Cowboys vs Dragons Prediction: Cowboys to get back in the saddle

Time is running out for both the Queensland Cowboys and St George Illawarra Dragons if they are to finish in the top eight in the NRL this season, meaning it’s a must-win game for these sides when they meet on Friday morning (09:00, Watch NRL) at Queensland Country Bank Stadium.

Alex Jack provides his best bets in his Cowboys vs Dragons prediction piece, as well as all the essential team news and match odds for the clash in Townsville.

Team News

The Cowboys go with a pack of Reuben Cotter, Jeremiah Nanai, John Bateman, Griffin Neame, Reece Robson and Harrison Edwards.

In the backs, the hosts have selected Tom Dearden, Thomas Duffy, Braidon Burns, Zac Laybutt, Jaxon Purdue, Robert Derby and Scott Drinkwater.

As for the Dragons, Jack De Belin, Jaydn Su’A, Luciano Leilua, David Klemmer, Damien Cook and Emre Guler start in the pack.

Kyle Flanagan, Lyhkan King-Togia, Corey Allan, Mathew Feagai, Moses Suli, Tyrell Sloan and Clinton Gutherson start from the off in the backline.

Cowboys vs Dragons Odds

The Cowboys are the 8/13 favourites to get the job done on home soil, while the Dragons are 7/5 underdogs to come away from Townsville with the spoils.

A draw is available at 18/1, while the Cowboys to be leading at half-time and full-time is 11/10.

Cowboys -6 handicap @ 11/10

The table doesn’t lie and both these teams are in unsurprisingly poor form as they prepare to face off in Townsville this week.

North Queensland have won just one of their past seven matches, while the Dragons have won one of their past six.

With both teams in shocking form, it’s better to look at the head-to-head record between them and it doesn’t take long to discover who is the dominant force in this fixture.

The Cowboys have won all of the last five meetings with the Dragons, who have won only three of their past 15 matches at Queensland venues.

Clearly this state is not a happy hunting ground for the Dragons and the Cowboys, boosted by the return of England international Bateman to the pack, look to be good value to not only win on Friday but cover the handicap too.

Under 49.5 total points @ 10/11

Given the form of these teams and the pressure riding on this game to try and narrow the gap on the top eight, it’s hard to expect a free-flowing game of rugby.

With rain also expected in Townsville on Friday, a wet ball will make life difficult for both in attack.

That’s why going for the under on 49.5 total points at Queensland Country Bank Stadium appeals.

You can read all our latest Rugby League Betting Tips at our dedicated Betfred Insights Rugby League content hub