Cowboys vs. Broncos bookie odds & best bets for NRL Thursday

THEY might be missing half their senior squad, but the Cowboys are still alive and kicking.

Last week’s win over Wests Tigers sees North Queensland enter the final round of the NRL regular season with their destiny in their own hands.

Depending on how results play out elsewhere, a big win on Thursday night could put Paul Green’s men as high as fifth on the ladder.

The Cowboys had another injury scare when Jake Granville left the field early against the Tigers, but he was cleared of any lasting damage and returned by half-time.

Lachlan Coote and Antonio Winterstein are both back on the park, while Gavin Cooper could return this weekend.

Justin O’Neill, Kalyn Ponga and Johnathan Thurston headline what is still a star-studded recovery room.

In the enemy camp, Brisbane should have Tevita Pangai Jr. available as they look to bounce back from a heavy defeat.

The Broncos were battered by Parramatta for the second time in the space of two months last Thursday, losing 52-34 in an all-action shootout at Lang Park.

As such, anything but a win this weekend could see Wayne Bennett’s side slip out of the top three and into a qualifying final with the minor premiers, Melbourne.

However, an excellent for-and-against record means victory over their northern neighbours launch the Broncos into second place.

That would most likely mean a date with Sydney – a much more managable proposition than the Storm.

Cowboys anytime tryscorer tips

$2.63 – Kyle Feldt, Antonio Winterstein

$3.60 – Javid Bowen, Coen Hess, Kane Linnett, Ben Hampton, Michael Morgan

$4.20 – Te Maire Martin

$5 – Gavin Cooper, Jake Granville

$5.50 – Jason Taumalolo

$6.50 – Ethan Lowe

$8 – John Asiata, Corey Jensen

$13 – Shane Bolton, Shaun Fensom, Shane Wright

Market courtesy of Sportsbet.com.au

Te Maire Martin opened North Queensland’s account last week, crossing only four minutes after Aaron Woods had put the Tigers ahead.

However, it was Kyle Feldt who drove the Cowboys to victory with a quickfire second-half brace before Michael Morgan sealed the deal.

Winterstein is a big inclusion on the wing, although his injury-hit campaign has yielded only four tries thus far.

The $2.63 quote on Feldt to score any time is decent value for a man with 11 tries to his name this season.

Broncos first tryscorer odds

$9 – Corey Oates

$11 – Jordan Kahu, James Roberts

$15 – Darius Boyd, Anthony Milford

$17 – Tautau Moga

$21 – Ben Hunt, Matt Gillett, Sam Thaiday

$23 – Kodi Nikorima

$31 – Jai Arrow, Alex Glenn

$36 – Joe Ofahengaue

$46 – Josh McGuire

$51 – Adam Blair, Herman Ese’ese, Jadyn Sua

$426 – No try scored

Market courtesy of Sportsbet.com.au

The Broncos had no trouble finding the score sheet last week.

Unfortunately for them, Eels star Semi Radradra had already bagged a hat-trick by the time David Mead found the line 25 minutes in.

Last-ditch tries from Tautau Moga and Corey Oates gave the scoreline a rather flattering aspect from Brisbane’s perspective.

The Broncos have threats everywhere when they get it right, but $9 favourite Oates look the best bet to grab the opener.

Cowboys vs. Broncos match tip

Last week showed that Brisbane have some work to do if they wish to seriously challenge the Storm for the flag.

Defeat here could put them in a very tricky position heading into the finals.

Townsville is never an easy place to play, and the Cowboys have plenty to play for.

Still, we like the Broncos to hit back with a big statement and give themselves a shot at a top-two finish.

Brisbane Broncos to win by 13+ points – $3.05 at CrownBet.com.au