The second NRL game on Saturday night will see the Cowboys host the Knights with the beautiful backdrop of a setting Queensland sun. The typical hot, humid, and possibly slightly wet conditions are expected, so this match could deliver anything. The Cowboys will be out to maintain strong, winning form while the Knights have a point to prove after a lacklustre display in Round 1. There are plenty of storylines running through this match and the stage is set for an intriguing NRL match.
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NRL Round 2 Preview & Betting Tips
North Queensland Cowboys vs Newcastle Knights
Queensland Country Bank Stadium – Saturday 16th March – 5:30pm (AEST)
Match preview
The Cowboys got their season off to a great start against the Dolphins, with a commanding 43-18 victory. The game was all but over by HT with the Cowboys leading 31-12, with 5 tries in the first half blowing their opponents away. Dominating possession (55%) and having a high completion rate (88%), the Cowboys steamrolled their opponents with 681 post contact metres and 7 line breaks. It was an impressive display which highlighted their strengths but may have also been assisted by the shortcomings of their opponents.
The Knights failed to deliver against the Raiders in front of a sell-out crowd, outplayed and out enthused in their 28-12 defeat. Despite trailing 8-6 at HT, they always struggled for momentum, with a 68% completion rate and 15 errors a key indicator of their ill-discipline. Once the Raiders gathered momentum, they were powerless to stop them. They also trailed in total metres and post-contact metres. They will want an improved effort here to get their season back on the right track.
Match prediction
The Round 1 performance of each team is reflected in the odds. The Cowboys are strong favourites ($1.43 vs $2.85) with the home ground advantage also working against the visitors. Not only have the Knights not won in Townsville since Round 2, 2015, the home team has won the past 10 meetings between these two sides.
The performance which the Knights produced last week was uncharacteristic; if it is isolated to that match and they play to their potential, they can get close and are even a chance of winning this match. As much as the Knights are being penalised for their poor performance (as outsiders), the ease of the Cowboys effort is somewhat overlooked too. This makes the line (7.5) enticing.
The Knights have the outside backs to match it with the Cowboys and a solid defensive approach in the middle. Look for them to slow the Cowboys down in this area. The home side is preferred in H2H markets but look elsewhere for value. For what it’s worth: the average margin of victory is 17.6 points in the past 5 matches but neither team had the same defensive structure (or strengths) that they possess now. It may be a high scoring match too. The average in the same period is 38.4 points, with that skewed somewhat by a 12-point match. It would pay to be cautious with this match. You will know a lot more about each time at the end of fulltime.
Either team by 10 points or less
$2 (1 Unit)
Same Game Multi
All three scored last week and there is a lot to like about how they played. Fedlt is a great finisher and has a terrific record at home. Laybutt proved himself dynamic with the ball last week and will be a player to watch this season. Nanai puts himself in the right positions to capitalise on points, including in the air.
Leg 1: Fedlt to Score
Leg 2: Laybutt to Score
Leg 3: Nani to Score
SGM Odds: $11 at Neds
