Round 3

North Queensland will be hurting from last week's derby loss to the Broncos, which also saw them lose Scott Drinkwater (three games) and Peta Hiku (two matches) to suspension. 

The Warriors meanwhile were left to rue poor execution in the final quarter of their 20-12 loss to the Roosters on Saturday, after they had battled on valiantly in the face of losing Jackson Ford (head knock), Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad (head knock) and Josh Curran (hip).

The Titans came back to earth at Kogarah on Sunday after an impressive start to the season while Melbourne copped more injury concerns in their loss to the Bulldogs but were otherwise beaten on enthusiasm. 

Craig Bellamy's men hold a dominant record against the Titans, particularly at Cbus Super Stadium, and with a few stars slated to return, they'll want to correct their efforts last week.

A second-half double from Paulo helped lift the Tricolours to victory, but only after they survived a wild finish which saw the Rabbitohs score with two minutes to play, setting up a hail Mary two-point field goal attempt from Latrell Mitchell which fell short of the posts. 

Earlier South Sydney raced out to a 10-0 lead after 15 minutes and dominated the opening proceedings at Allianz Stadium.

Niu scored twice in the first half before his third with 12 minutes to go looked to have put the result beyond doubt, only for Felise Kaufusi to then be sent to the sin bin for a late tackle which saw him put on report for the second time in the game at McDonald Jones Stadium.

It set up a nervous finish, before Isaako's double inside the last five minutes saw Wayne Bennett's side get past a stubborn Knights side who had three players appearing at NRL level for the first time, with a bench that had just 18 total games of first-grade experience. 

In a seesawing match where the lead changed multiple times, Olakau'atu was able to seal the victory in the 77th minute after plucking an Eels offload out of the air to cross under the posts from 20 metres out.

The try came against the run of play, with the Eels in midst of mounting a tremendous comeback and meant a 78th minute try to Maika Sivo - his second of the night - was merely a consolation. 

Played at 4 Pines Park to kick off Multicultural Round, the Sea Eagles started the game well, with Reuben Garrick opening the scoring in the seventh minute.

One of the game's great rivalries reached a peak in the early 80s when the Sea Eagles and Eels met in consecutive grand finals and has been going strong ever since.

Speaking of grand finals, that's where Parramatta were just five months ago but they have started the new season 0-2 and face a tough road trip to 4 Pines Park to face a rejuvenated Manly.

Under new coach Anthony Seibold, the Sea Eagles won the Pre-Season Challenge and carried that form into Round 1, where the return of Tom Trbojevic sparked a 31-6 win.

In Sunday’s matches, 'A' grade, Dobo Warriors bt Tarangau 18-10 and in the main game, Gulf West 16, beat Hohola Flies 4. 

In the Womens’ matches, Tarangau smashed last weekend's big winner Dobo Warriors 30-0, while Gulf West won on forfeit over Hohola Flies. 

In Under 20, Dobo Warriors 12 def. Tarangau 8, Gulf West 18 def. Hohola Flies 16, and Defence 10 def. Butterflies 8. 
 
Saturday match results saw U/20 Hawks def. Magani 10-6, Kone Storms and Kone Tigers drew 4-4. 

Meanwhile 2020 premiers Kroton Hela Wigmen put a dent on Moni Plus NCDC Port Moresby Vipers clean winning track record in the season, with a solid win on Sunday at the Santos National Football Stadium.

The Wigmen handed Vipers their first loss of the season in a thrilling 16-14 finish.

As anticipated, the match was a classic example of what great rugby league teams can bring to the table.

Sanny Wabo was the player of the match for the Digicel Cup 2022 round 3 game, scoring three tries for the Lae outfit in the first half.

Three conversations by five-eighth Joshua Mire ensured the Tigers were 12 points ahead by halftime. The Eagles responded through fullback, Joe Joshua, with Bernard Noel successfully converting the try, however, the scores were 22-6 as the teams went for break.

A return from second half and Wabo continued with his try-scoring feat, ensuring another converted try, taking the score line to 28-6.

The 4 teams have remained undefeated since the PNGNRLC kicked off two weeks ago but could face some stiff opposition today.

In the main game of the triple header at Santos National Footage ball stadium on Sunday 2022 Digicel Cup this Sunday Wigmen will face off with the might of Moni Plus NCDC Vipers who are coming off back to back wins over Gurias and Eagles.