North Queensland Cowboys vs Wests Tigers Prediction, Tips & Odds

The Cowboys sit in eighth spot but a slip-up over the last two rounds could prove fatal – and the Tigers now have a taste for upsetting teams’ September plans.  

FORM: The Cowboys went into last week’s bye off a disappointing 32-30 loss to also-ran Parramatta, while they are only four weeks removed from a record-shattering 82-12 defeat to the Roosters.  

The Tigers ended an eight-match losing streak with a stunning 25-24 victory over the top-ranked Roosters, despite heading into the match as a $10 outsider.  

INS AND OUTS: The Cowboys are boosted by the return of Origin stars Tom Dearden and Jeremiah Nanai. Jaxon Purdue goes to centre and Zac Laybutt to the wing. Alex Seyfarth starts at lock for the Tigers with Alex Twal out. Sunia Turuva is back on the bench.  

KEY MATCH-UP: Dearden’s return is huge for the Cowboys as he lines up opposite Jock Madden, last week’s match-winner for the Tigers. 

HISTORY: The Cowboys have won five of their last six against the Tigers, but they were subjected to a 44-16 thrashing at Leichhardt Oval in Round 2.  

KEY STAT: The teams’ last four clashes in Townsville all produced 53 points or more.  

VERDICT: The Cowboys remain as inscrutable as ever, going into their Round 25 bye stuck in a win-loss pattern. As well as being vital to qualifying for the Top 8, this is their first opportunity to atone in front of their home fans for the 70-point defeat to the Roosters.  

The energy and intent – not to mention keeping their cool as the Roosters came home with a wet sail – was admirable from the Tigers, but they have won just once outside Sydney this year. Nevertheless, there should be stacks of points on offer at Queensland Country Bank Stadium.  

Prediction: Back Over 52.5 Total Points @ $1.90 

SGM: COWBOYS WIN / TIGERS +12.5 / JAHREAM BULA ANYTIME TRYSCORER / JAKE CLIFFORD ANYTIME TRYSCORER @ $20.82