NRL Round 4: Cowboys v Raiders NRL tips | Saturday 29/3/2025

Cowboys v Raiders NRL R4 best bets

NRL Round 4: North Queensland Cowboys v Canberra Raiders betting preview

The North Queensland Cowboys return home to Townsville to face the Canberra Raiders this Saturday night, and they are in a desperate need of a spark after slumping to 0-3 to start the 2025 NRL season.

Despite showing some improvement in last week’s Queensland derby loss to the Broncos, Todd Payten’s men still lacked polish in key attacking moments and have now conceded 104 points in just three games — the worst defensive record in the NRL.

They’re back at Queensland Country Bank Stadium, where they have traditionally been strong, but recent rugby league betting trends show they’ve covered the spread in just three of their last 16 home matches, suggesting the fortress tag may be slipping.

Canberra, meanwhile, were humbled by a red-hot Sea Eagles outfit last week, but they will be motivated to respond after copping a 40-12 hiding in Manly.

Ricky Stuart’s side looked slick in the first two rounds, and they’ll be strengthened by the return of enforcer Joe Tapine through the middle.

With Corey Horsburgh shifting to lock and the reliable Jamal Fogarty steering the ship, there’s enough class in this Raiders outfit to expose the Cowboys’ vulnerable defensive edge.

Head-to-head history favours North Queensland, who have won six straight against the Raiders, including a 42-4 demolition late last season.

But context matters — this Cowboys side looks far less threatening in 2025, and the Raiders have the speed out wide and grunt through the middle to take full advantage.

If Canberra can hold the ball and limit errors, they have every chance of securing a valuable road win in the heart of Townsville.

With the Raiders and the Cowboys still struggling to find cohesion, the top online bookmakers have priced them at $1.90 apiece in what shapes as a pivotal early-season clash for both clubs.

NRL Round 4 team news: Cowboys v Raiders

North Queensland Cowboys

1. Scott Drinkwater
2. Robert Derby
3. Jaxon Purdue
4. Viliami Vailea
5. Murray Taulagi
6. Tom Dearden
7. Jake Clifford
8. Jordan McLean
9. Reece Robson
10. Jason Taumalolo
11. John Bateman
12. Kai O’Donnell
13. Reuben Cotter
14. Sam McIntyre
15. Jeremiah Nanai
16. Griffin Neame
17. Coen Hess

The Cowboys name an unchanged 17 despite Viliami Vailea failing to finish last week’s game with an eye issue. Zac Laybutt remains among the reserves as he nears a return from a long-term knee injury.

Canberra Raiders

1. Kaeo Weekes
2. Savelio Tamale
3. Matthew Timoko
4. Sebastian Kris
5. Xavier Savage
6. Ethan Strange
7. Jamal Fogarty
8. Josh Papalii
9. Tom Starling
10. Joseph Tapine
11. Hudson Young
12. Matty Nicholson
13. Corey Horsburgh
14. Owen Pattie
15. Simi Sasagi
16. Trey Mooney
17. Ata Mariota

Joe Tapine returns from suspension in a huge boost for the Raiders, pushing Corey Horsburgh to lock. Morgan Smithies is sidelined with concussion, while the outside backs remain unchanged despite a horrible defensive performance last week.

Cowboys v Raiders NRL Rd 4 betting predictions

The Raiders have covered the line in seven of their last eight games after losing by 28 or more the previous week. Despite losing big last week, their opening-round form was impressive, and they face a Cowboys team that has conceded over 34 points per game in 2025. With their captain returning and the Cowboys still scrambling for answers, the Raiders look a great play at near even money with BetOnline.

Raiders centre Sebastian Kris has crossed three times this season and had a fourth controversially disallowed. He’s looked sharp on the left edge and will likely target the Cowboys’ weakest defensive channel. At $2.70 with BetOnline, he presents great value to score against a side that’s conceded eight tries to centres and wingers in three games.

Despite both teams leaking points at times, this has the makings of a grind. Canberra will look to control possession through their forwards, while the Cowboys have failed to click in attack outside of brief spurts. With seven of the last nine Cowboys home games staying under 48 total points, that looks a smart angle here at $1.90 with BetOnline.

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