Penrith Panthers Vs. North Queensland Cowboys
Where: Sporting Bet Stadium
When: Monday, August 18th at 7:00pm AEST
Coming into this round the Penrith Panthers were sitting third on the Ladder. They are in a healthy finals position, with three of the next four at home.
The Cowboys are nothing to scoff about though, with four quick wins they are back in the eight and looking for a top four finish.
Recently the Panthers have struggled against Thurston and his Cowboys, but overall the Panthers are still ahead of them (just) with 17 wins from 31 starts.
The Panthers are sticking with the same side that upset the dragons last week 16-4. As I said earlier, the Panthers have a home field advantage for three of the last four games this season, including this one on Monday night. If they can use this to their advantage and players like James Segeyaro, Dean Whare and Josh Mansour continue playing to recent form a top 4 finish isn't too far away.
The Cowboys are without Backrower Tariq Sims who is suspended after an awkward high tackle last week. Gavin Cooper will start in his place. A couple of years ago hooker James Segeyarn opted to leave the North Queensland Cowboys and as a result left a gaping hole where a permanent No. 9 should be. However, the Cowboys are now confident they've solved this problem, with Rory Kostjasyn in ripping form absolutely crushing it. Coach Paul Green has elected to field the same team from last week minus Tariq Sims.
With the Cowboys in fine form, the confidence alone from last week’s 64-6 thumping over the Wests Tigers should swing this game in their favour. That, along with recent Panthers VS Cowboys history. I’m expecting the Cowboys to get up in a nail biter.
Bet On: North Queensland Cowboys at the line (-1.5) - $1.92
Take note: Any of the tips in this article are simply the author’s opinion, so bet at your own risk and always gamble responsibly. Also be sure to check out the Before You Bet Twitter Page for all our thoughts in the lead up to bets! Happy punting!
