The second game on NRL Saturday heads to Kogarah for the first home game this season for the Dragons. Fans of this club are bound to be out in force following an indifferent start to the season and they will have a tough test against the Cowboys. Each team has shown passages of positive play this season and will want to build on their current standing on the ladder.
With the sun setting on this beautiful ground, Before You Bet will aim to add to your enjoyment by finding a winner or two with a detailed look at the NRL action ahead.
Also, if you’re new to sports betting or betting on the NRL, check out the following articles to help build your knowledge:
- Guide to Betting on the NRL
- Where to Bet on the NRL
- Factors to Consider When Betting on the NRL
2024 NRL Round 3 Preview & Betting Tips
St George-Illawarra Dragons vs North Queensland Cowboys
Netstrata Jubilee Stadium – Saturday 23rd March – 5:30pm (AEST)
Match Preview
The Dragons came crashing back to earth following a dominant display in Round 1, with a 38-nil flogging by the Dolphins giving them a reality check. Hopes were high that they could continue their flying form but two tries inside 10 minutes changed that narrative. They did well to only head to the break down 10-nil but it was one-way traffic in the second half as they conceded 5 tries. It was always going to be difficult for them to compete with a lesser share of possession (48%) and inferior completion rate (74%). Averaging just 7.8m per carry compared with their opponents 9.9m also took its toll, as did conceding 7 total line breaks. They will need to be better here.
The Cowboys remained undefeated but did it the hard way, prevailing in Golden Point against the Knights at home. Kept scoreless in the first half and trailing 12-nil at the break, the Cowboys scored 4 second half tries and only lead the match once the game was over. Their ball control was poor compared to last week; they completed at just 71% and made 15 errors. This meant their opportunities were limited. When they built pressure, they were difficult for their opponents to stop.
Match Prediction
Most are overlooking the fact that the Cowboys have won just 2 games in 9 attempts (22% vs Dragons 59%) at this ground. Otherwise, the odds would be far closer than they are ($2.70 vs $1.47). The Dragons were woeful last week and despite an expected improvement, the form line running through the Dolphins is too much to overlook. Combine that with a short turnaround from a match last Sunday and the Dragons are perhaps under the odds in this contest. They will also be without their regular hooker (Liddle – injured) and have called their third-string player up to fill the void.
Inability to control the ruck speed could be an issue for the home team against a fast team like the Cowboys. History shows that it could get ugly too; the Cowboys have won 4 out of the past 5 games against the Dragons, with 3 of those results being by 19 or more points. Rather than go large, stick to the safer option this early in the season. There is every chance that an inconsistent team like the Dragons, returning for their first home game of the season, could push their opponents. Be wary of each side and keep your investment low. There are other, better options this weekend.
Cowboys -6.5
$1.90 (1.5 Units)
