North Queensland Cowboys v Gold Coast Titans
Saturday, June 3, 7:30pm (AEST), 1300Smiles Stadium, Townsville
The Cowboys have a strong record against the Titans and could start much shorter closer to match day if Johnathan Thurston makes his return from injury. JT has been named in jersey No.19 and would still need to pass a fitness test to take his spot in the starting 17. The Titans are one of the most resilient sides in the NRL, but will need all hands on deck, including NSW Origin representatives, Jarryd Hayne and Nathan Peats, if they’re to match the Cowboys in Townsville. The Wolf is on JT watch!
History
The Cowboys have won four straight against the Titans – their longest streak in the history of the rivalry – with an average margin of 18 across that time. North Queensland have won four straight and 6 of the last 7 in Townsville. The Cowboys defeated the Titans 32-26 in Round 4 this year, with both Dale Copley and wrecking ball Coen Hess crossing for doubles.
The Cowboys have won four straight against the Titans – their longest streak in the history of the rivalry – with an average margin of 18 across that time. North Queensland have won four straight and 6 of the last 7 in Townsville. The Cowboys defeated the Titans 32-26 in Round 4 this year, with both Dale Copley and wrecking ball Coen Hess crossing for doubles.
Form
North Queensland are eighth on the ladder with a 6-5 record. They rank ninth in attack and eighth in defence. The Cowboys have won just 2 of their last 6 games – over Newcastle and Canterbury – but are 3-2 on the road this year. Gold Coast are 13th on the ladder with a 4-7 record. The Titans rank second in attack but are the worst defensive team in the premiership. Prior to the bye, Gold Coast won three straight before being stunned 30-10 by Manly at home. The Titans have scored 30-plus in 3 of their last 4.
North Queensland are eighth on the ladder with a 6-5 record. They rank ninth in attack and eighth in defence. The Cowboys have won just 2 of their last 6 games – over Newcastle and Canterbury – but are 3-2 on the road this year. Gold Coast are 13th on the ladder with a 4-7 record. The Titans rank second in attack but are the worst defensive team in the premiership. Prior to the bye, Gold Coast won three straight before being stunned 30-10 by Manly at home. The Titans have scored 30-plus in 3 of their last 4.
Key Matchup
Scott Bolton v Ryan James. It’s not the key match-up many would expect, but the work-rate of Scott Bolton, stepping into Matt Scott’s big shoes, hasn’t gone unnoticed by The Wolf. Bolton goes about his job with minimal fuss and was a very strong in the Cowboys most recent outing against the Sharks, making 43 tackles. James will be determined for a strong game here and put his name in front of NSW selectors for Game 2 if NSW lose the opener. He’s as consistent as they come and a sky blue jersey can’t be too far off for James.
Scott Bolton v Ryan James. It’s not the key match-up many would expect, but the work-rate of Scott Bolton, stepping into Matt Scott’s big shoes, hasn’t gone unnoticed by The Wolf. Bolton goes about his job with minimal fuss and was a very strong in the Cowboys most recent outing against the Sharks, making 43 tackles. James will be determined for a strong game here and put his name in front of NSW selectors for Game 2 if NSW lose the opener. He’s as consistent as they come and a sky blue jersey can’t be too far off for James.
Stats That Matter
- North Queensland are 7-4 ATS with a 7-4 under record while Gold Coast are 6-5 ATS with a 9-2 over number.
- The Cowboys have won four straight against the Titans – their longest streak in the history of the rivalry – with an average margin of 18 across that time.
- North Queensland have won four straight and 6 of the last 7 in Townsville with all those wins being by double digits.
- The last three matches between the sides have all topped 48 points.
- North Queensland have covered 9 of their last 12 as a favourite at home off a loss.
- The under is 12-5 when the Cowboys are at home after being held to 14 or fewer.
- Gold Coast are 22-9 ATS away from home after being held to 14 or fewer with an 18-13 under number.
- The Titans have covered their last four road games and 10 of their last 15.
- The Titans have covered 12 of their last 14 as a road underdog of 4.5 or more.
Final Thoughts
The Wolf thinks the Cowboys will get the job done at home with or without Thurston, but can’t see a blowout with the Titans having an uncanny knack of being able to stick with teams even when the chips are down. History is in the favour of the Cowboys and a victory by a margin of 1-12 looks the best play in this one.
The Wolf thinks the Cowboys will get the job done at home with or without Thurston, but can’t see a blowout with the Titans having an uncanny knack of being able to stick with teams even when the chips are down. History is in the favour of the Cowboys and a victory by a margin of 1-12 looks the best play in this one.
How It’s Shaping Up
North Queensland by 6
North Queensland by 6
Best Bet
North Queensland 1-12 ($2.90)
North Queensland 1-12 ($2.90)
Other Recommended Bets
Under 42 ($1.88)
Under 42 ($1.88)
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