An intriguing battle looms as the sandwich game on Saturday during Magic Round, as the Warriors take a home game to Brisbane to take on the Cowboys. With the Warriors having won five of six, and the Cowboys on a four-game winning streak, two seriously in form teams will be battling it out. Should be a cracking game of football.
Also, don’t forget to head to our NRL tips page for more previews, analysis and betting tips for every NRL match of every round!
New Zealand Warriors vs North Queensland Cowboys
Location: Suncorp Stadium - Brisbane
Date: Saturday, 3rd May
Time: 5:30pm AEST
Odds: Warriors ($2.00) vs Cowboys ($1.82)
Line: Cowboys -1.5
Points: 47.5
Odds and lines provided with thanks to Ladbrokes. Note that odds and lines can fluctuate throughout the week and are correct at the time of writing.
Match Preview
The Warriors took a home game to Christchurch last week, hosting the Knights on ANZAC Day. The Warriors were the dominant team throughout, leading 26-6 with just three minutes left, before the Knights scored a late consolation try to see the score finish 26-12. The Warriors continue to dominate teams through the middle, running for 225 metres more than the Knights, whilst making 7-line breaks to 3 and popping 13 offloads to 10.
The Cowboys, meanwhile, struggled out of the gate against the Titans last week, trailing 18-6 after half an hour. A try before halftime got them back into the game, before they turned on the after burners in the second half, scoring seven unanswered tries to hammer the Titans 50-18. Robert Derby had three tries, whilst Scott Drinkwater set up two, and Tom Dearden had an insane five try assists. An absolutely dominant performance.
These teams met jus the once last season, with the Cowboys hosting the Warriors in round 14 in Townsville. The Cowboys closed 2.5-point home favourites, with the total closing 50.5. The Warriors shot out of the gates, leading 22-0 after 35 minutes, running away with the game 42-12. It should be noted that the game happened after Origin, so several of the Cowboys didn’t play, and ones that did back up struggled. Still, a massive win for the Warriors.
Looking forward to this game, and the Cowboys opened short 0.5-point favourites on this neutral field, with the number now sitting at -1.5 for the Cowboys. I make the spread a pick em’, which is essentially what this spread says. The Cowboys have certainly shown more flare, and I wouldn’t be surprised if this moved to the other side of 2, either way though I don’t see enough value in the spread.
The total opened 48.5 and has been bet down to 46.5. I make a fair total 43.5, so I believe there is still some meat on the bone for the under here. Whilst there is the concern the Cowboys turn it on in attack and blow this total out of the water by themselves, I like the Warriors middles to keep this tight for the most part. Not a huge play, but the total going under is my favourite play here.
Under 46.5 points
$1.90 (1.5 Units)
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 – Cowboys should get the job done, with the Warriors not as good on the road as they are in NZ.
Leg 2: L Halasima (1+ try) – Didn’t score last week, but this kid just oozes talent and is every chance to score. Named on the bench, which pushes his price out, but started last week and I wouldn’t be surprised if he did again this week.
Leg 3: M Taulagi (1+ try) – The Cowboys’ left edge has been dominant this season, with Purdue and Taulagi running riot out there. Six tries in seven games, Taulagi just keeps producing.
SGM Odds: $12.00 at BoomBet
