Panthers vs Cowboys NRL Round 1 betting tips – 13/3/2021

Penrith Panthers vs North Queensland Cowboys betting preview

The Penrith Panthers enjoyed a historic season in 2020 but failed to come away with the NRL Premiership trophy, and the word out of the foot of the mountains is they will use that pain to push them towards glory in 2021. The North Queensland Cowboys were at the opposite end of the spectrum, sacking coach Paul Green after seven seasons at the helm and finishing in the bottom four for a third consecutive year. Todd Payten did an unreal job in difficult circumstances with the Warriors in 2020, and many feel he is the man to get the Cowboys to rise up the NRL ladder, but that climb may well have to wait another week as Penrith will no doubt be looking to make a big statement.

Key matchup: James Fisher-Harris vs Jason Taumalolo

Two of the best big men in the game will lock horns in duel that will be worth the price of admission alone. James Fisher-Harris earned a place among the game’s best forwards in 2020, and he will need to dominate the man who is perhaps the greatest forward to play the game in Jason Taumalolo. James Tamou’s defection to the Tigers puts even more importance on Fisher-Harris, who needs to deliver for Nathan Cleary and Jarome Luai to thrive.

Penrith Panthers betting info

Josh Mansour was a Panther for nine seasons and was forced out of the club, but for good reason. Charlie Staines is the young winger who scored six tries in one-an-a-half NRL games last season and in the process sent the local pub in Forbes broke. Given the strike power on Penrith’s left edge, you would be mad not to take him at $8.50 to score the first try. The $4.50 for him to score two or more tries is also well and truly in play. Penrith at the -9.5 line for the $1.90 is another great same-game multi option.

Penrith Panthers

1. Dylan Edwards
2. Charlie Staines
3. Paul Momirovski
4. Stephen Crichton
5. Brian To’o
6. Jarome Luai
7. Nathan Cleary
8. Moses Leota
9. Apisai Koroisau
10. James Fisher-Harris
11. Viliame Kikau
12. Kurt Capewell
13. Isaah Yeo
14. Tyrone May
15. Spencer Leniu
16. Matthew Eisenhuth
17. Liam Martin

North Queensland Cowboys betting info

Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow emerged in 2020 as a player with pace to burn and quickly became a favourite to back for first tryscorer among the punters. He moves into the centres to start the season, so it may be wise to go for either Kyle Feldt or Valentine Holmes, who are at a generous $13 and $14 respectively. While the North Queensland Cowboys will improve this season, don’t expect too much first up against the Panthers.

North Queensland Cowboys

1. Scott Drinkwater
2. Kyle Feldt
3. Esan Marsters
4. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow
5. Valentine Holmes
6. Michael Morgan
7. Jake Clifford
8. Francis Molo
9. Reece Robson
10. Jordan McLean
11. Mitchell Dunn
12. Coen Hess
13. Jason Taumalolo
14. Jake Granville
15. Josh McGuire
16. Corey Jensen
17. Reuben Cotter

Panthers vs Cowboys betting predictions

This just feels like a slam dunk. Penrith should win by 13 or more ($2.20) because of the key combinations in the spine, while the Cowboys are learning a new system under Payten that could take a few weeks to bear fruit.

Panthers vs Cowboys same game multi

Panthers -9.5 into Staines for multiple tries and Feldt for anytime tryscorer gives you a cool figure of $16 at Sportsbet.com.au.