Cowboys v Panthers NRL preview, tips & team lists | Round 8

Cowboys vs Panthers best bets

Cowboys vs Panthers NRL Round 8 preview

Super Saturday football for round eight of the 2024 NRL season wraps up in Townsville with the struggling North Queensland Cowboys hosting a rejuvenated Penrith Panthers side.

The Cowboys have struggled over the past four weeks, securing just one win over the Gold Coast Titans, who are ranked last on the NRL ladder. On the other side of the field, the Panthers have won three of their last four without their star halfback for most of those matches.

North Queensland Cowboys coach Todd Payten has named an unchanged line-up following last week’s 36-point loss to the Sharks in Cronulla.

Penrith Panthers superstar Nathan Cleary is set to return from a hamstring injury in the no.7 jersey, meaning Brad Schneider drops back to the reserves. Taylan May is named to start in the centres, pushing Paul Alamoti out of the matchday squad.

Cowboys v Panthers Rd 8 team lists

North Queensland Cowboys

1. Scott Drinkwater
2. Kyle Feldt
3. Valentine Holmes
4. Tom Chester
5. Semi Valemei
6. Tom Dearden
7. Chad Townsend
8. Jordan McLean
9. Reece Robson
10. Griffin Neame
11. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki
12. Jeremiah Nanai
13. Reuben Cotter
14. Jake Granville
15. Jason Taumalolo
16. Sam McIntyre
17. Thomas Mikaele

Penrith Panthers

1. Dylan Edwards
2. Sunia Turuva
3. Izack Tago
4. Taylan May
5. Brian To’o
6. Jarome Luai
7. Nathan Cleary
8. Moses Leota
9. Mitch Kenny
10. James Fisher-Harris
11. Scott Sorensen
12. Liam Martin
13. Isaah Yeo
14. Daine Laurie
15. Lindsay Smith
16. Liam Henry
17. Luke Garner

North QLD Cowboys vs Penrith Panthers betting prediction

The Cowboys will have to overcome their own poor form as well as the Panthers’ 11-match winning streak against opponents ranked in the top eight. Further, in each of the last six matches, the favourite has gone on to cover the line. Backing the Panthers to beat their -9.5 handicap is one of the safest bets of the weekend ($1.85).

If the points are to come from anywhere for the Cowboys, it will be through Scott Drinkwater. He has already scored five tries this season and particularly enjoys night matches in Queensland, having scored tries in each of his last six night matches. There is great value on offer for Drinkwater to score a try at any time ($3.25).

Panthers back-rower Scott Sorenson has struggled through injury to start this season, but he should be sharp enough after playing 80 minutes against the Tigers. He will be attacking Jeremiah Nanai, who has missed 14 tackles already this season. If he’s fit, Sorenson will be every chance to get the better of Nanai and score a try at $4.80 with the top Australian bookmakers.

Best bookmakers for NRL odds

Neds Code GETON

1

Take It To The Neds Level

Neds

Only orange bookie!

Check Out Neds Review

18+ Gamble Responsibly. What are you really gambling with? Set a deposit limit today. "GETON is not a bonus code. Neds does not offer bonus codes in Australia and this referral code does not grant access to offers. Full terms.

BlondeBet Signup Code GETON

2

Punters Prefer Blondes

BlondeBet

Blonde Boosts - Elevate your prices!

Join BlondeBet Review

18+ Gamble Responsibly. WHAT ARE YOU REALLY GAMBLING WITH? full terms.

Dabble Signup Code AUSRACING

3

Say Hey to the social bet!

Dabble

You Better Believe It

Join Dabble Review

18+ Gamble Responsibly. THINK. IS THIS A BET YOU REALLY WANT TO PLACE? Full terms.

Recommended!

4

Next Gen Racing Betting

Picklebet

Top 4 Betting. Extra Place. Every Race.

Join Picklebet Review

18+ Gamble Responsibly. What are you really gambling with? Full terms.

5

It Pays To Play

PlayUp

Aussie-owned horse racing specialists!

Check Out PlayUp Review

18+ Gamble Responsibly. Imagine what you could be buying instead. Full terms.

Bet365 Signup Code GETON

6

Never Ordinary

Bet365

World Favourite!

Visit Bet365 Review

18+ Gamble Responsibly. GETON is not a bonus code. bet365 does not offer bonus codes in Australia and this referral code does not grant access to offers. What’s gambling really costing you? Full terms.

7

Bet With A Boom

BoomBet

Daily Racing Promotions - Login to view!

Join Boombet Review

18+ Gamble responsibly. Think. Is this a bet you really want to place. Full terms.

Sports betting tips