Round 3: A Whirlwind of Upsets, Dominance, and Lingering Questions in the NRL
Round 3 of the 2026 NRL season certainly delivered a mixed bag of results and performances, leaving fans and pundits alike with plenty to ponder. From surprising upsets to dominant displays, the competition is already shaping up to be a fascinating contest.
The Brisbane Broncos, in a standout performance, managed to run down the formidable Melbourne Storm, signalling a return to form for the Queensland club. Meanwhile, the Penrith Panthers continued to solidify their status as premiership favourites, showcasing a level of consistency that has become their hallmark. Beyond these marquee matchups, the round also treated us to an entertaining clash in Gosford and a dazzling individual performance from Scott Drinkwater in Townsville.
However, for some, the overall viewing experience was tinged with disappointment. The struggles of the Cronulla Sharks, in particular, seemed to cast a shadow, contributing to a sense of malaise. Blowouts, questionable refereeing decisions, and coaches’ apparent reluctance to deviate from ineffective strategies have collectively dampened spirits for some observers. The question remains: is this a general dip in the quality of weekend football, or just a personal grumpiness?
Here are 20 observations from a compelling Round 3:
The Evolving Game: It’s undeniable that rugby league in 2026 is a different beast. Players are adapting at varying paces, with some thriving and others struggling under the new interpretations. Rosters meticulously built for the previous season’s game are being tested, and many teams will require time to adjust to the faster tempo. The accelerated pace is here to stay, and the onus is on everyone to embrace it.
Concerns Over Pace and Fatigue: While the faster game is a reality, there’s a growing concern that the current speed is bordering on excessive. This is leading to an increase in fatigue-related injuries, with forwards falling awkwardly or making lazy defensive efforts. It’s a stark reminder that while injuries are an inherent part of sport, the current intensity might be exacerbating them. There’s a hope that by the State of Origin period, the game might naturally slow down a touch.
State of Origin Refereeing: A key point of intrigue is how the State of Origin series will be officiated compared to the regular NRL season. It’s highly probable that the intensity and interpretation of rules will differ significantly. Many anticipate a more lenient approach to certain infringements, particularly the “six-again” calls, to ensure a more free-flowing contest.
Penrith’s Unstoppable Momentum: Witnessing the Penrith Panthers live on Friday night was a truly frightening experience. They appear to be playing on another level entirely. Liam Martin, in particular, has defied concerns about adapting to the new rules, looking almost unstoppable with his leaner physique. This Panthers side is exceptionally well-equipped to thrive under any rule interpretation, especially one that rewards speed.
Cronulla’s Pace Problem: In stark contrast, the Cronulla Sharks are currently the slowest team in the competition. Their imposing forward pack was outmatched by a group of second-rowers, and Nicho Hynes, while a talented playmaker, is struggling to find pace as a halfback. Only Sam Stonestreet offers a semblance of genuine speed. The Sharks desperately need to inject mobility and dynamism into their lineup before their season is irrevocably derailed.
Coaching Decisions Under Scrutiny: Shane Flanagan faces significant questions regarding his ability to separate emotion from fact. The reality is that Kyle Flanagan’s performance in Round 3 was again disappointing, and he likely shouldn’t be picked for the upcoming weekend. While there’s an argument to be made for Kyle being a scapegoat in the past, his recent displays have been far from convincing. In a similar vein, Clint Gutherson seems to be selected on reputation alone. While Tyrell Sloan has been inconsistent, the Dragons would benefit from injecting youthful speed into their lineup.
Trent Robinson Under Pressure: If Trent Robinson isn’t already feeling the heat at the Sydney Roosters, he certainly should be. Early indications suggest he’s lagging behind the competition’s elite coaches in adapting to the current game. Keep an eye on developments later in the week regarding this situation.
Angus Crichton’s Fan Engagement: A heartening moment after the Roosters-Panthers clash saw Angus Crichton stay behind for 20 minutes to interact with fans, taking numerous selfies. His willingness to engage with supporters from both teams, even when prompted by team staff to eventually leave, was commendable and a great display from the representative star.
Second-Rowers Stealing the Show: The impact of second-rowers this season is undeniable. After crossing for 21 tries in the opening two rounds, they added another nine tries in Round 3. This is a remarkable turnaround from 2025, when second-rowers scored a combined nine tries across the first two rounds.
RELATED: Why second-rowers are the NRL’s most important position in 2026
Fan Blame in the Shire: There seems to be a recurring pattern among Cronulla Sharks fans, who often direct blame towards the wrong players. William Kennedy, despite being the team’s best performer, once again bore the brunt of criticism. Sam Stonestreet, arguably the Sharks’ best in 2026, has faced unwarranted flak, while established players like Briton Nikora and Jesse Ramien seem to escape the same level of scrutiny.
The Bunker and Refereeing Controversies: The widespread blowouts in scores are inadvertently shielding bunker officials from deserved criticism. The contentious “Penalty Try” awarded on Sunday would have been a far bigger talking point had the Dragons not capitulated so spectacularly. In the Sharks-Dolphins game, a successful challenge occurred despite referee Sutton explicitly stating that the Dolphins were not permitted to challenge that specific aspect of the play.
The Dichotomy of Fan Reactions: It’s perplexing how fans readily adopt a victim mentality when a decision goes against their team, yet vehemently reject any suggestion that their team might have benefited from a favourable call.
Stephen Crichton’s Fortunate Encounters: Stephen Crichton has enjoyed a notable run of luck in 2026. After avoiding a sin-bin for an apparent high shot in Round 1, he was involved in another clear infringement in Canberra. With a minute remaining, he appeared to take a nap in the ruck before making a second aggressive move on the ball-carrier. Referee Adam Gee, who had been issuing numerous nit-picky six-again calls all night, inexplicably ignored this blatant infraction.
Willie Peters for England or the NRL?: Hull Kingston Rovers coach Willie Peters is a strong contender for the England coaching role. However, several NRL clubs would be wise to consider him for their own head coaching positions next season. The question remains whether he would be willing to leave his current post. NRL teams need to take a punt on promising coaches rather than settling for mediocrity from recycled figures.
SEE ALSO: The Cowboys and Sea Eagles need new direction, but they must move fast
Titans’ Rebuild Strategy: The Gold Coast Titans’ rebuild is projected to be a lengthy process. However, Tino Fa’asuamaleaui’s limited involvement of 48 minutes and 87 metres in Round 3 raises questions. Moving him back to lock and ensuring their million-dollar captain plays over 60 minutes seems a more logical approach.
Dane Gagai’s Fine: The fact that Dane Gagai received only a fine for an obvious strike, rather than a suspension, highlights a concerning trend. It suggests that carrying the ball offers a degree of protection. Had a defender committed the same act, a four-week suspension would have been a likely outcome.
Origin Smokeys Emerge: Tanah Boyd and Jackson Ford are rapidly emerging as genuine contenders for State of Origin selection this season. While some who haven’t watched the Warriors closely might dismiss this, Boyd’s current form as a Queensland halfback is arguably superior to many established names. Jackson Ford, meanwhile, is in such commanding form that he should be a shoo-in for the NSW lineup.
Thursday Night Blockbuster: Despite poor starts to the season for the Manly Sea Eagles and, to a lesser extent, the Sydney Roosters, Thursday night’s clash promises to be captivating. The reception Daly Cherry-Evans will receive from the Brookvale Oval crowd, his former home, will be fascinating to observe. Manly desperately needs a win, so sentimentality is unlikely to be on display.
Grant Anderson’s Unusual Transfer: Grant Anderson, signed by the Brisbane Broncos for 2026, appears to be on the verge of joining the New Zealand Warriors for next year, potentially even moving before fulfilling his Broncos contract. This situation, where a player moves to a new club without ever having played a game for his contracted team, is highly unusual and difficult to recall happening before.
Jaxon Purdue’s Value: If Jaxon Purdue has not yet re-signed with the North Queensland Cowboys, there should be a queue of rival clubs eager to speak with his manager. His current form suggests he is a player in high demand.
