NRL Round 3 expert tips and predictions, the burning issues facing teams

Key playmakers under the pump, winless teams feeling the pressure and big questions over players controlling their emotions headline the burning issues heading into round 3.

There is heat on some key veterans, a starting half is under the gun after getting hooked last week and the three remaining winless teams are at risk of falling behind the pack this early in the season.

Throw in the rematch of the spiteful clash between the Sydney Roosters and South Sydney and the lacklustre form of some big-name teams, and the questions are beginning to mount.

These are the burning issues heading into round 3 of the NRL competition.

Round 3 Burning Issue: Phil Rothfield

Pressure mounting at the Parramatta Eels. Can’t see them beating Manly at Brookvale Oval from their form in the opening two rounds. The spotlight is on Josh Hodgson and whether he is capable of bringing Reed Mahoney’s creativity into dummy-half.

Round 3 Burning Issue: Dean Ritchie

How could you possibly go past Wests Tigers? Sitting 0-2, a loss to Canterbury at Belmore on Sunday would shatter any confidence left at Concord. There is a horrible sameness about Wests Tigers this year.

Round 3 Burning Issue: Travis Meyn

The Dolphins and Broncos are both primed to remain unbeaten after three rounds, setting up a blockbuster Brisbane derby next week.

Round 3 Burning Issue: Paul Crawley

Last year there were seven sin bins when they met in the finals, this year (fingers crossed) there will be none. If the Rabbitohs again show clearer heads, they can run out narrow winners over the Roosters.

Round 3 Burning Issue: Michael Carayannis

The Raiders had a horror Queensland road show, going down in close matches to the Cowboys and Dolphins. They get their first crack at home against a Nicho Hynes-less Sharks. Ricky Stuart will have his team up for this one.

Round 3 Burning Issue: Peter Badel

If the Cowboys are serious about challenging for the title this season, they need to flog the Warriors. They have been patchy in the opening fortnight and skipper Chad Townsend needs to make a statement after a below-par effort against the Broncos.

Round 3 Burning Issue: Paul Kent

Only three rounds in but the Eels, Raiders and Tigers all need to start to get a move along. Each loss to start the season increases pressure to finish the season and it’s too early for that.

Round 3 Burning Issue: David Riccio

Maybe it was because all the focus was on the Dragons winning that Titans halfback Tanah Boyd being hooked late in the match was largely missed. It was a massive call to make by Titans coach Justin Holbrook in just round two. Boyd has been named again, but so too has back-up half Toby Sexton, in the reserves. Are we already seeing cracks in the Titans?

Round 3 Burning Issue: Brent Read

Can Parramatta afford another loss? The Eels have lost two straight to open the season and a third would leave them behind the eight ball. It’s a long way back from there.

Originally published as NRL Round 3 expert tips and predictions, the burning issues facing teams