RETURNING: Manu Vatuvei returns for the Warriors this weekend.PHOTO/FILE
ROTORUA Daily Post sports reporter GARY HAMILTON-IRVINE gives his tips for round three of the NRL.
Cowboys v Warriors, tomorrow
Hardly the start to the season the fans wanted from the Warriors and it could get even worse tomorrow. If you think there is a curse over Eden Park, try winning at Dairy Farmers Stadium (now 1300 Smiles Stadium) up in Townsville. I don't think I've ever seen us win up there. The good news is Konrad Hurrell and Manu Vatuvei have been named in the team which should boost our spluttering attack. As far as the Cowboys go, Johnathan Thurston is still the man and their forward pack is still massive.
Warriors: 12under
Tigers v Rabbitohs, Friday
The Tigers made a real statement last weekend putting 40 past the Titans, but only time will tell if they can produce any consistency. Tigers fullback James Tedesco and halfback Luke Brooks played really well together last weekend and could start a special combination at the club. However, they have it all to do tonight. Their opposition is big, strong and aggressive - and that's just Rabbitohs fullback Greg Inglis. The Bunnies should do it easy I think.
Rabbitohs: 13plus
Broncos v Roosters, Friday
Broncos are off to a perfect start. Josh Hoffman, a winger playing in the halves, even got a try assist for the Broncos last weekend and hard-running forward Matt Gillett has been great playing at lock. Just a shame they are playing the Roosters tonight. The Chooks simply bullied the Eels out of the game last Saturday running in 10 tries. I'm not sure if the Broncos can restrain that kind of fire power. They will do very well to keep the perfect start going here.
Roosters: 13plus
Panthers v Bulldogs, tomorrow
Here is the big question: Was the Bulldogs big win over the Sharks last weekend a fluke? Here are a few clues that suggest it was un-characteristic for me: Michael Ennis scored a try off his own kick and Trent Hodkinson looked really good at halfback. I have watched those two players over the years and came to the conclusion long ago that they are both average at best. The Dogs are still missing Krisnan Inu, Greg Eastwood, and Sam Kasiano as well. For those reasons I'm picking the Panthers.
Panthers: 12under
Sharks v Dragons, tomorrow
Don't panic Sharks fans Todd Carney is back. That's about all I've got for the Sharks. On to the Dragons. The Red V are two from two and will be soaring with confidence. This is a game they can win and I think they will do just that. I really thought not having Josh Dugan at fullback was going to hurt them in the first couple of rounds but young Adam Quinlan is going great guns.
Dragons: 12under
Sea Eagles v Eels, Sunday
The Eels were woeful last weekend. Absolutely useless. If it weren't for Semi Radradra I would have stopped watching. Hard to argue they will do much better this weekend as well. They are up against a strong Sea Eagles team who outmuscled the Rabbitohs last weekend, which is no mean feat, and they have Daly Cherry-Evans. Enough said there.
Sea Eagles: 13plus
Raiders v Titans, Sunday
How good was he? You know who I'm talking about: young Anthony Milford. In fact I've decided this little segment is just going to be about two players, Milford and Albert Kelly. Milford was literally untouchable during some parts of the win over the Knights last Sunday. He is the real deal. Speaking of real deals, how fun is it to watch Kelly for the Titans? the Titans got a hiding last weekend but he was still one of the most influential players on the park. That hasn't given me any grounds to make a pick here but I'm going Raiders, as it was St Patrick's Day this week.
Raiders: 12under
Storm v Knights, Monday
I do feel for the Knights. Like the Warriors and the Sharks the Knights are two losses from two. They were decimated by injury in their first match against the Panthers and have already had to change around some key positions. With Jarrod Mullen and Darius Boyd both out with injury they're as good as stuffed on Monday in Melbourne.
Storm: 13plus