The NRL pre-season is reaching its final week, bringing one last opportunity for teams to fine-tune their combinations, give young players valuable minutes, and build momentum ahead of the regular season.
These tips are more of a guide rather than a lock. We’ve factored in team depth, playing conditions, pre-season history, and likely team approaches to give you the best possible read on each matchup.
While the pre-season doesn’t always reflect regular-season form, it does offer key insights into squad depth, new signings, and how teams are shaping up for 2025.
Let’s dive into the Round 3 tips! 👇🏉
Sea Eagles vs Panthers
📅 6pm, Friday, February 21, 2025 – 🏟 Leichhardt Oval, Sydney, NSW
💡 Tip: Sea Eagles
- The Sea Eagles are coming off a solid 34-24 victory over the Rabbitohs, showcasing depth and cohesion.
- Key contributors included Navren Willett (two tries) and Raymond Tuaimalo Vaega (two tries), while young fullback Lehi Hopoate impressed.
- With stars like Daly Cherry-Evans and Tom Trbojevic set to feature, they are poised to build momentum.
- The Panthers have had a mixed preseason and may use this match to finalise combinations, potentially resting key players like Nathan Cleary.
Wests Tigers vs Eels
📅 8pm, Friday, February 21, 2025 – 🏟 Leichhardt Oval, Sydney, NSW
💡 Tip: Eels
- The Eels dominated the Knights in a 44-18 victory, highlighting Dylan Brown’s attacking class and Jason Ryles’ coaching impact.
- Ronald Volkman played a key role in attack, providing depth in playmaking.
- The Tigers lost 20-14 to the Bulldogs, showing glimpses of potential but struggling for cohesion.
- While Jarome Luai is elevating training standards, his partnership with Lachlan Galvin is still untested in big moments.
Dragons vs Rabbitohs
📅 3pm, Saturday, February 22, 2025 – 🏟 Glen Willow Stadium, Mudgee, NSW
💡 Tip: Dragons
- The Dragons secured a convincing 26-8 win over the Roosters, featuring new recruits Clint Gutherson and Damien Cook.
- South Sydney fell to the Sea Eagles 34-24, with late tries from Salesi Ataata and Bayleigh Bentley-Hape not enough to rescue their performance.
- The Rabbitohs’ defence remains a concern, especially against well-drilled attacking units.
Broncos vs Bulldogs
📅 5:30pm, Saturday, February 22, 2025 – 🏟 Kayo Stadium, Redcliffe, QLD
💡 Tip: Broncos
- Brisbane reportedly crushed the Titans 50-12, capitalising on backline speed and superior squad depth.
- Reece Walsh looked sharp in his return, adding to their attacking threat.
- The Bulldogs narrowly beat the Tigers 20-14 but lacked forward dominance.
Dolphins vs Titans
📅 7:30pm, Saturday, February 22, 2025 – 🏟 Kayo Stadium, Redcliffe, QLD
💡 Tip: Dolphins
- The Dolphins delivered a commanding 50-8 victory over the Cowboys, showcasing elite conditioning and game management.
- Wayne Bennett’s influence is clear, with disciplined defensive structures setting them apart.
- The Titans struggled badly in their 50-12 loss to the Broncos, exposing their defensive vulnerabilities.
Roosters vs Knights
📅 3:15pm, Sunday, February 23, 2025 – 🏟 Industree Group Stadium, Gosford, NSW
💡 Tip: Roosters
- The Roosters suffered a 26-8 loss to the Dragons but remain strong contenders due to their depth.
- Dom Young and Chad Townsend are expected to feature in their attacking structure.
- The Knights were heavily defeated 44-18 by the Eels, showing they are still integrating key new players.
Storm vs Cowboys
📅 5:15pm, Sunday, February 23, 2025 – 🏟 Casey Fields, Melbourne, VIC
💡 Tip: Storm
- Melbourne struggled in their reported 36-10 loss to the Warriors, likely due to experimental lineups.
- New recruit Stefano Utoikamanu is expected to provide a boost in the forward pack.
- The Cowboys suffered a heavy 50-8 defeat to the Dolphins, underscoring their defensive weaknesses.
