Two lessons learned from Round 3: 1) get your tips in on time because being on the road is no excuse to miss the first game (and it will cost me a point because I tipped the Storm), and 2) get used to humble pie because the season threatens to offer up a lot of it.
I don’t think we learned all that much from the grand final re-match as both sides struggled with either missing personnel or going AWOL for periods of play. The teams getting good vibes out of the weekend included the Warriors (but can they do it away from home?), the Wests Tigers, the Titans (who showed what they can do), and the Sea Eagles who did it without Turbo. BTW, what’s the story with DCE wanting out of Brookie at year’s end?
Meanwhile, things don’t look good for the Eels, Dolphins and Cowboys! They’ll try to talk a good line but what we’ve seen on the paddock from all three of them so far does not bode well.
Round 4 starts with the Rabbitohs hosting the Panthers and, based on last week, you’d have to say Penrith, even without Cleary. They persist, they harass, they have structure, they have pace, they have a will to win. Souths are, by comparison, honest toilers. Penrith comfortably.
Friday footy sees the Roosters at home to the Titans where, again, last weekend’s form says it’ll be the Titans. To be honest, I just don’t know with this one. If the Titans were at home, I’d go with them but, because it’s to be played in Sydney, the Roosters can’t be discounted. My gut feeling says the Roosters. The late game is the Brisbane derby between the Dolphins and the Broncos – one way traffic: Broncos.
Saturday afternoon footy pits the Dragons against the Storm. There’ll be no home celebration at Jubilee Stadium. Bellamy will have given his blokes a right old bollocking after their inconsistent effort last week and the Dragons will pay the price. Get on the Storm. Then the Cowboys host the Raiders, a big game for both. If the Cowboys lose again, frankly, they’re gone as finals contenders. It’s that simple. Ricky’s Raiders were awful but perhaps they just had a bad day against a red hot side who could do no wrong. I see a greater likelihood of improvement in the Raiders so I’ll stick with them. The late game is the match of the round with the Sharks taking on the Bulldogs, a good test for both sides. Both are travelling reasonably well but neither has beaten anyone of note to date. Both have backlines capable of striking from anywhere, so maybe it comes down to the respective packs. If so, I favour Cronulla, based on Prop by the Sea’s observation that he is yet to be convinced that the Bulldogs have enough grunt in the middle.
Come Sunday and the Sea Eagles take on the Eels but it’s the former who have been more electric this season. If Manly can continue last week’s form it will be all over by the break. I just cannot see the Eels being competitive. Manly by a mile. The round concludes with the Wests Tigers hosting the Warriors, another one to look forward to. Can the Warriors do it on the road? Can the Benji-inspired resurgence continue? The Tigers need to win this one for the sake of their credibility. They have more riding on it than the Warriors. Can do or stage fright? Luai might get them home. Take a punt on the Wests Tigers.
The Knights have the bye – and possibly need it to give them time to forget last week’s poor effort.
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About Ian Hauser
A relaxed, Noosa-based retiree with a (very) modest sporting CV. A loyal Queenslander, especially when it comes to cricket and rugby league. Enjoys travel, coffee and cake, reading, and has been known to appreciate a glass or three of wine. One of Footy Almanac's online editors who enjoys the occasional editing opportunity to assist aspiring writers.
As Alan Whitacker said at THE LUNCH on Saturday: “any team can beat anyone else in the first month of the season” … maybe the prolific writer and historian is on to something here?!
Hi Ian.
Great to catch up with you at the lunch and thanks again for putting on a fabulous event.
I was just checking out your tips in this ‘strange’ start to the 2025 season.
Penrith comfortably
the Roosters
one way traffic Broncos
no home celebration at Jubilee
Raiders, i’ll stick with them
I favour Cronulla
Manly by a mile
Take a punt on Wests
Well, the NRL season just got stranger and with 2 ticks (Broncos & Manly) out of 8 selections, you must be scratching your head. Don’t worry, apart from the West/Warriors result, I was with you all the way.
I wonder what surprises round 5 will throw our way!
Karl, it was great to finally meet you the other day.
As the upsets continue, I just smile and enjoy the uncertainty of it all. It sure beats the hell out of total predictability. I expect that I wasn’t the only one with 2/8, or worse.
The only way from here is up – I hope!