North Queensland Cowboys vs Canberra Raiders Prediction, Tips & Odds

With eighth spot sealed, the Cowboys gear for the finals with a home clash against last year’s disappointing minor premiers.  

FORM: The Cowboys clinched their spot in the finals with a 24-10 home win over the Tigers last Saturday.  

The Raiders have lost three of their last four, going into the Round 26 bye on the back of a demoralising collapse in a 34-30 home loss to the Broncos.  

INS AND OUTS: Robert Derby replaces Zac Laybutt (concussion) on the wing for the Cowboys, while John Bateman and Coen Hess come into the pack for injured duo Jeremiah Nanai and Griffin Neame.  

Coby Black will make his NRL debut for the Raiders, replacing Ethan Sanders. Noah Martin is back from injury for an unavailable Zac Hosking, Corey Horsburgh is out and Morgan Smithies returns. 

KEY MATCH-UP: Gear up for a high-octane fullback battle as Scott Drinkwater and Kaeo Weekes square off.  

HISTORY: The Raiders have won seven of the teams’ last eight encounters, but the Cowboys carved out a 26-12 upset in Canberra in Round 3 to snap a long losing streak.  

KEY STAT: None of the last 16 Cowboys-Raiders clashes have produced more than 50 points.  

VERDICT: The Cowboys are locked into eighth spot, win or lose, so it’s about consolidating combinations and building momentum – still important for a team that has conceded 82 points to the Roosters and lost to the Eels in their last four games.  

The Raiders’ finals hopes disappeared completely prior to last week’s bye, but Ricky Stuart isn’t the type of coach to let them go through the motions despite having only pride – and sending Josh Papalii out a winner – to play for.  

Tip: Back the Raiders to Cover the Line (+5.5) @ $1.90 

SGM: RAIDERS WIN / OVER 55.5 TOTAL POINTS / KAEO WEEKES ANYTIME TRYSCORER / XAVIER SAVAGE ANYTIME TRYSCORER / TOM CHESTER ANYTIME TRYSCORER / HEILUM LUKI @ $59.54