NRL Round 16 North Queensland Cowboys v Canberra Raiders Preview

The Harvey Norman Women in League Round continues on Saturday when the Cowboys host the Raiders at home. Two teams who have different records but who have both been able to play some great footy, whilst also being guilty of not living up to their potential. The Cowboys pulled off a great victory last week over the Broncos by grinding out a 12-0 win. Many would say that perhaps this is a game which will have the Cowboys focussed on finishing strong towards September and perhaps pushing teams in the semi's for a shot in the Grand Final. But that's if they can continue the level that we have seen in their good performances this year. On the other hand, you have the Raiders, a team that has definitely left their fans wondering what they must have done to deserve this type of season. Of course, injuries have not been kind to them, but that is part and parcle with the NRL competition. It is always percieved as a very tough trip up to Dairy Farmers Stadium to take on the Cowboys, but after a much needed week off with a Bye and a win over the Knights, perhaps the Raiders are back on track. If they want to make a run for the Top 8, then this is a game they must win. If they don't, then it would almost be too late for them in coming weeks. But first, they have Jonathan Thurston and the rest of the Cowboys team standing in their way.

North Queensland Cowboys

The Cowboys did have their full host of SOO players back for last weeks game, but will definitely welcome the return of prop James Tamou to the starting team. He is a very damaging ball runner and is proving very difficult to stop. The Raiders have a very big pack of forwards and he will relish the opportunity to draw first blood in this match. They lose Ashton Sims to suspension after taking a guilty plea for a high shot last week and will miss one game. They have named an extended bench with Corey Patterson and Scott Bolton fighting out the final spot. The Cowboys definitely have a more experienced roster and also have the added class of Thurston. One player who will look to involve himself as much as possible is fullback Matty Bowen, a player who is definitely being considered to replace Slater for QLD. It isn't as though he has been suggested for his experience this season, it's due to his fantastic level of play that he has always push towards, even in the absence of Thurston who is sometimes away on representative duties. He has become a real leader this season.

Canberra Raiders

After a last start win over the Knights, coach David Furner has retained Josh Dugan at 5/8. This is a very bold move considering he never looked comfortable playing there against the Tigers. But perhaps as time has gone on and he has more time at training to become accustomed to the position, the better he will go. Supercoach favorite Shaun Fensom is under some injury cloud coming into the game and may miss this game with a knee injury. It has been suggested that he could be a bolter for the NSW SOO team to replace Glenn Stewart, so no doubt he will be doing everything possible to play in this clash. The Raiders have also named an extended bench with one to be omitted. The week off would have been great for a struggling team to get out of the spotlight, but it was made even sweeter with a dominating display against the Knights at Hunter Stadium. They will again have to ensure that their forwards set a good platform early to give extra room to Dugan and their speedy outside backs to create something.

Recent History
Overall = Cowboys 11 - Raiders 18
Last 5 games = Cowboys 4 - Raiders 1
At Dairy Farmers Stadium = Cowboys 7 - Raiders 7

Odds
TAB Sportsbet = Cowboys $1.30 Raiders $2.80
Centrebet = Cowboys $1.32 Raiders $2.85
Sportsbet = Cowboys $1.32 Raiders $2.85

Verdict

The Cowboys are a team that displays a lot more experience around the park then the Raiders. If they were to lose this game, I would consider it a massive upset. They have been playing very well in recent weeks and can ill afford to become side tracked with another loss with could have them losing touch with the top sides. It is hard to judge the effect that the win over Newcastle would have had on the young Raiders team, but playing at this ground ensures that it is always a tough game regardless of your form. The Raiders wil have to be on their game and play mistake-free football if they are to win this one.

Suggested Bet
Cowboys 13 + @ $2.90


Matty Bowen Magic = First Try @ $8 - He will be looking to press his claims so why not look for him to score the first or even the last try.


Winning Margin = Cowboys 19+ @ $3.25 - If you aren't convinced about the 13+ and believe that you can get more value, then try this betting option.


Good luck!
Scooby
@scoobystips