NRL Thursday: North Queensland Cowboys v Sydney Roosters, predictions & odds, round 9, 2020
North Queensland host the two-time defending premiers Sydney Roosters in the opening match of round nine on Thursday night.
Ordinarily the fact the Cowboys are playing at home makes them a formidable foe but the way they meekly surrendered against Parramatta 42-4 last weekend does not bode well for their chances against the Roosters.
There are few factors though that should give Cowboys fans a little bit of hope: the Cowboys beat the Roosters in their only clash last season; two weeks ago they beat the Newcastle Knights at home; and the Roosters are wounded and coming off an epic 27-25 golden-point loss against Melbourne Storm.
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Add in that the 11th-placed Cowboys can pretty much start planning an earlier finish to the season if they can’t find a way to shock the fifth-placed Roosters.
The home team does get a boost with prop Tom Gilbert available again after suspension, while another prop in John Asiata is close to resuming after a knee problem.
The Roosters suffered another injury blow with a serious ankle problem for winger Daniel Tupou, with Ryan Hall likely to replace him. Meanwhile, Boyd Cordner and Jared Waerea-Hargreaves suffered head knocks last round but are expected to be cleared to play.
Read on for our best bets and winner prediction for the Cowboys v Roosters clash at Queensland Country Bank Stadium, Townsville, on Thursday, July 9.
Cowboys v Roosters odds
Kick-off: 7.50pm local time
Venue: Queensland Country Bank Stadium, Townsville
Head to head odds: North Queensland $4.80, Sydney Roosters $1.19
Line betting: North Queensland (+13.5 points) $1.91, Sydney Roosters (-13.5 points) $1.91
Match total: 44.5 points: over $1.94, under $1.86
Cowboys v Roosters free betting tips
Below our NRL betting expert has highlighted his free tips for the Cowboys v Roosters clash.
North Queensland +13.5 points/match total under 44.5
The Roosters are playing hurt at the moment after losing lock Victor Radley and hooker Sam Verrills to season-ending knee injuries and now Tupou to a long-term ankle problem. Still they are a magnificent defensive unit and we expect them to shut this match down and grind out a tough win, even given the Cowboys are respectable in attack.
Cowboys/Roosters half-time/full-time double
To win this bet we need to the Cowboys to lead at half-time and the Roosters to lead at full-time. It’s a roll of the dice but the Roosters could be a little sluggish early given their tough match last week.
NQ Cowboys v Sydney Roosters prediction
The Cowboys caused an upset when they beat the Roosters last season 15-12 at Central Coast Stadium in round 17. But we have lost all faith in them after their meek surrender against Parramatta last weekend when they were embarrassed 42-4. It will be an entertaining clash with plenty of superstars on show but in the end the Roosters should prevail. Roosters by 8 points.
Cowboys v Roosters lowdown
Channel Nine, Fox League and KAYO will telecast the game, or it can be streamed at NRL.com.
All of the top International betting sites will offer markets on the NRL.
The game will kick off at 7.50pm local time.
