Match Analysis: North Queensland Cowboys vs Newcastle Knights – Prediction
Match Details
- Date: 2025-08-17
- Time: 6:05 AM UTC
- Location: Queensland Country Bank Stadium, Townsville
Game Overview
The Round 24 NRL clash between the North Queensland Cowboys and Newcastle Knights is set to be a competitive and tightly contested game. The Cowboys enter as favorites with strong home support and a solid home record in challenging tropical conditions. The Knights, however, have shown resilience and are determined to prove their finals credentials on the road.
Key Factors to Consider
- Both teams show strong defensive systems but have struggled for consistent point-scoring. Recent form suggests momentum swings between the two sides with the Cowboys having a slight edge in power ranking (11.67 vs 10.67). The Knights have had some key roster changes including the introduction of new players in the fullback and bench positions. The Cowboys have substitutions and bench changes as well but remain heavy favorites.
- Recent encounters have been decided by narrow margins, indicating a very close matchup. The Newcastle Knights defeated the Cowboys 26-6 in their last NRLW match in July 2025, but menβs team statistics and form suggest a tighter contest in this upcoming menβs NRL fixture. Past head-to-head matches predominantly favor the Cowboys by small margins, reinforcing balance in this rivalry.
- Cowboys are missing Coen Hess (front row) but have brought back experienced Jordan McLean and other additions on the bench. Newcastle is without Phoenix Crossland (lock) but has activated several players including Connor Votano (fullback) and Jackson Hastings (bench), adjusting positional roles. These shifts could slightly impact team dynamics.
- The match is in Townsvilleβs tropical heat and humidity, conditions favoring the Cowboys who play a fortress-like home game. This climatic challenge could test the Knightsβ road resilience and endurance.
- The Cowboys benefit from strong home crowd support aiming to consolidate their ladder position. The Knights, facing a tough away fixture, are motivated to demonstrate finals capability and push for a result in challenging conditions.
Odds and Predictions
| Category | Odds | Prediction | Confidence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Moneyline | Newcastle Knights: 1.85, North Queensland Cowboys: -2.25, Draw: 22 | North Queensland Cowboys to win | β β β ββ 65% |
| Spread | Newcastle Knights +7.5: -1.15, North Queensland Cowboys -7.5: -1.15 | Newcastle Knights +7.5 | β β β ββ 55% |
| Over/under | Over 47.5: -1.15, Under 47.5: -1.15 | Under 47.5 points | β β β β β 70% |
Top EV Betting Odds
Discover the best value bets based on our EV analysis.
| Market | EV Pick |
|---|---|
| Moneyline | North Queensland Cowboys -10% |
| Spread | N/A |
| Over/Under | Under 47.5 12% |
π₯ Best Value Pick: Under 47.5 at 12% EV | Suggested Bet Size: 14% (Kelly Criterion)
Predicted Outcome
Expect a tight, defensive battle with the Cowboys favored to win narrowly. The tropical conditions and home advantage tilt probabilities toward the Cowboys but the Knights are likely to keep the scoreline close, with a total score lower than market expectations.
Predicted Score: North Queensland Cowboys 24 – Newcastle Knights 18