Good Friday concludes with another new Queensland derby, as the Cowboys host the Dolphins in the first matchup between these two Queensland teams. Whilst the Cowboys have been a disappointment to start the season, the Dolphins came flying out of the gate, but after two straight losses, are the cracks starting to appear in the newest NRL franchise’s armour.
Below, we will take a look at whether the Dolphins can turn things around, or if this is the beginning of the end for Wayne Bennett and his team. Keep reading for our preview and Best Bet for this clash.
NRL Round 6 Preview & Betting Tips
North Queensland Cowboys vs The Dolphins
Queensland Country Bank Stadium, Friday 7th April, 8:00pm (AEST)
The Cowboys took on the Bulldogs in a true coin flip game last week, which the market was correct about. Neither team led by more than 10 points, and it took an 85th minute Matt Burton field goal to break the deadlock, as the Bulldogs won 15-14. The Cowboys dropped to 2-3 on the season, however come into this week as heavy favourites, in what looks to be close to a must win as you can have this early in the season.
The Dolphins had a horrible week. First, they lost halfback Sean O’Sullivan for the best part of the season during the week. O’Sullivan was replaced by Anthony Milford, who unfortunately went down after 17 minutes against the Dragons, and looks set to spend some time on the sideline. They actually led the Dragons prior to the Milford loss, but the Dragons piled on the points post Milford-injury, winning 38-12. They were dominated in every statistical category by a below average team, and it appears the bubble may have burst.
Big movement in this matchup in the market, after the Cowboys opened 6.5-point favourites prior to last weekend’s matches saw the Dolphins get railroaded by the Dragons 38-12. We re-opened at Cowboys -8.5 on Monday, but that number is climbing, with the narrative indicating the Dolphins’ bubble has burst. It’s easy to agree, with the Dolphins losing both Sean O’Sullivan and Anthony Milford to injury, they have named Isaiya Katoa to start in the 7 jersey, alongside utility Kodi Nikorima, the depth in the halves appears a real issue in Redcliffe.
The Cowboys meanwhile get some good news, with the returns of Scott Drinkwater and Reuben Cotter, however they’ve also lost forwards Heilum Luki and Jordan McLean. This shouldn’t be understated, given the Cowboys are already without Jeremiah Nanai, James Tamou, and Luciano Leilua.
So, with the number now closing in on Cowboys -11.5 everywhere, there’s every chance this closes between 11.5 and 12.5. Despite how the Dolphins looked last week, I think this may have gone too far. The Cowboys haven’t shown the ability to blow any team off the park yet, with their biggest victory being a 24-12 win over the Titans. Whilst there’s a chance the Cowboys hit their straps in this game, I lean more towards Wayne Bennett having his troops up for this contest. Wayne doesn’t like being embarrassed, and he will know he needs his team to win this in the forwards. With the mass outs at the Cowboys in the forwards, I can see the Dolphins keeping this close, however the talent at the Cowboys will be enough to eventually get them home. Cowboys 22-12.
Other Bet
Under 42.5 total points - $1.91 @ Bet365 (1.5u)
Cowboys (1-12)
$3.15 (1 Unit)
