Uncool Dad’s Round 3 Recap
Just when you thought a fairly predictable tipping round was on hand, the upsets came flooding in like a bunch of daggy Dads to Bunnings on a public holiday. Despite it being hard to pick a winner, the footy has been fantastic. Almost every game was competitive and hard fought. Let’s have a look at what went on in Round 3…
Thursday
Off to Brookvale for Thursday night footy where the Sea-Eagles hosted an increasingly desperate Eels. In a high-scoring contest, defence was optional at best. Manly prevailed and got the win 34-30. Another victory for Supercoach Seibold whilst Parra slumped to their third successive loss.
Things are not going to get any easier for last year’s grand finalists. The Eels face Penrith and the Roosters in the next 2 rounds. Their task isn’t helped by having to play these sides after they’ve had a bye! It was the same with Manly this week. It hardly seems fair but they’re a massive chance of being 0-5 after 5 rounds.
Friday
Friday’s matches saw the high cruising Dolphins travel to Newcastle whilst the Bunnies went out to Trellianz to take on the Sombrero wearers. In the first match, the understrength Knights team seemed to battle well but were nailed by the Dolphins in the end with four unanswered 2nd half tries. Big test for Wayne’s boys next week when they take on the in form Broncos.
Onto the main game and it was mine and Lucas’ live league debut for 2023. Unfortunately our Rabbitohs were beaten for the first time in a while in a meaningful Souths/Easts game.
Souths got off to a big lead and looked to be doing it comfortably until a few lapses in concentration and tough calls got the Roosters back into the game. It was a frustrating loss. The Bunnies dropped the ball for fun, coupled with a stack of botched chances. I’m glad it wasn’t a semi.
Well done to the Roosters though, they were up for it and got the win. Unfortunately for them though, they’re still the Roosters and most people probably won’t even care.
Saturday
Super Saturday was renamed Upset Saturday this round as the once dominant Storm slumped to another unexpectant loss, this time to the Titans. Although they’re still missing plenty of their stars, they had a couple return this week and I think we were all expecting them to bounce back after their loss to the Dogs at home last week.
Melbourne were better but the Gold Coast, who seem to have improved from last year, got them in a try-scoring shootout.
Next match was most tipsters ‘lock of the week’ with the NZ Warriors travelling up to Townsville to face the Cowboys. North Queensland were strongly favoured but the Kiwi side had other ideas. They were behind early but never really looked like losing the game.
New coach Andrew Webster sure has his team firing. It’s early days but I haven’t seen a Warriors side play this well in ages. The Cows seem to be struggling a bit though and were probably lucky to beat Canberra in Round 1.
The final match almost completed a trifecta of shocking results with the Dragons getting off to a great start against Brisbane at Suncorp. At half time though, the Broncos flicked the switch then came out and blew the Red V away in the second stanza. The Broncos seem to be unstoppable. They look like contenders for the title at this early stage.
Sunday
Onto a stinking hot Sunday. It must have been like sitting in an oven on the hill at Belmore but I’m sure the Doggies fans didn’t mind too much as their boys destroyed the Tigers in the first half. Wests were going from bad to worse until replacement half and ex-Dog Brandon Wakeham finally gave the Tiges some direction in attack.
I think Canterbury were guilty of doing some serious clock watching too as the Tigers stormed back into the game after being deplorable up til this point. Canterbury hung on though and got the win 26-22.
The final game was in the nation’s capital. The Raiders first home game of the year. They were taking on Cronulla and in typical Raiders style the game went down to the wire with the home side hanging on 24-20.
Round 4 Preview
Watch out for next round’s preview after the team lists drop on Bunnies TV. As always, there’ll be plenty of tips, bets and biased Rabbitoh insight!
Uncool Dad’s Round 3 Recap.
By Greg Allan for Bunnies TV.
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