Dolphins v Cowboys NRL tips & betting preview – 25/8/23

Dolphins vs North Queensland Cowboys Round 26 NRL tips

Dolphins vs North Queensland Cowboys match preview

The North Queensland Cowboys are facing a crucial showdown against the Redcliffe Dolphins in NRL Round 26, as they strive to keep their hopes of reaching the finals alive. Set to unfold at Suncorp Stadium on Friday night, this clash holds immense significance for the Cowboys, who have experienced a season of highs and lows.

The North Queensland Cowboys initially struggled, only to surge with remarkable victories over top-tier teams like Penrith, Melbourne, South Sydney, and Parramatta. Nevertheless, a series of defeats, including losses to the Titans, Broncos, and Sharks, has caused the Cowboys to slip outside the top eight. Their recent 32-12 defeat to Cronulla in a pivotal match at home underscored their inconsistent performance.

Contrastingly, the Dolphins have faced their own challenges, losing nine out of their last ten matches as they grapple with roster depth concerns in their debut NRL campaign. Despite these struggles, the Dolphins have showcased their resilience, with five of their last six losses being by a margin of eight points or fewer.

With the Cowboys’ season on the line, they must recapture their winning form against the Dolphins, a team they’ve faced only once in their history. In their inaugural meeting earlier this year, the Dolphins secured their maiden victory over the Cowboys with a 32-22 triumph. Drawing from this recent success, the Dolphins will enter the contest with a sense of confidence against a team they’ve already overcome.

The Cowboys’ recent form has been mixed, with two wins and three losses in their last five games, indicating inconsistency. The same can be said for the Dolphins, who have won just one out of their last five matches. Despite this, the Cowboys hold a slightly higher rank on the table, sitting at 9th with 11 wins compared to the Dolphins at 14th with 8 wins. Additionally, North Queensland’s offensive prowess, averaging over 20 points per game, gives them an edge against Redcliffe’s less robust defence.

Key Matchup: Jamayne Isaako vs Scott Drinkwater

Jamayne Isaako vs Scott Drinkwater

Key player Jamayne Isaako stands out for the Dolphins, having impressively scored a try in each of his last four matches. His consistent ability to find the try line could prove to be a game-changer for the Dolphins’ attack. On the other side, Scott Drinkwater takes the spotlight for the Cowboys. Notably, his nighttime try-scoring record, coupled with his playmaking skills and capacity to create scoring opportunities, positions him as a pivotal player. Both Isaako and Drinkwater’s contributions hold the potential to significantly shape the dynamics of the match and influence their respective teams’ fortunes.

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Dolphins vs North Queensland Cowboys NRL betting prediction

The predicted outcome is a close contest, with the Cowboys projected to win by 1-12 points. However, the earlier upset victory by the Dolphins suggests that this match could swing either way, with the Cowboys holding only a slight upper hand. The top NRL bookmakers are offering $3.00 for the 1-12 point Cowboys win.

In conclusion, the clash between the North Queensland Cowboys and the Redcliffe Dolphins promises to be a gripping battle with high stakes. As the Cowboys seek redemption and the Dolphins aim to extend their successes, the outcome remains uncertain. While the Cowboys hold a slight advantage, the Dolphins have shown their ability to upset the odds, making this match a must-watch for NRL fans.

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