Cowboys vs Raiders NRL tips, odds & value bets – Round 2, 2022

Queensland Country Bank Stadium will host NRL footy for the second week running as the North Queensland Cowboys take on the Canberra Raiders, who are coming off a hot win over the Cronulla Sharks.

Of 41 match-ups, the Raiders have won 21, but lost their only match to the Cowboys last year by two points. Some would note that the Raiders have a greater win percentage than the Cowboys in their new home stadium, and while only from a small sample size, it’s plausible that statistic will grow more in Canberra’s favour.

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The rumour mill continues to swirl in Townsville that coach Todd Payten and million-dollar man Jason Taumalolo are at odds with each other, and while Payten may be looking to preserve Taumalolo’s career, he may be hindering it simultaneously. The days of old for this Cowboys enforcer a long missed and coming up against a forward pack fitting of the name ‘Green Machine’, Taumalolo will need to be every bit as damaging on Friday to give the Cowboys any chance of victory.

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Should Taumalolo, along with Jordan McLean, Coen Hess and young gun Jeremiah Nani get a roll on in the middle third of the field, new captain Chad Townsend and halves partner Tom Dearden will be given space to create plays for the Cowboys offensively. Getting over the advantage line with outside backs like Kyle Feldt, Valentine Holmes and flying fullback Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow should see the Cowboys with the opportunity to pile points on to the Canberra Raiders.

The Cowboys will certainly have their work cut out for them though, as this Green Machine outfit held out a Cronulla Sharks attack boasting star young halves pairing of Matt Moylan and new recruit Nicho Hynes. Tackling at 85% efficiency, with only 29 misses for the game, the Raiders defence was the cornerstone of their win in round one. There was no one standout defensively as all forwards chipped in to ensure they limited the damage of a big Sharks pack.

Jack Wighton looked to be returning the rich vein of form that saw him win the 2020 Dally M Medal as he chalked up 148 run metres, four tackle breaks, one line break assist and a try in his first match for the season. The key to unlocking Wighton is in the hands of new halves partner Matt Frawley, who will have to organise this Raiders outfight and allow Wighton the freedom to play eyes up footy and run the ball, creating plays for himself as well as those around him.

Cowboys vs Raiders predictions & best bets

The key battle of this game is in the forwards. Whoever creates more time and field position through the centre third of the field will create more opportunity for their halves to get to their work. Although they’re away from their home ground, the Raiders look like the side who wants to win the physical battle and consequently the game. Expect the Raiders to win what could be a hard fought battle in the middle, and once they win that battle, they’ll win the game as Matthew Timoko scores his first try in the NRL.

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