NRL Thursday: North Queensland Cowboys v Sydney Roosters, predictions & odds, round 9, 2020

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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

How can I watch the Cowboys v Roosters clash?

Channel Nine, Fox League and KAYO will telecast the game, or it can be streamed at NRL.com.

How can I bet on the Cowboys v Roosters clash?

All of the top International betting sites will offer markets on the NRL.

What time does Thursday’s Cowboys v Roosters game start?

The game will kick off at 7.50pm local time.

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