Round 24 of the 2024 NRL Season continues on Saturday afternoon at Queensland Country Bank Stadium in Townsville when the North Queensland Cowboys host the in a game where the stakes are very important for the home team, who coughed up a win last week and will be looking to bounce back. Adam Page has you covered with a full betting preview for the clash!
NRL Round 24 Preview & Betting Tips
North Queensland Cowboys vs Canberra Raiders
Queensland Country Bank Stadium – Saturday 17th August – 5:30pm (AEST)
If you were on the Cowboys last weekend (I was), they were most disappointing, especially in the second half. They had a chance to go 24-6 at half time but coughed up a try of their own and conceded, going in 18-12, lost all momentum and lost their bundle in the second half. A win there and they were nearly a lock to finish top four, but that looks all but gone and now they are back with the pack for the eight, which they should make, but if they cough this game up too, then they are in big danger. Coach Todd Payten seems a hard task master and I have no doubt that this week would have been a brutal one on the training track given their loss to the Broncos and how they lost.
Speaking of sides that lost their bundle, that was the case with the Raiders last week vs Manly. They were right in the mix but gave up tries soon before/after half time, a couple of 50/50 calls didn't go their way and they just went right off the boil, allowing Manly to win and win well. They are in must win territory when it comes to the Finals race. A loss here and they are out for sure. This weekend though, they do get some key ins to their team and there is potential for Corey Horsborough to return to the side after a frustrating 2024 due to injury and form. He is the sort of player that can lead with actions and be inspiring for his teammates.
Match Prediction: Gee the Cowboys let me down last week. Looked like they would go into half time 24-6 up but it ended up being 18-12 and from there, they just didn't turn up in the second half against the Broncos. That's not them, I don't think, and I suspect Todd Payten would have given them a rocket up the backside this week. They should win.
North Queensland -5.5
$1.90 (1 Unit)
Same Game Multi
Over 50.5 Match Points: The weather forecast looks like it'll be warm, so fatigue will come into play early and the Canberra forward pack isn't as agile on paper vs that of the Cowboys pack. I think plenty of point will be scored.
Cowboys -5.5: As stated above, I do think the Cowboys will bounce back and win, especially with the carrot of top four and securing a top eight spot on the cards. If they do win, I am confident they cover the line.
SGM Odds: $3.20 at BoomBet
