Another thrilling round of NRL action gets underway later this week, as the Penrith Panthers will be looking to extend their advantage at the top of the rugby standings. They currently sit top of the NRL after winning nine of their opening 13 matches.
However, the North Queensland Cowboys will also have pressure on their shoulders, as they desperately need a return to winning ways to move clear of the bottom spot. You can find the latest Cowboys vs Panthers betting odds and predictions here.
North Queensland Cowboys vs. Penrith Panthers Information
North Queensland Cowboys vs Penrith Panthers
Location of the Game: Queensland Country Bank Stadium, Queensland, Australia
Date and Time: Friday, June 16, 2023. 6:00 AM ET
How to Watch: NRL Player
Recent Scores
This will be the 41st match between the Panthers and Cowboys in the NRL. The overall advantage is with the Panthers, who have picked up 21 victories compared to the 19 wins registered by the Cowboys.
However, it is worth remembering before making rugby league predictions that the Cowboys stormed to a 38-8 win in the previous encounter between the sides in Queensland in September 2022.
North Queensland Cowboys vs. Penrith Panthers Betting Analysis
Before continuing to our betting picks section, let’s take a quick look at how each team is doing this season!
North Queensland Cowboys Facts To Know
The Cowboys come into this match on Friday is a difficult position, as they remain toward the foot of the NRL standings. The rugby odds certainly appear to give them very little chance of achieving a playoff finish this term, as they have won just six of their opening 14 games this term.
However, the Cowboys would have built confidence from their previous outing, as they claimed a 45-20 win over the Storm. That was a welcome return to winning ways after losing each of their last two in the NRL.
Their home form is also worth examining before wagering on the Cowboys vs Panthers betting odds, as Queensland have won each of their previous three with home-field advantage.
Penrith Panthers Facts To Know
Few sides have started the NRL season as competitively as the Penrith Panthers, and they certainly look capable of running away at the top of the standings.
At present, they sit top of the standings, but they are level on points with the Broncos. However, the Panthers have a sizable advantage in terms of points difference, as they boast a strong +171 at this early stage.
The Panthers have won nine of their 13 matches over the opening months of the season, and they come into this game on the road after winning each of their last five.
Penrith was excellent in their most recent NRL match, as they landed a 30-6 win over the Roosters away from home. That was their third straight success on the road, while they have won four from five away from their home fans in recent months.
Key Injuries
The Cowboys could be set to welcome back Jason Taumalolo this week, but James Tamou and Tom Chester remain long-term absences. Liam Martin and Moses Leota will be missing for the Panthers, while Nathan Cleary and Taylan May are also out.
North Queensland Cowboys vs. Penrith Panthers Betting Preview
Moneyline: The Cowboys vs Panthers betting odds show the Panthers as the clear -209 favorites on the moneyline. A victory for the Cowboys is available at +165.
Spread: The Panthers are at -115 to cover the (-6.5) spread on Friday. The Cowboys spread is available at -105 on the (+6.5) spread.
North Queensland Cowboys vs. Penrith Panthers Betting Prediction
This should be a fascinating match to kick off the NRL weekend. The Cowboys were handsome winners in this exact fixture last season, but we struggle to see history repeating itself.
The Panthers have been the standout team in the NRL to this point, and we find it challenging to overlook them covering the spread with a big victory on Friday.
- Pick: Penrith Panthers (-6.5) (-115)
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