Cowboys v Knights tips & predictions | NRL Finals Week 1 preview

Cowboys v Knights best bets

NRL Finals Week 1: Cowboys v Knights preview

The red-hot Cowboys will be looking for a strong start to their NRL finals campaign as they host the dangerous Knights in Townsville.

North Queensland finished fifth on the ladder after an impressive regular season. Todd Payten’s men had the third-best attacking record in the NRL and have stormed into this finals series, winning six of their last seven matches.

Despite their strong season, North Queensland’s 7-5 record at home leaves a lot to be desired. However, the Cowboys are 7-3 against the other top-eight sides, and that is a key reason why they are such strong favourites for this clash at $1.42 with PlayUp.

There is just one change for the Cowboys as veteran prop Jordan McLean returns to the side, pushing Sam McIntyre to the bench. Thomas Mikaele has been dropped, while Jaxon Purdue is 18th man.

Newcastle have been the surprise packet of the NRL late in the year, winning four of their last five matches to secure the final spot in the top eight. Playing sudden-death footy every week, the Knights sat 14th after round 22 but secured their opportunity with a win against the Dolphins in round 27.

Despite their resurgence, Newcastle’s form on the road is a major concern. With one win from their last four away games, the Knights head north as $3.10 outsiders with Unibet.

Newcastle coach Adam O’Brien has named an unchanged lineup, with Thomas Cant as 18th man. English forward Kai Pearce-Paul remains in the extended squad as he looks to return from a leg injury.

Cowboys v Knights elimination final teams

North Queensland Cowboys

1. Scott Drinkwater
2. Kyle Feldt
3. Valentine Holmes
4. Viliami Vailea
5. Murray Taulagi
6. Tom Dearden
7. Jake Clifford
8. Jordan McLean
9. Reece Robson
10. Jason Taumalolo
11. Heilum Luki
12. Jeremiah Nanai
13. Reuben Cotter
14. Sam McIntyre
15. Harrison Edwards
16. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki
17. Griffin Neame

Newcastle Knights

1. Kalyn Ponga
2. Fletcher Sharpe
3. Dane Gagai
4. Bradman Best
5. Greg Marzhew
6. Jack Cogger
7. Phoenix Crossland
8. Daniel Saifiti
9. Jayden Brailey
10. Leo Thompson
11. Tyson Frizell
12. Dylan Lucas
13. Adam Elliot
14. Tyson Gamble
15. Mat Croker
16. Jack Hetherington
17. Brodie Jones

Cowboys v Knights NRL match predictions

The Knights have not won in Townsville since 2015, while the Cowboys have won seven of their last eight home finals. With an average winning margin of 28 points in the last three weeks before finals, North Queensland look primed to cover the line of -8.5 points at $1.95 with top NRL bookies.

As these are two of the NRL’s form attacking sides, this could be a high-scoring affair. The Cowboys average 32 points per game over the past five weeks, while the Knights average 26. With the total points line set at just 44.5, the over is the obvious play at $1.96 with leading Australian bookmakers.

Cowboys winger Kyle Feldt has scored 22 tries this season, including two in each of his last three matches. He has also scored in each of his last three matches against the Knights, so back the veteran to continue his excellent form with two or more tries at $3.40 with Bet365.

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