NRL SuperCoach weather report Round 3

Wet weather is the consistent killer of all things SuperCoach, as we found out in the opening round. Here’s what you need to know ahead of Round 3.

Wilson Smith's weather report Round 1.

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The weather gods were kind to us in Round 2 with only one game heavily affected by the weather, meaning better SuperCoach points across the board. While some guns still failed to fire, most managed to at least build on their Round 1 performances.

We all know how weather can have a huge influence on NRL games and how they’re played, and as a result, this can have a huge impact on SuperCoach scores, as it tends to become more of a forward’s game.

Thankfully, we have the weather report to help SuperCoaches be more prepared and re-think their captaincy and bench choices to get their highest possible score. Now, let’s see what the weather gods have in store for us in Round 3!

Wilson Smith's weather report Round 1.

Brisbane Broncos vs St George-Illawarra Dragons

Date and time: Thursday 28th March 8:05pm AEDT

Location: Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane

Conditions: 22 degrees, 80% chance of Rain

How it will affect the game and SuperCoach:

There is a high chance of showers throughout the day that should clear up by this afternoon, but there is still a 20-30% chance of rain through the game. Even if it doesn’t rain during play, the pitch should be pretty wet and heavy from showers during the day, which could really affect the game and SuperCoach scores.

As we’ve seen the past 2 rounds, the weather affected games have generally produced pretty poor SuperCoach output, especially for backs. In this match I would probably avoid captaining any players, but you may still consider vice-captaining someone like Tevita Pangai or Corey Oates, although you’re probably better off just avoiding this game all together.

My Winner Prediction:

Dragons have looked in all sorts to start the season and their spine rotation is not working, while the Broncos looked very impressive in their Round 2 win, plus they’re at home. Broncos by 6.

Rain will likely impact the Raiders clash with the Knights. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)

Canberra Raiders vs Newcastle Knights

Date and time: Friday 29th March 6pm AEDT

Location: GIO Stadium, Canberra

Conditions: 19 degrees, 90% chance of rain and possible thunder storm in afternoon

How it will affect the game and SuperCoach:

Unfortunately it looks as though weather could once again affect what could otherwise be a very high scoring game here, with heavy rain during play a real possibility. Because of this I would also be avoiding this game for captaincy, VC or bench options, as even players like Kalyn Ponga and Josh Hodgson carry some risk.

My Winner Prediction:

This one is really hard to predict and the weather won’t really help either team, with both having really strong forward packs. But the rain could bring the kicking game into play which I think does help the Knights more. Knights by 2 points.

Parramatta Eels vs Sydney Roosters

Date and time: Friday 29th March 8:05pm AEDT

Location: ANZ Stadium, Sydney Olympic Park

Conditions: 23 degrees, Partly cloudy with a low chance of rain

How it will affect the game and SuperCoach:

After a rain affected start to the round, the weather should clear up from here with most games looking to be partly cloudy with a low to medium chance of rain. A possible thunderstorm is expected after the game, but it is not expected to rain during play, so will probably affect commuters more than players.

While Parramatta are looking alright in 2019, history suggests that Roosters players could explode for SuperCoach with players like Latrell Mitchell and James Tedesco looking like very good VC options.

My Winner Prediction:

I know the Eels are currently tracking better than the Roosters, there is still no chance of me tipping Parramatta here. Roosters by 12.

Manly Sea Eagles vs New Zealand Warriors

Date and time: Saturday 30th March 3pm AEDT

Location: Christchurch Stadium, Christchurch

Conditions: 20 degrees, partly cloudy, very low chance of rain

How it will affect the game and SuperCoach:

Finally a game with near perfect conditions expected! A dry pitch and cool temperature is ideal for attacking play, but there could be some light winds around which could play a role and make the kicking game very important. There are many relevant options for captaincy in this game, including Tom and Jake Trbojevic, Marty Taupau, DCE, and Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, while Warriors outside backs could be good VC options.

Hopefully this game is an entertaining, high scoring affair for SuperCoaches and, more importantly, for the people of Christchurch. Manly showed improvement in their loss to the Roosters and welcome back Tom Trbojevic, while the Warriors will be looking for a performance like round 1.

My Winner Prediction:

I think this will be a high scoring game for both sides, but unfortunately for my beloved Sea Eagles, I have a feeling that the Warriors will really show up and get a win for the Christchurch crowd. Warriors by 2 in a high scoring game.

Rain could makes its way to Townsville on Saturday. Picture: Zak Simmonds

North Queensland Cowboys vs Cronulla Sharks

Date and time: Saturday 23rd March 5:30pm AEDT

Location: 1300SMILES Stadium, Townsville

Conditions: 28 degrees and cloudy with a 70% chance of rain with possible thunder storms

How it will affect the game and SuperCoach:

Another game where rain will likely play a role, but it’s not all doom and gloom, with Andrew Fifita looming as a solid captaincy option in the rain. While the wet weather can make some players risky and lower their ceiling, it does make it more of a forwards game, which suits someone like Fifita who is averaging 67 minutes at 1PPM.

Outside of Fifita there really aren’t many good captaincy options, given the injury to Jason Taumalolo and the poor form of Shaun Johnson to start the season. You also probably shouldn’t be vice captaining anyone this late in the round so, I would probably VC someone in one of the earlier games if possible.

My Winner Prediction:

Cowboys lost a lot of go-forward with the loss of Taumalolo and their attack wasn’t quite the same, so look for Cronulla to get their second win of the season on the back of their forwards. Sharks by 4.

Carrington Park could see showers on Saturday. (Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images)

Penrith Panthers vs Melbourne Storm

Date and time: Saturday 23rd March 7:35pm AEDT

Location: Carrington Park, Bathurst

Conditions: 10 degrees, Partly cloudy and 70% chance of showers

How it will affect the game and SuperCoach:

How good is it to see footy being played in the bush? Panthers vs Storm should be a great prospect for the people of Bathurst but some showers are expected on Friday and Saturday morning, but should clear up well before kick-off. Also, given the cold temperatures and possible wet conditions there will be a greater risk of injury in this one as well.

Despite there being some captaincy contenders like Nathan Cleary and Cameron Munster, I’d probably be looking at other games, as the weather and match-up doesn’t look too favourable for either team.

My Winner Prediction: I have a feeling this could be a low scoring, grinding game, (especially if it rains) which perfectly suits the Storm who should be too good here. Storm by 2 points.

Wests Tigers vs Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs

Date and time: Sunday 24th March 4:05pm AEDT

Location: Campbelltown Stadium, Leumeah

Conditions: 22 degrees and sunny

How it will affect the game and SuperCoach:

Finally some sunshine! While good conditions are expected here on Sunday, rain is meant to hit the day before which could affect the pitch. But I really don’t think the quality of the pitch will matter here, as the Bulldogs are in all sorts and the Tigers are at the top of the NRL ladder!

My Winner Prediction:

Impossible to back the Bulldogs here. Tigers by 14.

South Sydney Rabbitohs vs Gold Coast Titans

Date and time: Sunday 24th March 6:10pm

Location: ANZ Stadium, Sydney Olympic Park

Conditions: 21 degrees and Sunny

How it will affect the game and SuperCoach:

More sunny weather, which should promote some great attacking football, even if it is a one-sided affair. Damien Cook, Sam Burgess and Jai Arrow are all fantastic captaincy options here, but there are a number of other Souths players, like Adam Reynolds and Cody Walker, who could stand up against a poor Titans defence.

My Winner Prediction:

Rabbits’ attack has looked on fire to start the season, while the Titans have been pretty diabolical and I really give them no chance here. Souths by 18 points.

Originally published as NRL SuperCoach weather report Round 3