After three rounds of the 2019 NRL season the Titans are the only team yet to record a win after the Bulldogs, Dragons and Sea Eagles found some form last week.
We start this round with the big clash between the Roosters and Broncos, followed closely by the Tigers seeking revenge over Ivan Cleary and his Panthers, before the Eels take on the Sharks in three of the biggest clashes of the weekend.
Good luck with your tips.
Thursday, April 4
Sydney Roosters vs. Brisbane Broncos, SCG, 8:05pm (AEDT)
Roosters: 1 James Tedesco 2 Daniel Tupou 3 Latrell Mitchell 4 Joseph Manu 5 Matt Ikuvalu 6 Luke Keary 7 Cooper Cronk 8 Jared Waerea-Hargreaves 9 Victor Radley 10 Sio Siua Taukeiaho 11 Boyd Cordner 12 Mitchell Aubusson 13 Isaac Liu Reserves: 14 Lindsay Collins 15 Zane Tetevano 16 Poasa Faamausili 17 Angus Crichton 18 Nat Butcher 19 Sitili Tupouniua 20 Sam Verrills 23 Lachlan Lam
Broncos: 1 Darius Boyd 2 Corey Oates 3 Kotoni Staggs 4 Jack Bird 5 Jamayne Isaako 6 Anthony Milford 7 Kodi Nikorima 8 Matt Lodge 9 Andrew McCullough 10 Joe Ofahengaue 11 Alex Glenn 12 Matt Gillett 13 Tevita Pangai Jr. Reserves: 14 Gehamat Shibasaki 15 Jaydn Su'a 16 Thomas Flegler 17 David Fifita 18 Patrick Carrigan 19 Shaun Fensom 20 Izaia Perese 21 Richie Kennar
Verdict: The Roosters battled to get on top of the Eels last week, before running away with it late in the game. The Broncos were pipped at the post by the Dragons. This should be an epic battle at the SCG, with the Roosters prevailing over a Broncos side keen to prove they are genuine title contenders this season.
Tip: Roosters
TAB odds: Roosters $1.55 (-4.5 $1.95) Broncos $2.50 (+4.5 $1.85)
Friday, April 5
New Zealand Warriors vs. Gold Coast Titans, Mt Smart Stadium, 6:00pm (AEDT)
Warriors: 1 Roger Tuivasa-Sheck 2 David Fusitu'a 3 Peta Hiku 4 Solomone Kata 5 Ken Maumalo 6 Chanel Harris-Tavita 7 Blake Green 8 Agnatius Paasi 9 Karl Lawton 10 Leeson Ah Mau 11 Isaiah Papali'i 12 Tohu Harris 13 Adam Blair Reserves: 14 Jazz Tevaga 15 Bunty Afoa 16 Lachlan Burr 17 Ligi Sao 18 Gerard Beale 20 Leivaha Pulu 21 Adam Keighran 22 Blake Ayshford
Titans: 1 Michael Gordon 2 Anthony Don 3 Tyrone Peachey 4 Brian Kelly 5 Dale Copley 6 Tyrone Roberts 7 Ash Taylor 8 Jarrod Wallace 9 Mitch Rein 10 Ryan James 11 Kevin Proctor 12 Bryce Cartwright 13 Jai Arrow Reserves: 14 AJ Brimson 15 Moeaki Fotuaika 16 Shannon Boyd 17 Keegan Hipgrave 18 Max King 19 Phillip Sami 20 Ryley Jacks 21 Jai Whitbread
Verdict: The Warriors were woeful in parts last week against the Sea Eagles, while the Titans are yet to record a win. The way they have been playing lately you couldn't tip the Warriors to beat any other team apart from the Titans. At home they should do enough to grab the points, but if they struggle against the Titans then it would be a fair indication that there is something seriously wrong with the Warriors.
Tip: Warriors
TAB odds: Warriors $1.53 (-5.5 $1.90) Titans $2.55 (+5.5 $1.90)
Penrith Panthers vs. Wests Tigers, Panthers Stadium, 8:05pm (AEDT)
Panthers: 1 Dylan Edwards 2 Josh Mansour 3 Dean Whare 4 Waqa Blake 5 Dallin Watene-Zelezniak 6 James Maloney 7 Nathan Cleary 8 James Tamou 9 Sione Katoa 10 Reagan Campbell-Gillard 11 Viliame Kikau 12 Isaah Yeo 13 James Fisher-Harris Reserves: 14 Wayde Egan 15 Frank Winterstein 16 Moses Leota 17 Hame Sele 18 Liam Martin Luai 19 Tim Grant 20 Jarome Luai 21 Malakai Watene-Zelezniak
Tigers: 1 Moses Mbye 2. Mahe Fonua 3. Robert Jennings 4 Esan Marsters 5 Corey Thompson 6 Josh Reynolds 7 Luke Brooks 8 Ben Matulino 9 Robbie Farah 10 Alex Twal 11 Ryan Matterson 12 Luke Garner 13 Elijah Taylor Reserves: 14 Russell Packer 15 Thomas Mikaele 16 Josh Aloiai 17 Michael Chee-Kam 18 Paul Momirovski 19 Matt Eisenhuth 20 Robbie Rochow 21 Chris McQueen
Verdict: There will be a lot of emotion involved in this game as the Tigers take on the coach they feel abandoned them. Ivan Cleary's Panthers have looked disjointed at best this season, culminating in a thumping at the hands of the Storm last week. The Tigers were cruising along at the top of the ladder until they ran into a refreshed Bulldogs outfit last week. The Panthers will be desperate to win this one at home, but the Tigers will have plenty of motivation as they head out to Penrith on the team bus.
Tip: Tigers
TAB odds: Panthers $1.57 (-4.5 $2.00) Tigers $2.45 (+4.5 $1.80)
Saturday, April 6
Manly Warringah Sea Eagles vs. South Sydney Rabbitohs, Lottoland, 3:00pm (AEDT)
Sea Eagles: 1 Tom Trbojevic 2 Jorge Taufua 3 Brendan Elliot 4 Brad Parker 5 Reuben Garrick 6 Kane Elgey 7 Daly Cherry-Evans 8 Addin Fonua-Blake 9 Apisai Koroisau 10 Martin Taupau 11 Joel Thompson 12 Curtis Sironen 13 Jake Trbojevic Reserves: 14 Manase Fainu 15 Jack Gosiewski 16 Corey Waddell 17 Toafofoa Sipley 18 Trent Hodkinson 19 Lachlan Croker 20 Kelepi Tanginoa 21 Taniela Paseka
Rabbitohs: 1 Alex Johnston 2 Corey Allan 3 Greg Inglis 4 Dane Gagai 5 Campbell Graham 6 Cody Walker 7 Adam Reynolds 8 George Burgess 9 Damien Cook 10 Tom Burgess 11 John Sutton 12 Sam Burgess 13 Cameron Murray Reserves: 14 Tevita Tatola 15 Mark Nicholls 16 Ethan Lowe 17 Kyle Turner 18 Connor Tracey 19 Bayley Sironen 20 Rhys Kennedy 21 Jacob Gagan
Verdict: The Sea Eagles welcomed the return of Tom Trbojevic last week with a resounding victory over the Warriors. The Rabbitohs remained unbeaten with a tougher than expected victory over the Titans. The Rabbitohs are technically one game closer to their first loss and the Sea Eagles might just surprise them at Brookvale, but I can't tip them.
Tip: Rabbitohs
TAB odds: Sea Eagles $2.70 (+5.5 $1.95) Rabbitohs $1.48 (-5.5 $1.85)
North Queensland Cowboys vs. Canberra Raiders, 1300SMILES Stadium, 5:30pm (AEDT)
Cowboys: 1 Te Maire Martin 2 Nene Macdonald 3 Jordan Kahu 4 Ben Hampton 5 Javid Bowen 6 Jake Clifford 7 Michael Morgan 8 Matt Scott 9 Jake Granville 10 Jordan McLean 11 Gavin Cooper 12 Coen Hess 13 Josh McGuire Reserves: 14 John Asiata 15 Corey Jensen 16 Mitchell Dunn 17 Francis Molo 18 Shane Wright 19 Justin O'Neill 20 Peter Hola 21 Enari Tuala
Raiders: 1 Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad 2 Nick Cotric 3 Jarrod Croker 4 Joseph Leilua 5 Jordan Rapana 6 Jack Wighton 7 Sam Williams 8 Josh Papalii 9 Josh Hodgson 10 Dunamis Lui 11 John Bateman 12 Elliott Whitehead 13 Ryan Sutton Reserves: 14 Siliva Havili 15 Hudson Young 16 Sia Soliola 17 Corey Horsburgh 18 Joseph Tapine 19 Jack Murchie 20 Bailey Simonsson 21 JJ Collins
Verdict: The Cowboys faded badly against the Sharks last week at home and coach Paul Green wasn't happy with their performance. The Raiders managed to beat the Knights at home and they are starting to fit all the new pieces into their puzzle. The Raiders' English contingent might find the evening heat of Townsville a bit oppressive and I can't see the Cowboys playing that badly two weeks in a row.
Tip: Cowboys
TAB odds: Cowboys $1.87 (-1.5 $1.95) Raiders $1.95 (+1.5 $1.85)
Parramatta Eels vs. Cronulla Sharks, ANZ Stadium, 7:35pm (AEDT)
Eels: 1 Clinton Gutherson 2 Maika Sivo 3 Michael Jennings 4 Brad Takairangi 5 Blake Ferguson 6 Jaeman Salmon 7 Mitchell Moses 8 Daniel Alvaro 9 Reed Mahoney 10 Junior Paulo 11 Shaun Lane 12 Marata Niukore 13 Tepai Moeroa Reserves: 14 Peni Terepo 15 Tim Mannah 16 Kane Evans 17 Oregon Kaufusi 18 Ray Stone 19 Matt McIlwrick 20 Josh Hoffman 21 George Jennings
Sharks: 1 Josh Dugan 2 Sosaia Feki 3 Bronson Xerri 4 Josh Morris 5 Sione Katoa 6 Shaun Johnson 7 Chad Townsend 8 Andrew Fifita 9 Jayden Brailey 10 Matt Prior 11 Briton Nikora 12 Kurt Capewell 13 Paul Gallen Reserves: 14 Blayke Brailey 15 Jayson Bukuya 16 Aaron Woods 17 Jack Williams 18 Scott Sorensen 19 Kyle Flanagan 20 Aaron Gray 21 Braden Hamlin-Uele
Verdict: The Eels had their first loss of the season last week against the Roosters, but the scoreline wasn't indicative of the effort they put in against the reigning premiers. The Sharks showed signs of being near their best in running away from the Cowboys in Townsville. The Eels are much-improved on last year, but the Sharks are starting to find form as Shaun Johnson finds his feet in the side.
Tip: Sharks
TAB odds: Eels $1.87 (-1.5 $1.95) Sharks $1.95 (+1.5 $1.85)
Sunday, April 7
Melbourne Storm vs. Canterbury Bankstown Bulldogs, AAMI Park, 4:05pm (AEST)
Storm: 1 Jahrome Hughes 2 Suliasi Vunivalu 3 William Chambers 4 Curtis Scott 5 Joshua Addo-Carr 6 Cameron Munster 7 Brodie Croft 8 Jesse Bromwich 9 Cameron Smith 10 Nelson Asofa-Solomona 11 Felise Kaufusi 12 Kenny Bromwich 13 Dale Finucane Reserves: 14 Brandon Smith 15 Christian Welch 16 Tiu Kamikamica 17 Marion Seve 18 Ryan Papenhuyzen 19 Patrick Kaufusi 20 Albert vete 21 Billy Walters
Bulldogs: 1 Nick Meaney 2 Jayden Okunbor 3 Kerrod Holland 4 Will Hopoate 5 Reimis Smith 6 Jack Cogger 7 Lachlan Lewis 8 Aidan Tolman 9 Jeremy Marshall-King 10 Dylan Napa 11 Josh Jackson 12 Corey Harawira-Naera 13 Rhyse Martin Reserves: 14 Michael Lichaa, 15 Ofahiki Ogden, 16 Adam Elliott, 17 Chris Smith 19 Danny Fualalo 20 Marcelo Montoya 21 Ramond Faitala-Mariner 22 Sausaso Sue
Verdict: The Bulldogs managed their first win of the season last week, surprising the Tigers with some new-found enthusiasm. Unfortunately they have lost Kieran Foran to injury, after he had been one of their best so far this season. The Storm were at their methodical best in dismantling the Panthers in Bathurst and they should have too much class for the Bulldogs, especially with Foran out of the side.
Tip: Storm
TAB odds: Storm $1.12 (-16.5 $1.85) Bulldogs $6.50 (+16.5 $1.95)
Newcastle Knights vs. St George Illawarra Dragons, ANZ Stadium, 6:10pm (AEST)
Knights: 1 Kalyn Ponga 2 Edrick Lee 3 Hymel Hunt 4 Jesse Ramien 5 Shaun Kenny-Dowall 6 Mason Lino 7 Mitchell Pearce 8 David Klemmer 9 Danny Levi 10 Tim Glasby 11 Lachlan Fitzgibbon 12 Sione Mata'utia 13 Mitchell Barnett Reserves: 14 Kurt Mann 15 Aidan Guerra 16 Daniel Saifiti 17 Josh King 18 Herman Ese'ese 19 Brodie Johns 20 Jamie Buhrer 21 Tautau Moga
Dragons: 1 Matt Dufty 2 Jordan Pereira 3 Euan Aitken 4 Tim Lafai 5 Mikaele Ravalawa 6 Corey Norman 7 Ben Hunt 8 James Graham 9 Cameron McInnes 10 Paul Vaughan 11 Jacob Host 12 Tariq Sims 13 Blake Lawrie Reserves: 14 Jeremy Latimore 15 Zac Lomax 16 Korbin Sims 17 Luciano Leilua 18 Tyson Frizell 19 Mitchell Allgood 20 Jai Field 21 Jonus Pearson
Verdict: The Knights have struggled since starting the season with a win over the Sharks, with questions being asked over which position is best for Kalyn Ponga. The Dragons have been experiencing similar struggles and lost Gareth Widdop to injury last week during their hard-fought first win of the season against the Broncos. The Dragons will have picked up a lot of confidence lat week and could do enough to beat the Knights in a close one.
Tip: Dragons
TAB odds: Knights $1.73 (-2.5 $1.95) Dragons $2.15 (+2.5 $1.85)