Roosters v Cowboys NRL best bets & multi tips – Magic Round

Sunday’s NRL action continues for Magic Round with the Sydney Roosters taking on the North Queensland Cowboys at Suncorp Stadium. Last week was a total shambles for the Cowboys, who copped a 38-point belting from the Sharks, while the Roosters ground out a tough 14-0 win over the Warriors in Auckland.

The Cowboys have been forced to make two changes to their side with Jeremiah Nanai (suspension) and Tom Chester (ACL) being ruled out. The timely return of Heilum Luki means he will slot straight into the starting second-row position, with Kulikefu Finefeuiaki named to make his NRL debut off the bench.

The Roosters have only made one change, with Paul Momirovski (shoulder) set to be replaced by utility Drew Hutchison. However, with Sam Walker named in the reserves and travelling to Brisbane, coach Trent Robinson may be tempted to shift Joseph Manu back to the centres, Walker into the halves and Hutchison onto the interchange.

Injuries have ravaged this Cowboys squad, which has only compounded their on-field issues. The Roosters are building their game together slowly for the number of stars in their side. Sydney have also won 27 of their 39 matches against the Cowboys, including the last two by a total of 60-22. Look for the Roosters to pile on the points as they win by 13 or more points, which is paying $2.08 with BetOnline.

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The Cowboys defence has been incredibly poor compared to the 2022 season, where they defied preseason expectations to be one of the best teams in the competition. This season they look like more of a cellar-dwelling side on account of their poor first contact and apparent lack of work ethic.

Three Roosters who will be looking to take advantage of this are Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, Joseph Manu and James Tedesco. All three are strong attackers and runners of the ball, with Tedesco being one of the best support players in the world. Look for Suaalii ($2.12), Manu ($2.35) and Tedesco ($2.25) all to score a try at some point in the match.

Another man who is every chance of crossing the try line on Sunday is Nat Butcher. Not only is the Roosters back-rower a brilliant, hard-hitting, line-running forward, but he is skilled enough to chase down short kicks and score. If the Roosters are given enough time inside the Cowboys’ 20m line, Butcher will be every chance to score as well ($3.60).

Unfortunately for the Cowboys and their fans, it’s expected that the longer this match goes, the more points the Roosters will score. Should they come out with the ruthless attitude coach Trent Robinson should be expecting, on a dry afternoon, the Roosters alone should be able to pile enough points on to exceed the match line of 42.5 total points ($1.90).

Key matchup: Jared Waerea-Hargreaves v Coen Hess

Jared Waerea-Hargreaves vs Coen Hess

If the North Queensland Cowboys are any hope of stopping the Roosters, they will need to stand up strong in the middle third of the field. Coen Hess is the only player in the Cowboys’ forward pack with the experience and ability to take on a player like Jared Waerea-Hargreaves. If the Cowboys do not have enough energy and grit in the middle of the pack, the Roosters will roll them with ease.

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