Round 23 of the 2024 NRL Season continues on Saturday night at Queensland Country Bank Stadium in Townsville when the North Queensland Cowboys host the Brisbane Broncos in the original and the best Queensland Derby. The Cowboys are pushing hard towards a top four berth while the Broncos are just about done in terms of the 2024 finals race. Adam Pages offers his best bets for the game!
2024 NRL Round 23 Preview & Betting Tips
North Queensland Cowboys vs Brisbane Broncos
Queensland Country Bank Stadium, Saturday 10th August, 5:30pm (AEST)
In a game where the Cowboys will honour the late Carl Webb, I can only assume coach Todd Payten will have this side emotionally charged and do the right thing by the recently deceased Webb, who lost his life earlier this year due to MND. The Cowboys are flying at the moment but I am not sure if Payten would have been too pleased with their effort against the Tigers last Thursday, winning 48-30. The Tigers were down to 12 men shortly after half time but defense pretty much went out the window, which is something that Payten prides himself on as coach. I suspect that will tighten right up, especially for a Queensland Derby against their great rivals.
I have no idea what has happened to the Brisbane Broncos in 2024. You can guess a number of things that has happened and the reason for their incredible downfall. Rewind last year, they had one hand on the premiership but lost it. Since then, they have gone backwards and for mine, there is a sense of ego and arrogance about some of the players even though there is nothing achieved and the trophy cabinet is empty. They have been horrendous the last couple of weeks and against sides which really, they should be beating, so how can you tip or back them with confidence, more so without Ezra Mam and Payne Haas, two of their brighter sparks.
Match Prediction: Normally, I'd say throw out the form guide when it comes to the Queensland Derby given they always (usually) aim up in these games, but how can you have any confidence in the Brisbane Broncos and their current form. Cowboys are the team with something to play for, in more ways than one, and should win comfortably.
Cowboys 13+
$2.50 (1 Unit)
Same Game Multi
Cowboys 13+: As stated above, I do think the Cowboys are going to win quite comfortably and I am confident they can win 13+.
Kyle Feldt 1+ Tries: Remarkable turnaround from the veteran winger. Once upon a time he was struggling to hold his spot in the team but he is more than holding his own and is scoring tries for fun in 2024. Suspect that will continue.
Murray Taulagi 1+ Tries: He has been quite good since not being selected for the Origin decider, whether it was via injury or form. His recent performances have been more than sound and I think the Broncos back line looks a bit on the weak side so I think he could have a night out.
SGM Odds: $4.50 at BoomBet
