Cowboys v Knights NRL Rd 8 tips, odds & multi – April 22, 2023

Anzac Round of the NRL Premiership continues with the North Queensland Cowboys hosting Newcastle Knights at Queensland Country Bank Stadium this Saturday night.

There are several story lines in this match with the largest being former Cowboys, current Knights captain and Queensland Maroons incumbent fullback Kalyn Ponga returning from injury for his 100th NRL match against his former club. The Knights also have Jacob Saifiti returning from injury, with Jack Johns dropping back to the reserves.

The Cowboys have injury concerns of their own with international star forward Jason Taumalolo suffering a knee injury that will rule him out for first grade for 4 weeks. The return of Jordan McLean softens the blow for the Cowboys who returns to the starting line-up.

The Cowboys’ form to start the 2023 season has been incredibly disappointing when considering they were arguably the biggest improver in 2022. So far this season, the Cowboys have won just two games at home, with their first being a one point victory over a Raiders side that has shown poor form since.

On the other hand, the Knights were able to compete with the defending premiers last week in Newcastle which will boost their confidence massively. The Knights’ only win on the road has come against the Tigers when they were devastated by injuries, a sin bin and a send-off. The return of Ponga will be enormous for the visiting side for his milestone game, and at $2.20 with Marantelli Bet they are great value to get another win on the road.

The left-edge attack for the Knights will arguably be the strongest it has been all season with the return of Ponga and the destructive Greg Marzhew lining up on the wing. Ponga has one of the best cut-out passes in the NRL, and Marzhew will only need to be in the right spot once to find the in-goal area.

At the same time, the Cowboys will be aware of Ponga’s strength, which could see them sit on their heels in defence, giving Ponga time and space to attack for himself. Look for both Marzhew ($2.03) and Ponga ($4) to score at any time during the match.

Both clubs have struggled in attack so far this season because of injury, suspension and players being dropped for various reasons. The Cowboys are currently below full strength with Taumalolo missing from the starting line-up, while this is the Knights are having their first game with what many believe is their best attacking backline. As the Knights are the side with more improvement to come, there is value in the visiting side being the first team to score a try ($1.96).

Key matchup: Drinkwater v Miller

Scott Drinkwater vs Lachie Miller

The matchup between these two fullbacks is one of the best examples in the NRL for players with totally opposite game styles. Scott Drinkwater is, on his day, one of the most creative game-managing fullbacks in the NRL. The way the Cowboys custodian carries the ball in attacking shape often draws defenders in where he has the option for a long pass, a kick behind the defensive line, or to run himself. Lachlan Miller is a much different style of player with his background in Rugby Sevens where his running game is his strongest skill. Miller will get through an enormous amount of work for halfback Jackson Hastings to create plays for Ponga and the outside backs.

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