It has been a damaging start to the 2023 NRL season for the North Queensland Cowboys, as they sit 16th in the rugby standings. They have picked up just two wins from their opening seven matches and will be looking for a change in their fortunes this weekend.
The Newcastle Knights have fared slightly better, but they will need a fourth victory in eight to edge closer to the playoff spots. The latest rugby odds, and our Cowboys vs Knights prediction can be found here.
Cowboys vs. Knights Information
North Queensland Cowboys vs Newcastle Knights
Location of the game: Queensland Country Bank Stadium, Queensland, Australia.
Date and Time: Saturday, April 22, 2023. 5:35 AM ET.
How to Watch: NRL Player
Cowboys vs. Knights Recent Scores
Before making a Cowboys vs Knights prediction, it is important to assess the recent meetings between the sides. This will be the 44th time that the side NRL sides have clashed, with the Knights holding a slender advantage, having won on 22 occasions.
However, the Cowboys can tie that record this weekend with a 22nd win. The Cowboys have a fine recent record in this fixture, as they have won two of the previous three. That includes a 16-12 win in this showdown last year.
North Queensland Cowboys vs. Newcastle Knights Betting Analysis
Cowboys Facts To Know
It has been a damning start to the new season for the Cowboys, as they sit 16th in the overall standings. They have landed just two wins from their opening seven matches, with five defeats having been suffered over that period. The Cowboys suffered a third straight defeat in the NRL last weekend, as they lost 22-14 on the road against the Warriors.
However, they will take some confidence from the fact that both of their wins this season have been recorded with home advantage. Their performance levels have certainly dropped off at an alarming rate this term after reaching the preliminary finals last season.
Knights Facts To Know
Things haven’t been much more comfortable for the Newcastle Knights over the early weeks of the season, as they are already upsetting a number of pre-season rugby league predictions.
Many expected the Knights to comfortably finish in a playoff spot this term, but they have looked anything other than challengers to this point. They have won just three of their opening seven matches, and they come into this game on the road after winning just once in their last three.
The Knights were slightly unfortunate in their previous outing, as they were narrowly edged out by the Panthers. A growing injury list has been a reason for their issues so far this season, and that could be a factor behind them throwing away a 14-6 lead at half time last week before falling to defeat against the Panthers.
Updates
The Knights could welcome back Kalyn Ponga and Jacob Saifiti this weekend. However, Brodie Jones, Adam Clune, and Adam Elliott remain out.
Meanwhile, the Cowboys will welcome back Gehamat Shibasaki and Jordan McLean. However, Heilum Luki and Griffin Neame remain sidelined.
Cowboys vs. Knights Betting Preview
Moneyline
- North Queensland Cowboys: -162
- Newcastle Knights: +130
Spread:
- North Queensland Cowboys (-3.5): -110
- Newcastle Knights (+3.5): -110
Over/Under Total:
- Total Points: Over 40.5 (-110) Under 40.5 (-110)
Cowboys vs. Knights Betting Prediction
This could be a perfect opportunity for the hosts to get their season back on track this weekend. They boast an excellent recent record at home against the Knights, and we make them our solid Cowboys vs Knights prediction this weekend.
- Pick: North Queensland Cowboys (-162)
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