NRL Round 8 preview: Titans vs Cowboys betting tips

Best bets for Cowboys vs Titans

NRL Round 8: Cowboys vs Titans preview

Queensland bragging rights will be on the line when the Cowboys host the Titans in Townsville this Saturday evening for Round 8 for the 2025 NRL Premiership.

Despite North Queensland entering as firm NRL betting favourites on the back of a three-game winning streak, Gold Coast look a genuine upset chance in what could be a high-scoring thriller.

The Titans pushed the Raiders to the brink last week, and with some key troops set to return, they have enough strike to test the home side’s defence.

Historically, Townsville has been a fortress for the Cowboys against the Titans, but this Gold Coast squad looks ready to flip the script.

Todd Payten’s men have improved defensively and sit ninth on the NRL ladder, but they haven’t blown teams away.

North Queensland’s three recent wins were all gritty affairs, and if they let their guard down here, the Titans have the speed and skill out wide to burn them — with plenty of value on offer at the top online bookmakers.

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Cowboys vs Titans Rd 8 team news

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. Jeremiah Nanai
13. Reuben Cotter
14. Sam McIntyre
15. Kai O’Donnell
16. Griffin Neame
17. Coen Hess

John Bateman returns in the back row for the North Queensland Cowboys. Jeremiah Nanai starts, while Sam McIntyre and Kai O’Donnell are on the bench.

Gold Coast Titans

1. Jaylan De Groot
2. Alofiana Khan-Pereira
3. Brian Kelly
4. Phillip Sami
5. Jojo Fifita
6. AJ Brimson
7. Tom Weaver
8. Moeaki Fotuaika
9. Sam Verrills
10. Reagan Campbell-Gillard
11. Chris Randall
12. Beau Fermor
13. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui
14. David Fifita
15. Jaimin Jolliffe
16. Brock Gray
17. Arama Hau

The Gold Coast Titans regain David Fifita and Alofiana Khan-Pereira return from injury, adding serious strike power. AJ Brimson is back at five-eighth as well and is the key playmaker.

Cowboys vs Titans NRL Rd 8 betting predictions

The Titans have been heavily underrated by NRL bookies despite key inclusions and a sharper edge in attack. Brimson, Khan-Pereira and Fifita provide serious X-factor, and Gold Coast are due for a statement win after three close losses. If they hold the ball and go set-for-set, they can absolutely pull off the upset in Townsville at $3 odds with BetOnline.

AJ Brimson has scored in four straight matches and thrives in Queensland derbies, particularly against the Cowboys. He’s running the ball with confidence and attacking short sides regularly off broken play. At this price, he’s the value tryscorer pick of the week at $3.25 with BetOnline.

Both teams boast explosive backs and shaky edges, so this game screams ‘over’. The last five matchups between these sides have averaged over 50 points, and the Titans have leaked 30 or more in four of six games this year. With speed, offloads, and desperation in play, expect the over 49.5 to hit at $1.90 with BetOnline.

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