NRL Round 22 action begins in Townsville this week with a blockbuster Top 8 showdown between the Cowboys and Roosters. Everything is on the line for these two sides and NRL fans will benefit as the quality of this contest is expected to be high. Time is running out for them to solidify a Finals spot and the outcome of this game will be important to their chances. Before You Bet is here to make sense of the contest with a detailed look ahead at this exciting match.
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 Roosters Predictions & Tips: NRL Round 22 2026
Still a fighting chance
Despite the doubt lingering, the Cowboys caused a home upset 18-10 over the Broncos. Forced to overcome their opponent’s dynamic power, the Cowboys did a terrific job of shutting their opponents out of the match. They overcame an inferior completion rate (74%) to average 10.2m per carry and create 5 line breaks. They still have areas to improve upon though; they missed 39 tackles and allowed their opponents to make more PCM’s over 80 minutes.
Hanging tough
The Roosters travelled to Newcastle and were spirited in their 23-22 road victory. Behind 10-6 at HT, they overcame their shortcomings and nailed a 77th minute FG to steal victory away from their opponents. It was a matter of being patient also as their lack of possession (47%), meant their completion rate (82%) was important. This saw them average 8.5m per carry and make 5 line breaks. They continually allowed chances to their opponents too with 39 missed tackles building pressure on their own line. If their opponents were at full-strength, it might have been a different story.
Stats that matter
- The Roosters have never lost in 4 games at this ground. The Cowboys win 54% of games played here.
- The Cowboys won their Round 11 match 18-12. In the past 5 games between these two sides, the average margin of victory is 14 points. They have been low scoring games though, with an average of 38 points.
- The Roosters have the better attacking and defensive record compared to their opponents. They score 24ppg and concede just 20ppg compared to the Cowboys 23ppg in attack and 24ppg in defence.
A thriller awaits
This game has all the hallmarks of an epic contest between two teams that will want to make a statement. Both are guilty of making mistakes in matches which have proven costly; the 2nd place standing of the Roosters suggests they are better at covering but that doesn’t mean that are not vulnerable at times. Their two most recent performance against understrength teams have left a lot to be desired from such a talented team. They face a similar circumstance this week but have their own injuries to overcome.
The Cowboys, without Dearden at halfback, will find it hard to overcome their opponents and build pressure over 80 minutes. That doesn’t mean that are not without a chance. The consensus is that they will be competitive and push their opponents, with the result likely to only be decided in the concluding 10 minutes. The loss of Mahoney does hurt the Cowboys; he offers stability through the middle and a strong defensive player; he is integral to their structure. His absence will force someone to complete the tackles which he absorbs. The Roosters have some injury concerns on an edge but nothing to the level whereby they will be impacted for 80 minutes. They are the preferred option in the head-to-head market but there is other value to be had. Given the competitiveness of this game and what each offered, it is likely that the margin of victory will be no greater than 10 points.
Either team by 10.5 points or less
$1.90 (2 units)
Cowboys vs Roosters Same Game Multi
Leg 1 = Total points under 45.5 – see above for justification.
Leg 2 = Taulagi to score – he has a great strike rate at this ground with 6 tries in his past 5 games here. Returning to his best, Taulagi will be a threat on both the ground and in the air, wanting to make a case for representative selection at the end of the season.
Leg 3 = Luki to score – to add value, you must include Luke. He too has a good record at this ground with 3 tries in his past 5 games here. He also returned to form with a try last week.
Cowboys vs Roosters Betting Odds & Match Info
Date: Thursday 30th July
Location: Queensland Country Bank Stadium, Townsville
Time: 7:50pm (AEST)
Odds: Cowboys $2.55 vs Roosters $1.52
Line: +5.5
Points: 45.5
Where to Watch Cowboys vs Roosters
Watch the Cowboys vs Roosters 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.
