NRL Cowboys vs Panthers betting tips & odds – Saturday 3/9/2022

The North Queensland Cowboys have it all to play for on Saturday night against the Panthers as they chase a top-two finish on the NRL ladder.

The Cowboys went down to the Rabbitohs in a hard-fought contest last week, while the Panthers were in cruise control in their 48-12 win over the Warriors in what doubled as a presentation of the minor premiership.

The Cowboys have relinquished control of second spot on the ladder in recent weeks with losses in Sydney against the Roosters and Rabbitohs, but they can give themselves a chance to snatch it back with a win over Penrith. They’ll then have to pray for a miracle from Newcastle, who match up against the second-placed Sharks, but it’s easy to see why they’ve named a full-strength side.

The head-to-head price is comparable to North Queensland’s home games against the Tigers and Warriors in recent weeks, as Penrith have rested their entire starting side with finals on the horizon.

There isn’t much to discuss in the way of who will win, you only have to look at the team lists to determine that, but perhaps there are some other markets that can offer up some fun.

Kyle Feldt is the $8.25 favourite with BetOnline to get the first try of the game, while Valentine Holmes offers terrific value at $14.

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One market that should be given a lot of consideration is a Cowboys win between 31-40 points at $5.20. Penrith will give a good account of themselves but will be outclassed, and the Cowboys will put on the handbrake once they get themselves to a safe lead.

Penrith have earned the right to run out a reserve-grade team after wrapping up the minor premiership a fortnight ago.

When Nathan Cleary was suspended and Jarome Luai got injured, there was a small window where this game could have been a playoff for the minor premiership, but Penrith’s depth and class ensured it wouldn’t get to that stage.

Assuming they do as predicted this weekend and lose, they will finish the season with a 20-4 record, falling just short of their 21 victories they were able to get in last year’s premiership season.

The key issue Ivan Cleary would have pondered is the lack of game time some of his players would have if they win in week one of the finals – particularly for his son Nathan, whose five-game suspension could potentially mean just one game in almost two months.

Some will see it as keeping them fresh, but there is a small chance it leaves them short of match fitness. It has happened with top-seeded sides in the AFL since the introduction of the pre-finals bye.

Key matchup: Mitch Kenny vs Reece Robson

It is hard to find a matchup, but Panthers skipper Mitch Kenny will be out to impress against fellow hooker Reece Robson. Kenny has an important role to play in the finals and the future for Penrith with the departure of Apisau Koroisau, so he will be putting himself in the shop window against a man who has been one of the best dummy halves in the NRL this season.

Cowboys vs Panthers NRL betting predictions

The Cowboys win by 34 points. There isn’t a case to make for Penrith; all their best cattle are staying at home.

Cowboys vs Panthers Rd 25 same game multi tips

Cowboys to win between 31-40 points with Valentine Holmes, Scott Drinkwater and Jeremiah Nanai to all score tries pays $37.21 with Ladbrokes.

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