The final game on NRL Super Saturday heads to Townsville with the Cowboys hosting the Panthers. Both sides have faced different challenges to start the season and there is plenty to play for in this match. The Cowboys will be desperate to put a poor showing last week behind them while the Panthers will be out to continue building a positive record heading into the representative period. The action is set to be exhilarating and Before You Bet is here to take a comprehensive look at what is ahead.
Also, if you’re new to sports betting or betting on the NRL, check out the following articles to help build your knowledge:
- Guide to Betting on the NRL
- Where to Bet on the NRL
- Factors to Consider When Betting on the NRL
2024 NRL Round 8 Preview & Betting Tips
North Queensland Cowboys vs Penrith Panthers
Queensland Country Bank Stadium – Saturday 27th April – 7:35pm (AEST)
Match Preview
The Cowboys will want this game to start as soon as possible to erase all memory of their Round 7 42-6 loss to the Sharks on the road. The game was all but over at HT as they trailed 24-nil, with the punishment continuing into the second half. They didn’t cross for the first points until the 64th minute and were outplayed in all areas. With just 45% possession, they completed at 73%, made 400m less than their opponents, had just 403pcm’s and 3 line break. It is no surprise that they also missed 39 tackles in defence. They are playing without consistency and this performance highlighted their shortcomings.
The Panthers controlled the result in their match against the Tigers, prevailing 22-6 in a match which wasn’t reflective of the score line. With their opponents keeping them honest, the Panthers were made to work for the result and after conceding the opening try, led just 10-6 at HT. They closed out the match on the back of an 86% completion rate and making more total metres. It wore their opponents down, something that the Panthers make a habit of each week. It was still a performance whereby they are aware that they can be better; they missed 36 tackles and made fewer pcm’s. In a key sign of just how talented this team is, they were still able to record a strong win on the back of a performance below their usual standard. This road trip will pose another challenge altogether, but this squad has a habit of relishing such situations.
Match Prediction
It should be stated straight away that the home side has won 7 out of the past 8 games between these two sides. The Cowboys will need every bit of this statistic to work in their favour because they are outsiders ($3.40 vs $1.32) for this contest. The form of each team to begin the year is reflected in the odds on offer. Having Cleary return for the Panthers only increases support for the visitors. Interestingly, coach Payten has resisted the urge to make major changes to his team following last week’s effort; rather, he has option for rotation changes on the interchange with the aim of combating the power which the Panthers will offer, relentlessly, in this area. This is an intriguing approach ahead of this match; the Panthers are obviously the stronger team, but the Cowboys are not without their attacking threats. The fact that they have a 55% win record at home compared to the Panthers’ 25% record at this ground is further indication that the visitors may struggle. The Cowboys have averaged more points in attack (26ppg vs 20ppg) than the Panthers but struggle defensively, conceding 27ppg compared with the Panthers’ 15ppg.
If it comes down to a defensive arm wrestle, the Panthers are more than capable of winning this contest. If the Cowboys regain their attacking spark, it will be closer than expected. There is every chance that this will occur; in a multitude of ways, the season of the Cowboys depends upon their performance in this match. Despite 6 out of the past 8 matches being decided by a 13+ margin, the line (9.5) appears too high off-season averages to date. Use this to your advantage and enjoy everything this match has to offer.
Cowboys +9.5
$1.90 (2 Units)
