The Finals are approaching fast and the opening match of NRL Round 23 is a Queensland Derby as the Titans host the Cowboys. With both teams sitting outside the Top 8, many may overlook this contest. There is no doubt that each possesses a strong attacking unit on their day, and this game is about building enough momentum to have it ‘click’. If it does, NRL fans will be delighted with what is delivered. Before You Bet is here to take a deeper look at how this game will play out with the aim of finding you a winner or two to add to your enjoyment.
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Titans vs Cowboys Predictions & Tips: NRL Round 23 2026
Back to reality
Just as the Titans were beginning to demonstrate that they were heading in the right direction ahead of the 2027 preseason, they were handed a dose of reality in their 42-6 home loss to the Warriors. Outplayed in every area, they could do little to halt the point scoring momentum of their opponents. In the end, they managed just one try, had a 42% share of possession and completed at just 67%. They were horrendously bad defensively; they allowed 10.6m per carry, 774 PCM’s, and missed 48 tackles. As their improvement is halted, they must go back to what worked for them in previous weeks.
A club embarrassment
It was a history-making night to forget for the Cowboys as they were defeated 82-12 at home by the Roosters. Conceding 14 tries, the Cowboys were left confused as their opponents continually ran through them. With just 38% possession, they completed at 68% and failed to develop any pressure in the middle. They were horrible defensively, missing 41 tackles, allowing 11.1m per carry, and conceding 679 PCM’s. This performance should be forgotten as their Finals hopes hang in the balance and they focus their mindset to things they can change.
Stats that matter
- These two sides met back in Round 3 with the Cowboys prevailing 30-16. That win means the Cowboys have won 7 of the past 10 matches between these two sides. Despite having a poor record at home, the Titans are still slightly better than the Cowboys at this ground (43% vs 41%).
- Despite 2 of the past 5 games being decided by 6 points or less, the average margin of victory is 13.4 points. They have been high scoring games too, with an average of 54.6 points scored.
- The Cowboys have a better record in attack this season (19ppg vs 22ppg) but the Titans have an edge defensively (26ppg vs 27ppg). There is now doubt last week’s loss impacted this statistic.
Welcome to Bizzaro World
In what world does a team, which was defeated 82-12 a week prior, enter the following game as a favourite? Welcome to the 2026 NRL! The Cowboys are listed as favourites for this game as both teams face their injury issues. In a major blow for the Titans, Harrison is ruled out at halfback and replaced by Ilias. The Cowboys are still missing Mahoney and have Nanai now sidelined. These two sides are far closer than the odds suggest. While a large ‘bounce back’ is expected from a talented Cowboys team, the same can be said of the Titans.
Confidence in both teams are low; each can win this game on their day, and the resurgence of the Titans recently has been somewhat overlooked. They will be competitive in this fixture and with the Cowboys still missing Dearden, their attacking spark might also be absent.
It is probably best to avoid this game altogether if you can; there is a slight lean towards the Cowboys in a head-to-head market but that is only because they’re fighting for a spot in the Finals. If they’re worth the contracts they’re paid, this squad of players must step up. As for an investment, history shows that this will be a high scoring contest and there is nothing to suggest that this will be avoided in this contest.
Total points over 48.5
$1.90 (2 Units)
Titans vs Cowboys Same Game Multi
Leg 1 = Either team by 12.5 points or less – a win to either team wouldn’t shock and given the line is set below a try, most are expecting this game to be a narrow contest.
Leg 2 = Laybutt to score – despite failing to score in his past 5 NRL matches, Laybutt enjoys playing the Titans. He has scored 2 tries in as many matches, with one coming at this ground.
Leg 3 = Sami to score – He is chasing a club record at the momentum and after going tryless last week, Sami will be desperate to return to form. He thrives at this ground with 5 tries from his past 5 games here while also scoring 2 against the Cowboys from 5 games played.
Titans vs Cowboys Betting Odds & Match Info
Date: Thursday 6th August
Location: Cbus Super Stadium, Gold Coast
Time: 7:50pm (AEST)
Odds: Titans $2.25 vs Cowboys $1.65
Line: +3.5
Points: 48.5
Where to Watch Titans vs Cowboys
Watch the Titans vs Cowboys match live and ad free on Kayo Sports.
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