NRL Pre-season Challenge Tips and Predictions – Round 3

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 2026.

Let’s dive into the Round 3 tips!

---

Sea Eagles vs Panthers

6pm, Friday, February 21, 2026 – 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, 2026 – 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, 2026 – 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, 2026 – 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, 2026 – 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, 2026 – 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, 2026 – 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.