The TAB's guide to NRL punting - Round 3

David Fusitu'a of the Warriors during the Warriors v Manly in Christchurch last year. Photo / Photsport

Here's where the TAB think the money is in a massive weekend of NRL.

Best Bet

Parramatta Eels v Sydney Roosters - Points Start: Parramatta Eels +6.5 ($1.91)

Last year's wooden spooners up against the reigning premiers seems like a no-brainer, but the Eels shape as an excellent bet here.

They've made a strong start to the season and the home underdogs have a great record early in the season.

Home underdogs of four or more points in the first four weeks of the season are 45-15 against the spread since 2008.

The Roosters have a poor record after a strong attacking showing, they're 5-10 against the spread away from the SFS off scoring 25-plus points - and with Cooper Cronk out another week will struggle to cover.

Next Best

Manly Sea Eagles v NZ Warriors - Points Start: Manly Sea Eagles +4.0 ($1.91)

Manly are a strong play when meeting the Warriors in Christchurch.

New Zealand have a poor record away from Mt Smart and the Sea Eagles have dominated the Warriors for over a decade.

The Warriors have a very poor record as a big favourite and rarely bounce back from a poor attacking performance. The points seem good.

Best Roughie

North Queensland Cowboys v Cronulla Sharks - Head To Head/Total Points Double: Cronulla/Under 36.5 ($3.60)

The Sharks are in a much better spot than the injury-riddled Cowboys.

The Sharks have hardly set the game alight but are an experienced, professional outfit who have a strong record against the Cowboys.

The under is also a play. Cronulla are 9-4 under off a double-digit win while the Cowboys are 8-3 under as a home underdog. Points will be hard to come by.

Best Real Wide

Wests Tigers v Canterbury Bulldogs - Winning Team & Margin: Canterbury Bulldogs 13+ ($7.50)

The Bulldogs are a super contrarian play this week.

The Tigers have started the season hot while the Bulldogs have been disgraceful, but coach Dean Pay has made the changes he had to this week and they will be better.

The Tigers are traditionally poor favourites and poor at Campbelltown while the Bulldogs have a great record as a big underdog and have won 10 of 14 against the Tigers.

The blowout is a good chance at big odds here.