North Queensland Cowboys vs Wests Tigers Predictions: Hosts to take down toothless Tigers

North Queensland Cowboys’ Todd Payton will reach the milestone of 100 games as a head coach in the NRL on Friday morning and his side can help him celebrate the landmark match with victory over Wests Tigers (09:00 kick-off).

The Cowboys have been far from formidable at Queensland Country Bank Stadium with just two wins in their last six games on home soil.

However, the hosts should be able to improve that record this week against a Tigers side who head into this match on a six-game losing streak. Below you can find my North Queensland Cowboys vs Wests Tigers prediction, as well as the latest odds and team news.

Team News

Kyle Feldt makes a welcome return from an ankle injury to the backline, meaning Braidon Burns drops out as just the one change to the Cowboys team who overcame South Sydney Rabbitohs last time out.

As for the Tigers, former Wigan Warriors forward John Bateman is sidelined with a pectoral injury, while centre duo Brent Naden and Justin Olam are suspended for this game after dangerous contact charges following a 24-12 defeat to the Dolphins.

Justin Matamua comes into the second row, with Alex Twal dropping down to the bench.

Declan Casey and Josh Feledy step up and fill the void in the centres following suspensions for Naden and Olam.

North Queensland Cowboys vs Wests Tigers Odds

North Queensland Cowboys are the firm favourites at 1/5 - or a 83.3% chance - to claim a home triumph, while Wests Tigers are 18/5 to spring a major surprise at Queensland Country Bank Stadium.

A draw on Friday is currently 25/1, while over 48.5 total points in the match is available at 5/6.

North Queensland Cowboys -20.5 handicap @ 13/8

A six-game losing streak for the Tigers does not make great reading going into their tricky trip to Townsville this week.

Scoring points has been a major issue for the Tigers and that is why it could pay to look to the Cowboys to overcome a -20.5 handicap in this one.

The Tigers have scored over 17 points in a match only once this season, which is surprising considering what an attacking threat their head coach Benji Marshall used to be during his NRL playing career.

With the toothless Tigers struggling to open up defences and taking into account their absentee list due to injuries and suspensions, backing the Cowboys to cover the spread looks the way to go.

North Queensland Cowboys to win both halves @ 10/11

Expect the Cowboys to hit the ground running and try to crush any hope the Tigers may have of coming away from Townsville with a victory.

The Cowboys won both halves in a 28-22 victory away to South Sydney Rabbitohs in their last road outing and they can repeat the feat this week on their own patch.

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