Penrith Panthers vs North Queensland Cowboys Predictions: Cowboys no match for prolific Panthers

Penrith Stadium is one of the toughest places to go to in the NRL and North Queensland Cowboys will be the next team to run the gauntlet when they take on the Panthers on Sunday morning (07:05).

Having not won at Penrith Stadium since 2016, this hasn't been a happy hunting ground for the visitors in recent years and as per my Penrith Panthers vs North Queensland Cowboys predictions it’s hard to see their fortunes changing on the road this weekend.

Penrith Panthers vs North Queensland Cowboys Odds

Unsurprisingly, reigning NRL champions Penrith are 1/4 favourites to win on Sunday morning, with North Queensland at 3/1 to pull off a shock victory.

A draw in this one is 22/1, while over 46.5 total points in the game is available at 10/11.

Team News

Panthers head coach Ivan Cleary has made a host of changes ahead of this game, with skipper Isaah Yep now the only State of Origin representative set to feature for the hosts.

Dylan Edwards, Casey McLean, Jarome Luai and Liam Martin are all set to be rested for this game, with Daine Laurie, Casey McLean, Brad Scheider and Liam Henry coming into the fold.

After recovering from respective quad injuries, Mitch Kenny and Jack Cole are both back in the side.

As for the Cowboys, all of their Origin stars will be rested for the trip to Penrith Stadium.

Jeremiah Nanai, Murray Taulagi, Reece Robson, Reuben Cotter, Tom Dearden and Valentine Holmes will be watching from the sidelines, while Jordan McLean returns from a calf injury to play.

Panthers -12 @ 20/21

With 14 wins in their last 16 games at home, the Panthers have made Penrith Stadium a real fortress in recent years.

The Cowboys know just how tough it is to win at this venue, having not won there in the last eight years.

It’s hard to see that winless run at this ground coming to an end and title-chasing Penrith should have the better strength in depth to cope without their Origin stars.

Overcoming the -12 handicap looks achievable here and the Panthers can win to keep the pressure on frontrunners Melbourne Storm at the top of the table.

Panthers to win both halves @ 21/20

Given the Panthers are expected to dominate proceedings on Sunday morning, they are good value to be the highest scorers in both halves.

Penrith have the ability to take games away from the opposition in the opening 40 and in the second half, they can pull away from a Cowboys side that might feel the absence of their Origin stars a little more than the Panthers.