ROUND THREE of the NRC is where the magic needs to happen if teams light on in the win column want to be alive once the playoffs loom.

The Sydney Rays, NSW Country Eagles and the Melbourne Rising are all yet to register competition points and will be keen to get on the board this weekend.

The Eagles kick off the weekend’s action with their match against the Fijian Drua in Fiji while the Rays will host the Rising at Pittwater Rugby Park.

Friday was an early start for the Eagles, arriving at the international airport for their flight to Fiji.

Seven Wallabies have been released for these round of matches.

Brisbane City will be best served by Men in Gold with Adam Korczyk, Lukhan Tui and Kane Douglas all pulling on the City jumper.

Joe Powell (Canberra Vikings), Rory Arnold (Canberra Vikings), Billy Meakes (Perth Spirit), Curtis Rona (Perth Spirit) and Lopeti Timani (Melbourne Rising) will also play for their clubs.

The Greater Sydney Rams sit on top of the competition log on nine points and they head to Perth to take on the Spirit in what will be a fascinating match.

Saturday 16 September 
Fiji Airways Drua v Country Eagles
When: 1:00 PM AEST
Where: Lawaqa Park, Fiji
Broadcast Information:
• Thousands of Fijians are expected to show their support at Fiji’s first home game at Lawaqa Park
• Fiji claimed their maiden NRC win over Melbourne Rising 45-24 in Round Two
• The Eagles made the most of their bye last weekend and have been training hard in preparation for their first international NRC match

Macquarie University Sydney Rays v Melbourne Rising
When: 3:00 PM AEST
Where: Pittwater Park, Sydney
Broadcast Information:
• Both teams will be chasing their first NRC win of the season
• Last weekend the Rays fell 41-26 to the Greater Sydney Rams and Melbourne Rising fell 45-24 against Fiji
• The Rising team welcomes Lopeti Timani from the Wallabies

Sunday 17 September
Brisbane City v Canberra Vikings
When: 1:00 PM AEST
Where: University of Queensland, St Lucia
Broadcast Information:
• Four Wallabies will take to the field across the two teams
• Brisbane welcomes Adam Korczyk and Lukhan Tui whilst Canberra’s line-up includes Joe Powell and Rory Arnold
• Canberra are determined to continue their winning streak and currently sit second on the ladder

Perth Spirit v Greater Sydney Rams
When: 1:00 PM AWST
Where: McGillivray Oval; Perth
Broadcast Information:
• The Spirit side has been boosted by the return of Wallabies squad members Bill Meakes and Curtis Rona who will line up at inside and outside centre respectively
• The ladder leading Rams retain the Horan-Little Shield for another week and are in the box seat for the Benn Robinson Bell among the NSW sides.

2017 STANDINGS
Greater Sydney Rams 9
Canberra Vikings 8
Fiji Airways Drua 5
Bond University Queensland Country 5
Road Safety Perth Spirit 5
McInnes Wilson Lawyers Brisbane City 4
Sydney Rays 0
Elders NSW Country Eagles 0
Melbourne Rising 0