NRL Super Saturday is reduced this week, but the lack of games won’t hamper the quality on offer. Kicking off later, the Dolphins travel north to face their Queensland rivals in the Cowboys. Separated only by points difference on the competition ladder, this is set to be an action-packed encounter from start to finish. Before You Bet is here to preview this exhilarating contest with the aim of finding you a winner or two to add to your enjoyment.
Also, Before You Bet will be providing free previews and betting tips for EVERY game in the 2026 NRL season, so make sure to head over to our NRL Tips regularly to keep up to date with all of our free content.
Cowboys vs Dolphins Predictions & Tips: NRL Round 14 2026
Still below their best
Coming off a victory at home and with some players returning to their squad, the thought was that the Cowboys would be competitive on the road against the Raiders. They were at times to start the match, but it became evident the longer the match went on that they were out of their depth. With just 49% possession and a 76% completion rate, they struggled to find momentum. They made 8.9m per carry and had 4 line breaks but were beaten elsewhere. Their defence was poor; they missed 52 tackles, allowed 7 line breaks, conceded 651 PCM’s, and had their opponents make 10.5m per carry. While it’s a tough road trip for any team at the best of times, a higher standard was expected from the Cowboys, but they have against failed to reach their potential.
Slowly climbing up the ladder
If you ever wanted a form line for a match, the Dolphins travelled down to Canberra in Round 12 and left with a 30-22 road victory. Despite both teams missing key players to Origin duty, many thought the visitors would struggle. That wasn’t the case as they managed to be slightly better in more key areas than their opponents to prevail. This included possession (53%), completion rate (79%), metres per carry (9.8m), PCM’s (583), and line breaks (7). On top of that, they were rigid defensively, allowing just 8.9m per carry, 4 line breaks, and missing just 23 tackles. It was a sign that this team is capable, and similar performances should solidify them as a Top 8 team.
Stats that matter
- The Dolphins have won their past 3 against the Cowboys, 2 of which have come at this ground, giving them a 100% strike rate here. The Cowboys win 54% of matches at home.
- Of the past 5 matches, only one has been decided by fewer than 19 points. Blowout victories have seen the average margin sit at 24.8 points. They’ve also been high scoring matches, with the average total points sitting at 57.6 points.
- The Dolphins are the superior side in 2026 on both sides of the ball. They score an average of 26ppg in attack and concede just 21ppg defensively. The Cowboys score 25ppg and concede 24ppg.
Class beats hope in this game
Throughout 2026, the Dolphins have proven their worth. They are a team to be taken seriously and their recent road victory over the Raiders demonstrates their maturity and development as a squad. Unfortunately for the Cowboys, despite similar efforts, they are lacking an edge which makes them competitive. Perhaps the absence of Dearden impacts their attack enough to create confusion, or it is a defensive structure that can be exposed when pressured; regardless, they are behind their opponents in this game. In positive news for both sides, a host of Origin stars return. The Dolphins are further boosted by the return of Farnworth and Nikorima to their team, further enhancing their chances of winning this contest. As it appears the road trip to Townsville will hold no limitations to the Dolphins, their form suggests that while they will have to work hard for the victory over 80 minutes, they are in prime position to keep their winning streak at this ground alive. The Cowboys need to shut down their numerous attacking weapons and while capable to some extent, executing to this level for 80 minutes does appear to be beyond them unless there has been a recent major shift in attitude. In the end, the Dolphins can win by a small or large margin but rather than invest that way, the preferred option is for them to cover the line.
Dolphins -4.5
$1.90 (1.5 units)
Cowboys vs Dolphins Same Game Multi
Leg 1 = Total points over 54.5 – see above for justification.
Leg 2 = Bostock to score – he didn’t cross the tryline last week but still has 7 tries in his past 5 matches. Scoring 4 the last time he played the Cowboys, Bostock’s confidence will be high as he pushes his case for inclusion in an Origin team.
Leg 3 = Cobbo to score – on the other side of the field is Cobbo, a man in form with 5 tries from as many matches. He too fancies himself against the Cowboys, scoring twice in recent matches and a try in each of his visits to this ground.
Cowboys vs Dolphins Betting Odds & Match Info
Date: Saturday 6th June
Location: Queensland Country Bank Stadium, Townsville
Time: 5:30pm (AEST)
Odds: Cowboys $2.35 vs Dolphins $1.60
Line: +4.5
Points: 54.5
Where to Watch Cowboys vs Dolphins
Watch the Cowboys vs Dolphins match live and ad free on Kayo Sports.
Tail our 2026 NRL Tips at Dabble!
Not familiar with Dabble or want to learn more? Check out our full Dabble review here, or by clicking the banner below.
