NRL - Round Three Preview

Ricky Stuart must have thought the world was against him when this year's draw came out. In the first two weeks he had to take on both Grand Finalists away from home. If you told him he would be 1 from 2 he would have kissed you, but the reality is that he is 2 from 2 and he will be swinging from the chandeliers down in Sydney's southern beaches. We shouldn't get too carried away, but this is an impressive start to the season for the Cronulla Sharks and the draw will certainly get easier, not harder.

The Sharks are just playing smart, strong football. Melbourne simply handed them the game when they passed on taking easy field goal opportunities late in the game. It must be hard for teams that win easily for so long to grind out hard wins. The Storm will have to improve on this as the Premiers are always targets. Other teams will improve and more importantly they find ways to improve against winning game plans.

Manly and North Queensland have gotten off to a dire starts to the season and need to improve quickly. They both have tough draws coming up in the next few weeks and can't afford to loose too many more early in the season.

This week's games look interesting and there is certainly some value there for the astute punter. Parramatta should destroy Newcastle on Friday night in what is my special of the round. Newcastle, even though they have a perfect record so far this year, is an average team at best. Parramatta should be hurting after their defeat to the Warriors but pride and ability should see them quickly climb back into the winners circle.

Wests Tigers should also keep their winning streak going against the Bulldogs. The Bulldogs seem to play excellent football for half the game, but that won't cut it against a well drilled and confident Tigers. Expect huge improvement from both the Storm and Manly, even though the both face tough games against the Roosters and the Warriors.

Good luck and good punting and remember to check out Sportsbet.com.au for all your NRL betting needs.

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