents. The Eels are a set team and play well through the middle, with the Raiders needed a strong performance in this area to be any chance of victory.
Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs vs St George-Illawarra Dragons
Accor Stadium – Saturday 19th July – 3:15pm (AEST)
The Bulldogs prevailed in a tight contest 12-8 over the Tigers, doing enough right over 70 minutes to capture victory. They will be hoping for an improved effort especially considering they had just 46% possession, completed at only 75% and missed 27 tackles. The Dragons were outclassed in their 24-10, unable to make the most of their 79% completion rate and 51% share of possession. Missing 37 tackles and allowing 7 line breaks was always going to limit them also.
There is a reshuffle this week for the Bulldogs given their co-captain, Teakaraanga-Katoa, has been suspended. That isn’t the only change either, with several other forced changes in key positions. It doesn’t justify them as short as they are in betting markets. There is still a lot unknown about their team, and this is another week for them to prove their combinations are working. The Dragons loss to the Roosters should be viewed in perspective; their opponents are a quality outfit and the effort by the losing team is better than what it appears. They can cause an upset in this contest, but it is safer to take them with a larger line than what is offered.
Dragons +6.5
$1.72 (1.5 units)
Cronulla Sharks vs North Queensland Cowboys
Sharks Stadium – Saturday 19th July – 5:15pm (AEST)
The Sharks were at their attacking best last week, defeating the Raiders 56-6 on the road. They were dominant with a 62% share of possession, 86% completion rate, 8 line breaks and making 9.5m per carry. After a poor loss in Round 1, it was the right performance to return to their best. The Cowboys were defeated 26-6 by the Knights at home, completely outplayed in every area. The dominance of their opponents was evident as the Cowboys didn’t score until the 68th minute.
Unfortunately for the Cowboys, that trend looks set to continue here. In a relatively unchanged team, they are the inferior side and will find it hard to compete against the Sharks in all areas. Not only is it on the field where they will struggle, but they also must travel down from Townsville, their first trip away from home this season. The Sharks look set to once again dominate this contest.
Sharks -10.5
$1.90 (2 units)
Wests Tigers vs Gold Coast Titans
Leichhardt Oval – Sunday 20th July – 11:50am (AEST)
The Tigers tried hard against the Bulldogs last week but fell agonisingly short, defeated 12-8 at home. It was a shame considering they had 54% possession, but they were always going to struggle with just a 71% completion rate. Still, it was a positive sign that improvement is ahead. The Titans were embarrassed at home by the Broncos in their 44-4 defeat. Never in the contest, the Titans were outplayed in every area, only just making 906m for the match, no line breaks and missing 43 tackles.
This is a classic game whereby you would benefit more from overlooking it altogether. Neither side has played consistently enough this season to warrant investing on them with confidence, and each are guilty of ‘switching off’ at times in matches. If there is a winner, it would be surprising to see this match decided by any more than a converted try.
Either Team by 6.5 points or Less
$2.50 (1 unit)
Brisbane Broncos vs Sydney Roosters
Totally Workwear Stadium – Sunday 20th July – 1:45pm (AEST)
The Broncos were terrific in their 44-4 victory over the Titans at home. At their dominant best, the competition leading team had 11 line breaks, made 9.2m per carry and missed just 15 tackles. It was a performance which highlighted their strength. The Roosters were also strong in their 24-10 victory over the Dragons at home, dominating all areas of the match. Even with a 65% completion rate and just 7.7m per carry, they were strong but can ill afford similar numbers against stronger teams in the competition.
A blockbuster contest which is expected to go down to the wire. The Broncos look poised to make a statement in this match, but it will be tight. They are a great attacking team but can back it up with some strong defence. The Roosters are equally as dynamic and capable. They are a settled team and with injury/suspension concerns impacting the Broncos, they are a genuine chance of causing an upset in this match. Given it is too close to call, the suitable option appears to be taking either team to win by less than a converted try.
Either Team by 6 Points or less
$2.55 (1.5 units)
Newcastle Knights vs New Zealand Warriors
McDonald Jones Stadium – Sunday 20th July – 6:15pm (AEST)
Both teams bounced back from a Round 1 loss with pleasing performances in Round 2. The Knights gave little opportunities to the Cowboys in their 26-6 road victory proving just how capable they are. Their defence was strong, missing just 14 tackles and only conceding a try in the 68th minute. The Warriors kept the Eels scoreless in their 14-nil win, grinding out a tough victory. While not their best performance (70% completion rate and missed 40 tackles) and it should give them confidence to build on moving forward.
The Knights rediscovered their form last week and it is a dangerous sign for the visitors. The Warriors performance against a resilient Eels team should not be undervalued though. They are a capable team who is doing everything possible to put themselves in winning positions. They should again be prominent and able to achieve this and with the Knights having to travel back from Townsville, perhaps the Warriors are a greater chance than most are giving them credit for.
Warriors +9.5
$1.90 (1 unit)
