A cracking game of Rugby League awaits on Saturday afternoon, as the Sea Eagles head to Townsville looking to bounce back after a tough loss last weekend to the Sharks. They take on a vastly improved Cowboys team, who took the Panthers to a Golden Point draw last week, and currently occupy 6th place on the ladder. Two very even teams, this should be a tight contest.
Ben brings you his preview, best bet, and Same Game Multi below, with odds courtesy of Ladbrokes. If you don’t already have an account, you can join Ladbrokes via this link to follow our expert NRL tips across the 2025 season.
North Queensland Cowboys vs Manly Sea Eagles
Location: Queensland Country Bank Stadium – Townsville
Date: Saturday, 17th May
Time: 5:30pm AEST
Odds: Cowboys ($1.72) vs Sea Eagles ($2.15)
Line: Cowboys (-2.5)
Points: 51.5
Match Preview
The Cowboys are coming off a cracking contest against the Panthers, and despite the whinging from Head Coach Tood Payten, I think most people would agree that game deserved to end in a draw. The Cowboys trailed 30-18 with just 9 minutes left, but some inspired play by young star Jaxon Purdue saw the Cowboys score two late converted tries to send the game to extra time. Whilst 42 missed tackles and 16 errors would have drawn the ire of Payten, the Cowboys attack is lethal, and they have the chance to beat any team on their day.
The Sea Eagles came into last weekend’s matchup with the Sharks off their bye, and they looked lethargic from the get-go. There are rumours swirling that halfback Daly Cherry-Evans has divided the locker room, and another poor showing this week could truly derail the Sea Eagles’ season. Despite trailing 14-0 at the half, the Sea Eagles rallied early in the second half last week, scoring two unanswered tries to level the scores at 14-apiece, however they conceded three tries in 10 minutes to allow the Sharks to run away with the game in the end, winning 30-14.
These teams met back in round 1, however quite a lot has changed since then. The Sea Eagles closed 7.5-point home favourites, with the total set at 46.5. Manly were absolutely dominant, scoring 42 unanswered points in the opening 56 minutes, before allowing two late consolation tries to run out 42-12 winners. Tom Trbojevic was electric, setting up two tries and three-line breaks, whilst also breaking the line once himself and busting 8 tackles. Turbo has been a little underwhelming since his return from injury, and the Sea Eagles need their superstar fullback back to his best this week.
This week, the Cowboys opened 2.5-point favourites at home. Whilst the number is still 2.5, Manly money has come in, however I would be surprised if the number went down to 1.5 here. I make the Cowboys 3.5-point favourites, so unless this goes to 1.5, I won’t be having a big bet on the side here, however I do like the Cowboys to cover. They are in better form, and at home, and I don’t like what I’m seeing and hearing from Manly at the moment.
The total opened 50.5 where it has stood all week. My number is smack bang on 50.5, and I see no value here in the total.
Only a small play in this one, taking the Cowboys to cover the small spread here.
Cowboys (-2.5)
$1.95 (1 Unit)
Same Game Multi
Throughout the 2025 NRL season we’ll be putting together a fun same game multi for every match at BoomBet using their BetShare feature.
To follow our multi, just click on the BoomBet BetShare button below and our same game multi selections will be added straight into your bet slip on BoomBet. You can then enter how much you wish to wager, and with a single click, your bet has been placed!
Leg 1: Cowboys ML – See above.
Leg 2: R Derby (1+ try) –Derby has four tries in his last two games and appears to be a real finisher for the Cowboys. With Scott Drinkwater having the ball on a string, I love this play.
Leg 3: T Koula (1+ try) – The Cowboys right edge is leaking like a sieve, and with three tries in two games, Koula fits the bill here.
SGM Odds: $7.00 at BoomBet
