North Queensland Cowboys vs Wests Tigers Verdict
Since 2023, the lowest points total between these sides has has been 60 and there's been an average of 69.7 points in the last seven games. I'm expecting this to be another high-scoring contest.
- The last seven meetings between the teams have seen 60+ points
- Tigers have scored 4+ tries in their last two games & scored 44 points vs Cowboys in R2
- Cowboys conceded 82 points in their last game in Townsville
- Cowboys conceded 32 points in their most-recent game vs Eels
- Jeremiah Nanai has scored 1+ try in his last five appearances vs Tigers in Townsville
- Jaxon Purdue is back in the centres & has scored 1+ try in his last six games vs bottom four teams
Cowboys vs Tigers Head To Head
The Cowboys have won five of the last six meetings, but the Tigers were victorious by a big scoreline earlier this year at Leichhardt.
North Queensland Cowboys Form
The Cowboys are holding onto eighth spot on the ladder, but they really don't look like a finals side with two rounds remaining.
North Queensland have a 4-6 record across their last 10 games, with their last three wins coming against Gold Coast, Brisbane and Manly - three teams outside the eight.
So Todd Payten's side have some work to do if they are to make any sort of impact for the remainder of the season - and they will be under big pressure in this game if the ninth-placed Bulldogs upset Penrith on Friday.
The Cowboys had the bye last week following their 32-30 defeat to the Eels in Round 24.
Wests Tigers Form
Yes, why not snap a horrendous eight-match losing run that was marred by various controversies by beating one of the premiership favourites on the road.
Classic Tigers and again, a case of what could have been this season if they could just sort themselves out.
Out of nowhere, the Tigers showcased great heart and resilience to edge out the Roosters 25-24 last week, with Jock Madden kicking the winning field goal.
The win lifted the Tigers to 14th on the ladder and another victory here could see them level on points with the likes of Melbourne and Canberra if those teams both lose this weekend.
Team News
Big in for the Cowboys, with halfback Tom Dearden returning from an ankle injury.
Jaxon Purdue goes back to centre and Zac Laybutt moves to the wing for Murray Taulagi, who is out with concussion. Jeremiah Nanai also returns, pushing Kai O'Donnell to the bench.
Alex Twal is out with concussion for the Tigers, so Ethan Roberts comes onto the bench and Alex Seyfarth starts. Sunia Turuva has also been named on the interchange after missing last week with a knee injury.