Dolphins vs North Queensland Cowboys Prediction, Tips & Odds

Contrasting results last weekend renders this vital derby arguably the match of Round 20.  

FORM: After eight straight wins, the Dolphins have tumbled to seventh with consecutive losses – a 13-12 thriller in Newcastle and a jarring 66-0 rout at the hands of Cronulla in Redcliffe.  

The Cowboys have regrouped and moved back into the Top 8 with upset victories over Penrith (26-12) and Manly (19-18) either side of their Round 18 bye.  

INS AND OUTS: Origin stars Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, Jack Bostock and Selwyn Cobbo are back for the Dolphins, while Jake Averillo (ribs) is out.  

Tom Dearden is in the Cowboys’ reserves and a chance of playing after 10 weeks out. Griffin Neame starts at prop for Tom Mikaele (concussion). 

KEY MATCH-UP: Scott Drinkwater’s match-winning qualities were there for all to see in the upset of Manly, while opposing fullback Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow will be eager to inspire the Dolphins after missing last week’s massacre.  

HISTORY: The Dolphins boast a 5-2 record against the Cowboys and have won the last four encounters – including a 40-14 beatdown in Townsville in Round 14.  

KEY STAT: Jamayne Isaako has scored 10 tries in seven games for the Dolphins against the Cowboys, including two hat-tricks.  

VERDICT: The loss of halfback Isaiya Katoa and a heavy Origin load is taking its toll on the Dolphins, but they put up the white flag in inexcusable fashion against the Sharks. They have to make a statement this week, or a fourth straight fadeout beckons.  

The Cowboys, meanwhile, have shown real character in knocking over highly-rated opposition in recent weeks – despite the ongoing absence of their No.7 linchpin. The Dolphins have won their last five at Suncorp but they’re hard to get on-board with as a favourite after last week’s abomination. 

Prediction: Back the Cowboys to Cover the Line (+3.5) @ $1.90 

SGM: COWBOYS WIN / OVER 50.5 TOTAL POINTS / SCOTT DRINKWATER ANYTIME TRYSCORER / JACK BOSTOCK ANYTIME TRYSCORER / HEILUM LUKI ANYTIME TRYSCORER @ $43.14