As Round 5 of the NRL season approaches take a look at the game between New Zealand Warriors and North Queensland Cowboys which is to be played at Moreton Daily Stadium on Friday. North Queensland Cowboys are the favourites for the game which is scheduled to start at 6:00 pm. We preview the upcoming New Zealand Warriors vs. North Queensland Cowboys game and give you the latest odds, tips and teams.
When: Friday April 8, 2022 at 6:00 pm
Where: Moreton Daily Stadium
Bet: Bet On This Match HERE
New Zealand Warriors vs North Queensland Cowboys Odds
New Zealand Warriors vs North Queensland Cowboys Preview
A big litmus test for a pair of 2-2 teams that are still favoured to finish closer to the bottom-four than the Top 8.
The Warriors were dealt the softest early-season draw in the comp. After bumbling their way to an ugly win over the Tigers in Round 3, they produced their most well-rounded performance so far in a 20-6 victory over the sliding Broncos – equalling the biggest win and least points conceded under Nathan Brown.
Shaun Johnson’s presence transforms the Warriors into something resembling a competent football side. Their pack bounced back with an authoritative display against the Brisbane pack – though Addin Fonua-Blake is in serious doubt this week – and a maligned three-quarter line contingent stood tall.
The Cowboys took a step backwards last week after consecutive thrashings of the Raiders and Broncos, going down 28-4 to the Roosters in a home clash blighted by three sin-binnings. Their forwards were steamrolled by the Tricolours’ pack and gave in-form halves Tom Dearden and Chad Townsend little to work with.
Aaron Pene and Bayley Sironen return to the Warriors’ 17 with suspended Round 4 standout Jazz Tevaga and the injured Ben Murdoch-Masila unavailable. The Cowboys have lost fullback Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow to injury, with dangerous ball-player Scott Drinkwater getting the No.1 call-up.
The teams’ last seven encounters were decided by 1-12 margins.
Last season the Warriors almost blew a 20-point halftime lead before prevailing 24-20 in Gosford in Round 8, while they overturned a 16-point halftime deficit in Townsville four weeks later only for a long-range Tubai-Fidow try and booming Valentine Holmes field goal in the dying minutes to steal a 29-28 victory for the Cowboys.
The Warriors are the slightest of favourites at Redcliffe and still have enough muscle in the middle without AFB. If spine trio Johnson, Reece Walsh and Chanel Harris-Tavita reproduce what we saw last week, it should be enough for the hosts.
Content provided by Ladbrokes
Head To Head Bet
We're tipping New Zealand Warriors to win at $1.82 odds.
First Try Scorer
First Try Scorer: Kyle Feldt at $9.25.
New Zealand Warriors vs North Queensland Cowboys Teams
Warriors team: 1. Reece Walsh 2. Edward Kosi 3. Jesse Arthars 4. Adam Pompey 5. Marcelo Montoya 6. Chanel Harris-Tavita 7. Shaun Johnson 8. Bunty Afoa 9. Wayde Egan 10. Matt Lodge 11. Euan Aitken 12. Bayley Sironen 13. Josh Curran 14. Kodi Nikorima 15. Eliesa Katoa 16. Aaron Pene 17. Jack Murchie 18. Taniela Otukolo 20. Addin Fonua-Blake 21. Rocco Berry 22. Pride Petterson-Robati 23. Junior Ratuva 24. Viliami Vailea 25. ‘Otukinekina-He-Tofonga Kepu
Cowboys team: 1. Scott Drinkwater 2. Kyle Feldt 3. Valentine Holmes 4. Peta Hiku 5. Murray Taulagi 6. Tom Dearden 7. Chad Townsend 8. Jordan McLean 9. Reece Robson 10. Jamayne Taunoa-Brown 11. Tom Gilbert 12. Jeremiah Nanai 13. Jason Taumalolo 14. Jake Granville 15. Heilum Luki 16. Reuben Cotter 17. Griffin Neame 18. Coen Hess 19. Brendan Elliot 20. Connelly Lemuelu 21. Emry Pere 22. Ben Condon 23. Ben Hampton 24. Daejarn Asi