North Queensland Cowboys v Wests Tigers
Saturday, April 8, 7:30pm (AEST), 1300SMILES Stadium, Townsville
It was another busy week in Tigertown, with the announcement of Ivan Cleary as the new Tigers coach. He’ll have a difficult first-up assignment against the Cowboys in Townsville and he could be left wondering why he signed on the dotted line. The Cowboys have suffered a massive blow in the lead-up to this clash, with hooker Jake Granville ruled out for six weeks with a fractured leg. The Tigers have named a similar side to the one which lost to the Dragons last week, with Jacob Liddle coming onto the bench to replace the injured Matt Ballin.
History
The Tigers have won 8 of their last 12 against the Cowboys, but North Queensland have won the last three in Townsville by margins of 13, 28 and 58. The Tigers will have painful memories of their last trip to Townsville, where they left with their tails between their legs on the end of a 64-6 thumping. Matthew Wright scored a hat-trick, while three players (Tautau Moga, Antonio Winterstein and Jason Taumalolo) scored doubles. The Tigers did win last year’s clash 26-14 at Leichhardt Oval, but Townsville is a completely different proposition.
The Tigers have won 8 of their last 12 against the Cowboys, but North Queensland have won the last three in Townsville by margins of 13, 28 and 58. The Tigers will have painful memories of their last trip to Townsville, where they left with their tails between their legs on the end of a 64-6 thumping. Matthew Wright scored a hat-trick, while three players (Tautau Moga, Antonio Winterstein and Jason Taumalolo) scored doubles. The Tigers did win last year’s clash 26-14 at Leichhardt Oval, but Townsville is a completely different proposition.
Form
North Queensland have bounced back from their home embarrassment to Manly with wins at the Gold Coast and at home to South Sydney. The Cowboys have mixed performances all year but have yet to provide a complete showing. After winning in Round 1, the Wests Tigers have been appalling in dropping four straight, scoring more than six points just once over that time. Their 1-4 record has them last on the premiership ladder.
North Queensland have bounced back from their home embarrassment to Manly with wins at the Gold Coast and at home to South Sydney. The Cowboys have mixed performances all year but have yet to provide a complete showing. After winning in Round 1, the Wests Tigers have been appalling in dropping four straight, scoring more than six points just once over that time. Their 1-4 record has them last on the premiership ladder.
Key Matchup
Michael Morgan v Mitchell Moses. Johnathan Thurston isn’t going to be around forever and it’s time for Morgan to stamp more of his authority on games. He made two line-breaks and scored a try in last week’s win over the Rabbitohs and is set for a big game against the Tigers. The pressure continues to build on Moses while he demands outrageous money on the open market. He needs to start delivering on the field like he did at the end of 2016 if the Tigers are to compete here. Another poor performance from Moses and his asking price drops again. How will he handle the pressure in Townsville?
Michael Morgan v Mitchell Moses. Johnathan Thurston isn’t going to be around forever and it’s time for Morgan to stamp more of his authority on games. He made two line-breaks and scored a try in last week’s win over the Rabbitohs and is set for a big game against the Tigers. The pressure continues to build on Moses while he demands outrageous money on the open market. He needs to start delivering on the field like he did at the end of 2016 if the Tigers are to compete here. Another poor performance from Moses and his asking price drops again. How will he handle the pressure in Townsville?
Stats That Matter
North Queensland are 3-2 ATS with a 3-2 under record while the Wests Tigers are 1-4 ATS with a 3-2 under number. The Tigers have won 8 of their last 12 against the Cowboys but North Queensland have won the last three in Townsville by margins of 13, 28 and 58. North Queensland are 8-4 ATS with a 7-5 over record when favoured by double digits at home.
North Queensland are 3-2 ATS with a 3-2 under record while the Wests Tigers are 1-4 ATS with a 3-2 under number. The Tigers have won 8 of their last 12 against the Cowboys but North Queensland have won the last three in Townsville by margins of 13, 28 and 58. North Queensland are 8-4 ATS with a 7-5 over record when favoured by double digits at home.
Final Thoughts
It’s impossible to back against the Cowboys, but the Tigers will come out determined for at least the first half as plenty of the squad will be playing for contracts beyond this year, with new coach Cleary at the helm. The loss of Granville is a blow, but Thurston and Taumalolo should have a night out here once the Tigers drop their heads.
It’s impossible to back against the Cowboys, but the Tigers will come out determined for at least the first half as plenty of the squad will be playing for contracts beyond this year, with new coach Cleary at the helm. The loss of Granville is a blow, but Thurston and Taumalolo should have a night out here once the Tigers drop their heads.
How It’s Shaping Up
North Queensland by 18
North Queensland by 18
Best Bet
North Queensland 13+ ($1.65)
North Queensland 13+ ($1.65)
Other Recommended Bets
Over 44.5 ($1.88)
Over 44.5 ($1.88)
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