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

April 26, 2024 3:57 pm.by Jack Hudson

North QLD Cowboys v Panthers NRL Rd 8 Preview


North Queensland Cowboys vs Penrith Panthers NRL Betting Odds & Game Info
Best odds	Cowboys +260 at Bet365 \| Panthers -333.33 at Neds
When	Saturday, April 27 \| 7:35pm AEST
Where	Queensland Country Bank Stadium, Townsville
Last time they met	Panthers 44–12 Cowboys (R27, 2023)
Watch live	Nine, Fox Sports, Kayo

Cowboys vs Panthers best bets

Penrith Panthers -9.5

-117.65
@
PlayUp

Scott Drinkwater anytime tryscorer

+225
@
Neds

Scott Sorenson anytime tryscorer

+380
@
Picklebet

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

Scott Drinkwater
Kyle Feldt
Valentine Holmes
Tom Chester
Semi Valemei
Tom Dearden
Chad Townsend
Jordan McLean
Reece Robson
Griffin Neame
Kulikefu Finefeuiaki
Jeremiah Nanai
Reuben Cotter
Jake Granville
Jason Taumalolo
Sam McIntyre
Thomas Mikaele

Penrith Panthers

Dylan Edwards
Sunia Turuva
Izack Tago
Taylan May
Brian To’o
Jarome Luai
Nathan Cleary
Moses Leota
Mitch Kenny
James Fisher-Harris
Scott Sorensen
Liam Martin
Isaah Yeo
Daine Laurie
Lindsay Smith
Liam Henry
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

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