Gold Coast Titans v North Queensland Cowboys
Saturday, March 25, 9pm (AEDT), Cbus Super Stadium, Gold Coast
The Cowboys were embarrassed by the Sea Eagles in Round 3 and will be looking to bounce back against the gritty Titans. There’s no question that the Cowboys forward pack was exposed, missing the likes of Matt Scott and Jason Taumalolo, and you can expect the Titans to play this one through the middle.
History
The Cowboys have won three straight over the Titans, while the Titans have won 4 of the last 5 matches against the Cowboys at Cbus Super Stadium. The Cowboys ran out 32-16 winners in Round 26 last year, with Gavin Copper crossing for a double.
The Cowboys have won three straight over the Titans, while the Titans have won 4 of the last 5 matches against the Cowboys at Cbus Super Stadium. The Cowboys ran out 32-16 winners in Round 26 last year, with Gavin Copper crossing for a double.
Form
Gold Coast could not have opened the season up in worse fashion conceding 34 in losses to both the Sydney Roosters at home and Newcastle away. They bounced back in fine style last weekend though with a strong home win over Parramatta 26-14. The Titans trailed 12-0 but a sharp improvement in defence proved critical. North Queensland have been the big disappointments early in the season despite a 2-1 record. Golden point victories over Canberra and Brisbane highlighted the Cowboys’ struggles in attack and it showed in an embarrassing home 30-8 loss to lowly Manly in one of North Queensland’s most horrid recent performances.
Gold Coast could not have opened the season up in worse fashion conceding 34 in losses to both the Sydney Roosters at home and Newcastle away. They bounced back in fine style last weekend though with a strong home win over Parramatta 26-14. The Titans trailed 12-0 but a sharp improvement in defence proved critical. North Queensland have been the big disappointments early in the season despite a 2-1 record. Golden point victories over Canberra and Brisbane highlighted the Cowboys’ struggles in attack and it showed in an embarrassing home 30-8 loss to lowly Manly in one of North Queensland’s most horrid recent performances.
Key Matchup
Ashley Taylor v Johnathan Thurston. Taylor has made an impressive start to the 2017 season, with 7 try-assists already under his belt. He’s taken on added responsibility as Kane Elgey finds his feet after his ACL injury. Thurston couldn’t get much going in the loss to the Sea Eagles last week as his forward pack struggled to lay a platform for him. He’ll be looking for a bounce back match here.
Ashley Taylor v Johnathan Thurston. Taylor has made an impressive start to the 2017 season, with 7 try-assists already under his belt. He’s taken on added responsibility as Kane Elgey finds his feet after his ACL injury. Thurston couldn’t get much going in the loss to the Sea Eagles last week as his forward pack struggled to lay a platform for him. He’ll be looking for a bounce back match here.
Stats That Matter
Gold Coast are 1-2 ATS with a 2-1 over record while North Queensland are 1-2 ATS with 2-1 under number. The Cowboys have won three straight against the Titans by 18-plus but the Gold Coast have won the last three home matches between the two sides. Home underdogs of 4-plus in Rounds 1-4 since 2008 are 39-10 ATS. The Titans have covered 16 of their last 25 as a home underdog. Home underdogs in the first four rounds of the year cover at 66%.
Gold Coast are 1-2 ATS with a 2-1 over record while North Queensland are 1-2 ATS with 2-1 under number. The Cowboys have won three straight against the Titans by 18-plus but the Gold Coast have won the last three home matches between the two sides. Home underdogs of 4-plus in Rounds 1-4 since 2008 are 39-10 ATS. The Titans have covered 16 of their last 25 as a home underdog. Home underdogs in the first four rounds of the year cover at 66%.
Final Thoughts
The Wolf saw enough weaknesses in the Cowboys pack last week to think that the Titans can get the job done here. Taumalolo’s suspension is a massive blow to the Cowboys and the Titans have one of the more underrated packs in the competition. Ash Taylor is on fire and the absence of Jarryd Hayne doesn’t seem to have had an impact.
The Wolf saw enough weaknesses in the Cowboys pack last week to think that the Titans can get the job done here. Taumalolo’s suspension is a massive blow to the Cowboys and the Titans have one of the more underrated packs in the competition. Ash Taylor is on fire and the absence of Jarryd Hayne doesn’t seem to have had an impact.
How It’s Shaping Up
Gold Coast by 2
Gold Coast by 2
Best BetGold Coast +3.5 ($1.90)
Other Recommended Bets
Gold Coast 1-12 ($3.75)
Gold Coast 1-12 ($3.75)
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