Raiders vs Sharks NRL round 3 betting preview & best bets | 19/3

Sunday afternoon NRL wraps up in the nation’s capital with the Raiders hosting the Cronulla Sharks at GIO Stadium. The last time these two sides met was Magic Round of 2022 where the Raiders had three players sent to the sin bin and went on to win by 20 points.

The Cronulla Sharks are coming off the back of an incredible win over the Eels in Parramatta last weekend. The Raiders have lost their first two matches to the Cowboys and Raiders; however, the Raiders gain Jack Wighton and Jamal Fogarty to the side which will be a major boost for their attack and ability to manage the game.

Historically, these clubs are incredibly difficult to split, with the Canberra Raiders winning 24 of 47 games. The Raiders have won the last two games alone by 25 points. While the Sharks have started the season in great form, putting on a show against the Rabbitohs before beating the Eels, going to Canberra to beat the Raiders could be a bridge too far. The Raiders will be desperate for their first win of the season in front of a sold-out GIO Stadium, making them a great value bet to win at $2.25 odds with the top betting sites.

The Sharks are yet to show a clear weakness in defence this season, conceding tries on both sides of the field. Hudson Young has started the season slowing recording just three tackle breaks on the first two games of the season. During the latter stages of the 2022 NRL season, Young showed he was one of the best back-rowers in the NRL, putting his name in the conversation for Australian Kangaroos selection. Look for the combination of Wighton and Young to return to it’s incredible best, resulting in Young scoring a try at any time during the match ($3.20).

Hot, dry conditions are predicted in Canberra for this clash which will make moving the football around the field easier for both sides. With their backs against the wall early in the season, Ricky Stuart’s Raiders should be fired up to take full advantage of the conditions on offer. Not only should this match end up a high scoring affair, exceeding 43.5 total match points ($1.90), the home side should be able to complete the half-time/full-time double ($3.25).

KEY MATCH UP: JAMAL FOGARTY v BRAYDON TRINDALL

Braydon Trindall has done an incredible job filling the enormous boots left by the current Dally M Medal winner of the year, Nicho Hynes. Coming up against Jamal Fogarty, the ability for Trindall to manage the game for his team and kick the ball well in play will be key. Fogarty is also one of the best defensive halves in the NRL, meaning Trindall will need to produce another phenomenal performance to get the Sharks second win of the season.

Raiders vs Sharks NRL Rd 3 betting prediction

Raiders v Sharks NRL Rd 3 same game multi

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