NRL Round 3: Panthers Run Riot, Broncos Bounce Back, Bulldogs Edge Raiders

Edward Briggs

Round 3 of the NRL season delivered a mix of blowouts, comebacks, and tight finishes, with several teams beginning to show their identity early in the year. Penrith reaffirmed their dominance, Brisbane finally clicked into gear, and the Bulldogs ground out a tough win in Canberra. Here’s how it all unfolded.

Canterbury Bulldogs 14 – 10 Canberra Raiders

Connor Tracey delivered a standout performance to guide the Bulldogs to a gritty win in difficult conditions in Canberra. The Raiders struck early through Savelio Tamale after sharp hands down the left, but errors and poor discipline let Canterbury back into the contest.

Tracey was central to everything, scoring a try, producing a crucial try-saving tackle on Hudson Young, and later denying Ethan Sanders in the dying moments. Penalty goals edged the Bulldogs ahead before Jacob Preston’s second-half try proved decisive. Canberra had late chances, but couldn’t break through, with Tom Starling’s injury adding to their frustrations.

Penrith Panthers 40 – 4 Sydney Roosters

Penrith produced a ruthless display to dismantle the Roosters at Allianz Stadium, piling on eight tries after conceding the opener. Robert Toia gave the Roosters an early lead, but it was all Panthers from there.

Thomas Jenkins starred with a remarkable four-try haul, while Brian To’o and Dylan Edwards added to the onslaught. Nathan Cleary controlled the game with precision, as Penrith ran up a 24-4 halftime lead and never looked back. The Roosters were plagued by errors and had no answer for the Panthers’ relentless execution.

Brisbane Broncos 18 – 14 Melbourne Storm

After two poor performances to start the season, the Broncos found their rhythm in a spirited comeback against Melbourne. The Storm dominated the first half, with tries to Sua Faalogo and Joe Chan helping them to a 14-0 lead at the break.

Brisbane emerged a different side in the second half. Jordan Riki scored twice, Reece Walsh orchestrated the attack, and Kotoni Staggs crossed to give the Broncos the lead. The Storm threatened late but were held scoreless after halftime, with Brisbane’s defence sealing an important four-point victory.

New Zealand Warriors 38 – 12 Newcastle Knights

The Warriors continued their unbeaten start with a commanding win in Newcastle, overcoming early pressure and poor conditions. Fletcher Hunt opened the scoring for the Knights, but the visitors quickly took control through Erin Clark and Jackson Ford.

Tanah Boyd was again instrumental, scoring and creating opportunities, while Leka Halasima crossed before halftime. Newcastle’s discipline proved costly, with multiple penalties and sin bins halting any momentum as the Warriors ran away with the contest late.

Dolphins 38 – 10 Cronulla Sharks

The Dolphins stamped themselves as a genuine force with a dominant win over Cronulla. After a tight opening, Jake Averillo crossed twice, while Isaiya Katoa and Jamayne Isaako combined to build a 16-4 halftime lead.

The Sharks briefly threatened early in the second half, but a late collapse saw the Dolphins pile on three tries in the final 10 minutes. Selwyn Cobbo and Connelly Lemulemu added late finishes as Cronulla’s defence fell apart under pressure.

South Sydney Rabbitohs 20 – 16 Wests Tigers

South Sydney held off a determined Tigers side in a physical and entertaining clash. Early tries to Jye Gray and Jack Wighton gave the Rabbitohs control, but the Tigers fought back through Sione Fainu and Heamasi Makasini to take a halftime lead.

The second half remained tight, with Latrell Mitchell and Alex Johnston combining for key moments, including Johnston’s late try that proved decisive. Injuries to Jarome Luai and Adam Doueihi added to the Tigers’ concerns, while Mitchell faces scrutiny for a high shot.

Parramatta Eels 30 – 20 St George Illawarra Dragons

Parramatta made it back-to-back wins in a chaotic clash at CommBank Stadium. A controversial penalty try helped the Eels into the contest before tries to Tallyn Da Silva and Kitione Kautoga gave them control.

The Dragons stayed in the fight, with Valentine Holmes and Luciano Leilua among the contributors, but errors proved costly. Josh Addo-Carr sealed the result with a late intercept try, while both sides were left with injury and suspension concerns.

North Queensland Cowboys 30 – 16 Gold Coast Titans

The Cowboys secured their first win of the season with a solid performance in Townsville. Murray Taulagi led the way with a double, while Scott Drinkwater and Jake Clifford played key roles in building a 16-10 halftime lead.

The Titans showed flashes through Jayden Campbell and Kurtis Morrin, but discipline issues and missed opportunities hurt their chances. North Queensland capitalised late, with Clifford crossing to seal a deserved 14-point victory.