The NRL Round 3 action kicks off this week with several exciting matchups and key injuries impacting team selections across the league. Coaches are weighing their options and adjusting their strategies, as teams look to maintain momentum or bounce back from tough losses.
The round begins with the Melbourne Storm facing the Penrith Panthers at AAMI Park on Thursday, March 20, 2025, at 8 PM AEDT. Melbourne sits strong with simulated models projecting them at a 77% chance of winning against the Panthers, who at 23% find themselves under pressure due to their previous results. The Panthers have made adjustments this week, with Daine Laurie stepping up to fill the fullback position, replacing the injured Dylan Edwards. This match will test whether the Panthers can rally against one of the league's most formidable teams.
On the following night, the New Zealand Warriors host the Sydney Roosters at Go Media Stadium on Friday, March 21, 2025, at 6 PM AEDT. The Warriors, coming off their impressive performance against the Sea Eagles, have been tipped with a 56% win probability. Meanwhile, the Roosters, fresh off their unexpected victory over the reigning premiers, are bolstered by the return of key players such as Spencer Leniu and Victor Radley, who are primed to strengthen their lineup.
The marquee matchup on Friday continues with the Brisbane Broncos facing the North Queensland Cowboys at Suncorp Stadium at 8 PM AEDT. The Broncos are favored with a remarkable 77% chance for victory, with hopes of using home advantage to stop the Cowboys after their last loss. The Cowboys will make their counter-attack with the return of heavy hitters like Jason Taumalolo and Jeremiah Nanai to address their previous match woes.
Saturday's exclusive setup showcases the Cronulla Sharks up against the South Sydney Rabbitohs at Shark Park. With analysts projecting the Sharks to win at 82%, they are entering with high confidence after their last win, where they outperformed the Cowboys 36-12. The Sharks appear set for another strong showing against the Rabbitohs, who have struggled defensively, adding more pressure to coach Wayne Bennett and his game plan this week.
Immediately following this thrilling match, the Dolphins are scheduled to take on the Wests Tigers at Redcliffe Stadium at 5:30 PM AEDT. The Dolphins currently sit with 60% of potential success, aiming to redeem themselves against the Tigers following disappointing earlier outings. The Tigers, needing to consolidate their form, will be tested under the pressure of facing the Dolphins on their home turf.
The Gold Coast Titans look to improve against the Newcastle Knights this Saturday as well, kicking off at 7:35 PM AEDT at Cbus Super Stadium. Analysts see the Knights as the clear front-runners with 63%, leveraging their recent form, especially with Kalyn Ponga's influential role. The Titans will need to muster significant effort to disrupt the Knights' game plan, especially after last week's mixed results.
Finally, the Parramatta Eels and Canterbury Bulldogs face off at CommBank Stadium on Sunday, March 23, 2025, at 4:05 PM AEDT. The Bulldogs are expected to seize the initiative with their 77% win probability, but the Eels hope to ride the energy of their fans and make the match competitive. Both clubs need this win for credibility as the season progresses.
Concluding the week, the Manly Sea Eagles take on the Canberra Raiders at Brookvale Oval on the same day at 6:15 PM AEDT. With both teams bedding down their strategies, the Sea Eagles enter with the odds tipped at 66% against their opponents, who are riding on recent successes.
This round promises to be pivotal for shaping the narrative of the NRL season. Fans can expect engaging matchups and performances as teams vie for favorable positioning as the season continues to develop.
