It is an NRL Friday Night feast in Queensland this Friday with both games taking place in the sunshine state. The opening game begins in Townsville as two battling sides in the Cowboys and Dragons face off against one another. A win for either team is vital in helping them maintain contact with the Top 8 and it ensures an exhilarating contest ahead. Before You Bet is here to add to your viewing enjoyment by taking a closer look at the game with the aim of finding you a winner.
Cowboys vs Dragons Predictions & Tips: NRL Round 21
Struggling Cowboys
The Cowboys were comprehensively defeated 43-24 by the Dolphins with the game all but over as their trailed 24-6 at HT. The class between the two sides was evident; the Cowboys couldn’t build pressure and were poor defensively. They missed 25 tackles, allowed 10 line breaks and conceded 10.7m per carry. A much better effort is needed from numerous areas in this squad.
Unlucky Dragons still spirited
The Dragons again tried hard against the Bulldogs but were defeated 20-18 in the closing stages. It was another heartbreaking loss for a team which appears to be trying hard to win matches. Overcoming a 16-8 HT deficit, the Dragons had their chances and maintained this via an 89% completion rate. They unfortunately allowed too many chances to their opponents (9.5m per carry – 6 line breaks) and are left sitting outside the Top 8.
Stats that matter
- The Cowboys have won the past 5 against the Dragons. The average margin of victory is 19.8 points, with the lowest being a 12-point win.
- The Dragons struggle at this ground with just 1 win here from 4 attempts (25%). The Cowboys have a 52% strike rate at home.
- The Dragons have an edge over their opponents on both sides of the ball. They score 21ppg and concede 25ppg compared to the Cowboys 20ppg in attack and 29ppg in defence.
The Dragons are edging closer to a victory
Despite being outsiders and winning just 1 of their past 6 matches, there is a sense that the Dragons could cause an upset here. The Cowboys are inconsistent and while they have a talented squad of players, they will provide several opportunities to their opponents. The fact that the Dragons have performed better this season in both attack and defence should indicate that the odds should be closer. There is also an argument that the visitors have a team with stronger players, given the injuries suffered by their opponents. Confidence is low in this game; however, for the sake of making a selection, greater value is on offer for the visitors to win this match with a higher level of evidence (their record at this ground aside).
Dragons to Win
$2.40 (1 unit)
Cowboys vs Dragons Same Game Multi
Leg 1 = Either Team by 10 Points or Less – this should be a tight contest and if you cannot land on a winner, then this is the option which you should include in your SGM to drive up your value.
Leg 2 = Dearden to score – he has been on fire this season and has gone to another level since Origin. Dearden also likes playing the Dragons, scoring 3 tries in the past 2 matches against them.
Leg 3 = Sloan to score – leading the Dragons this season with 13 tries, Sloan has also scored 4 tries in the past 3 weeks. He manages to put himself in the right position and will again be aiming to do this.
Cowboys vs Dragons Betting Odds & Match Info
Location: Queensland Country Bank Stadium, Townsville
Odds: Cowboys $1.58 vs Dragons $2.40
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Where to Watch Cowboys vs Dragons
Watch the Cowboys vs Dragons match live and ad free on Kayo Sports.
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