Eels v Cowboys NRL R13 tips, odds & multi – May 26, 2023

Eels v Cowboys predictions & best bets

Eels v Cowboys match preview

Friday night NRL action for round 13 kicks off in Parramatta with the Eels hosting the North Queensland Cowboys at CommBank Stadium. The last time these two clubs met, the Eels booked their ticket to the 2022 NRL Grand Final. Will the Cowboys be able to extract their revenge?

The Cowboys have been forced to make several changes to their side with Murray Taulagi, Reuben Cotter, Tom Dearden and Valentine Holmes all away with the Queensland squad for State of Origin. Zac Laybutt and Robert Derby have been called into the backline for their NRL debuts, while Ben Hampton will start in the halves and Griffin Neame will come off the interchange bench.

The Eels have also been forced to reshuffle their side with Junior Paulo earning a call-up to the New South Wales Blues side. He will be replaced by the club’s newest recruit, Joe Ofahengaue. Andrew Davey (concussion) and Ryan Matterson (calf) will be replaced by Matt Doorey and Luca Moretti, who will also make his NRL debut.

The Eels won their only previous match against the Cowboys at CommBank Stadium and come into this one as red-hot favourites on Friday. On paper, the Eels have far more talent and experience across the park, and they are more than capable of covering the -14.5 line at $1.90 with BetOnline.

Dylan Brown was an enormous factor in Parramatta’s win over the Rabbitohs last week — not only for his try, line break and four tackle breaks, but also because he did not miss a tackle and made just one handling error. The more often he has the football in his hand, the more dangerous he can be. Whichever side of the ruck Brown moves to, he will be running at Luciano Leilua or Heilum Luki, both of whom struggled defensively in North Queensland’s disastrous loss to the Tigers last weekend. Brown is great value to score a try at any time ($3).

Bryce Cartwright has been brought back into the starting side for the Eels off the back of injuries. Typically, Cartwright plays on the left edge outside of Brown, who is one of the best attacking halves in the competition. The former Panther and Titan still possesses incredible skill and talent which has already seen him score three tries this season, including one last week. Be it a kick, short pass or a strong run with footwork, Cartwright is more than capable of scoring at some stage ($4.20).

Key matchup: Moses v Townsend

Mitchell Moses vs Chad Townsend

The battle between the halfbacks will be key to determining the game’s outcome. Mitchell Moses is one of the most well-rounded halfbacks in the NRL, while Townsend is more of a traditional on-field general. To make up for his lack of speed and footwork, the Cowboys captain will need to ensure everyone on the field is in position and doing their jobs. If he can do that, North Queensland might just have a sniff.

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