Manly take this home game to Christchurch, where they will have a tough time of it against the Warriors.
Even though the New Zealand-based outfit were pummelled by 28 points in Round 2, they always seem to lift a gear when playing in their home country.
However, in a huge boost for the Eagles, Tom Trbojevic has been named to start his first game of the season.
Why Eagles can win
Manly really came to life at the back end of the last week's loss to the Roosters, where they scored 18 unanswered points.
If they can carry that form over the ditch, then the Eagles will certainly cause problems for a shoddy Warriors defence.
Especially as they will be bolstered by the speed, power and football intelligence of Turbo Tom.
His presence can inspire the likes of Daly Cherry-Evans to have a sorely-needed good performance at halfback, then Manly will win.
Why Warriors can win
The Warriors will come into this game unchanged after their disappointing 28-point defeat to the Tigers in Round 2.
The faith shown by Stephen Kearney in his players might give them the confidence to come out firing, in front of a Christchurch crowd in desperate need for something to smile about.
Even with Trbojevic's return, the New Zealanders do boast an advantage in the outside backs.
RTS, The "Fus", and Ken Maumalo are arguably the most damaging wing and fullback trio in the league.
These three are dangerous from anywhere on the field, so even if their forwards lose the metre battle, they can score enough points to get the win.
Key NRL Stat
The Sea Eagles have won 9 of their past 10 games against the Warriors: Manly to win @ $2.28
NRL Betting Tip: Warriors to cover the -3.5 point line @ $1.90
Reasoning: Even though Manly have had the wood over the Warriors of late, it was the New Zealanders who won by 20 when these teams last met.
That game was also in Christchurch and where the Warriors will look to get their season back on track with another dominant victory here.
Last week was a disaster for the North Queenslanders.
Not only did they get thrashed by state rivals Brisbane, but that loss was compounded by a knee injury to star forward Jason Taumololo, who will be out for up to 10 weeks.
An experienced Sharks side will look to capitalize on a Cowboys team that looks strange on paper without both JTs, and make it two wins on the trot.
Why Cowboys can win
Paul Green would've given his players a rev up during the week, instilling his side with the confidence that they can win games without Taumololo.
If you look at the Cowboys pack, it is still stacked with plenty of big boppers who can outmuscle the Sharks if they are in the mood.
Coen Hess and Josh McGuire are both Origin forwards, while the experienced Matt Scott and Gavin Cooper know how to win games from the front.
These players will be cheered on by their home fans. If they can feed off that energy and lay the platform for Michael Morgan, then the Cows can win and win well.
Why Sharks can win
While it's only a small sample size, the Sharks have conceded the second fewest amount of points in 2019, leaking just 20 in two games.
If Cronulla can bring that grit up to North Queensland, then the Cowboys will be up against it.
It's always a tough ask playing in Townsville, but the Sharks have shown in recent campaigns that they can go up there and get the win.
With Shaun Johnson only set to improve after another run-out with his new teammates, the Sharkies will be confident in coming away with two points.
Key NRL Stat
Cronulla have been defeated in their previous 3 NRL away games: Cowboys to win @ $2
NRL Betting Tip: Cowboys to win @ $2
Reasoning: If the Cows can repeat their Round 1 form where they brushed aside the Dragons at home, then they'll should prove too strong for the Sharks, even without Taumololo.
The game of the round sees the Panthers looking to redeem themselves in front of their home fans, who will cheer them on in Bathurst here.
Penrith will hope a change of scenery does them good, as they welcome Melbourne out to Carrington Park.
The Storm look to be as scintillating as ever and despite the difficult away trip, will be confident of starting the season with three straight victories.
Why Panthers can win
At their best, Penrith are more than a match for any team.
After starting the season poorly, they put in a much improved performance to come away from Newcastle with a tough two-point win last week.
If they improve again, then the Panthers have too much firepower for even the well-coached Melbournians.
Not only will Penrith be boosted by the move out to Bathurst, but Josh Mansour's return will give them plenty of energy out of dummy-half.
If Origin halves Cleary and Maloney can provide the polish, then an upset is on the cards.
Why Storm can win
Just when neutrals were hoping that this might be the year when Melbourne drop away, they proved yet again that they are right up there as one of the best teams in the league.
Not only have the Storm won both of their games against quality opposition, but they've made it appear easy, never looking at any stage like they were in danger of losing.
They are the ultimate professionals, with Cameron Smith leading his team around on the park.
Smith and his teammates always seem to make the right decisions in both attack in defence.
Unless they get rattled by a vocal Bathurst crowd, then the Storm look set for another win.
Key NRL Stat
Melbourne have won 5 of their past 6 games against Penrith: Storm to win @ $1.58
NRL Betting Tip: Melbourne to cover the -4.5 point line @ $1.90
Reasoning: Melbourne have been far too good in 2019 to tip anything else.
Mar 29, 2019 07:01 PM
AAP
Key NRL Stat
NRL Betting Tip: Warriors to cover the -3.5 point line @ $1.90
