NRL Round Three Preview
The English go alright at rugby league yeah?
Cowboys vs Roosters
Match Up: Michael Morgan vs Jayden Nikorima. Two highly talented young halves who will both operate on the right edge and will look to use their speed close to the line.
Key Man: Lattrell Mitchell starts at fullback after a late shift there last week, he should be much more comfortable there than Blake Ferguson and the Roosters will need him to shine not only in running the footy but also with ball-playing.
Keep An Eye On: As per last season, Cowboys coach Paul Green is rotating John Asiata and Jason Taumalolo through the middle forward position. This can only happen because Asiata is really good but doesn't get the praise he deserves, his slick hands are low key awesome.
Verdict: Cowboys <12. Up in Townsville and the Chooks aren't quite near their best just yet.
Bulldogs vs Eels
Match Up: Will Hopoate vs Michael Gordon. I wouldn't say that either Hopoate or Gordon are the up there with the best fullbacks in the game, they are however strong ball-runners who are crucial to how their respective teams attack.
Key Man: Moses Mbye has been on a tear to start the season, stepping up to lead the Doggies and what I've loved about Mbye is that last week he still influenced the game despite his forwards not quite dominating. If Mbye is running, good luck.
Keep An Eye On: Craig Garvey is now the Doggies' No.1 hooker and how he steps up into this role will be crucial.
Verdict: Bulldogs >12. The Doggies look very comfortable while I'm not sold on the Eels just yet.
Knights vs Raiders
Match Up: Korbin Sims vs Shannon Boyd. Young props who are throwbacks to old school props, they don't take any shit and will be going at each other all game.
Key Man: Josh Hodgson could make a strong case as one of the top-five NRL players right now with last week's performance only strengthening that case. The Raiders should win this easily, how many points they put on the Knights will be down to Hodgson's control of the game.
Keep An Eye On: Sione Mata'utia will come off the bench as he continues to try re-establish himself in the NRL.
Verdict: Raiders >12. If you've got balls, bet on the Knights, they might sneak a win.
Panthers vs Broncos
Match Up: Tyrone Peachey vs Anthony Milford. Two players who I love and adore, with Peachey usually operating in the forwards he gets a chance to test himself against Milford who is as classy as they come. Don't be surprised to see Peachey go well.
Key Man: James Roberts hasn't been overly influential for the Broncos so far, he's brewing nicely and as teams start to see more of the Broncos' attacking structures, Roberts will need to provide x-factor.
Keep An Eye On: Peter Wallace, the former Bronco will start at hooker.
Verdict: Panthers <12. Cheeky upset, with the Panthers' attack to trouble a rigid Broncos' defence.
Titans vs Wests Tigers
Match Up: Greg Bird vs Sauaso Sue. The Titans don't have many players who match up well against their Tigers opposition, the battle in the middle between the mobile Bird and Sue will be fun to watch though.
Key Man: Luke Brooks' impact was clear last week as he got the Tigers' backline moves started with crisp work at first-receiver. Watch how Brooks runs across the field and does so with the ball in two hands, before hitting James Tedesco or Mitchell Moses.
Keep An Eye On: Manaia Cherrington came off the bench and served up excellent distribution from dummy half.
Verdict: Tigers >12. Points, points, points, the Tigers score points.
Warriors vs Storm
Match Up: Issac Luke vs Cameron Smith. Luke has been poor so far while Smith has been his usual wizard-self, will Luke step up or will he be put in the shade?
Key Man: Jesse Bromwich returns to Auckland and he will be tasked with ensuring that the Storm have the go-forward and second-phase footy they need to run the Warriors around,
Keep An Eye On: Ben Hampton will come off the bench and add some spark to the Storm's middle.
Verdict: Warriors <12. Feels like a game they'd win.
Dragons vs Rabbitohs
Match Up: Josh Dugan vs Greg Inglis. Two of the best with Dugan moving back to fullback after a stint at centre.
Key Man: George Burgess could steam-roll the Dragons through the middle which will then make life very difficult for the Dragons as Inglis, Luke Keary, Cody Walker and Sam Burgess will love that quick ball.
Keep An Eye On: Joel Thompson/Tyson Frizell were in the NSW mix this time last year, can they reach that level again sooner rather than later?
Verdict: Dragons <12. Their forwards went M.I.A last week and that won't happen twice.
Sea Eagles vs Sharks
Match Up: Steve Matai vs Jack Bird. The wise beast vs the young buck, Matai will put a shot on Bird don't worry about that.
Key Man: Chad Townsend was good last week, however the Sharks need him playing at a similar level every week if they are to pose any threat this season.
Keep An Eye On: Jake Trbojevic is perfectly suited to lock as he's gun tackler and this allows Manly to play with an extra prop.
Verdict: Manly <12. Their time has come.