Match Analysis: North Queensland Cowboys vs Manly Warringah Sea Eagles – Prediction
Match Details
- Date: 2025-05-17
- Time: 7:30 AM UTC
- Location: Queensland Country Bank Stadium, Townsville
Game Overview
Round 11 NRL clash between the 6th-placed Cowboys and the 8th-placed Sea Eagles. Manly makes positional changes in the forwards with Bullemor starting at prop and Jake Trbojevic at lock; Cowboys start Hess in the front row and debut Purdue at five-eighth, with Dearden moving to halfback after Taumalolo is sidelined.
Key Factors to Consider
- Cowboys sit 6th with a slightly better recent form, while Manly is 8th, having lost their last game to the Sharks. Manlyβs forward rotation sees experienced players like Trbojevic shifting positions, possibly impacting cohesion. The Cowboys' backline is adjusted due to Purdueβs debut at five-eighth and Laybutt returning from injury.
- Recent meetings are competitive, with both teams displaying closely matched statistics. The Cowboys hold a slight edge in home games at Queensland Country Bank Stadium.
- Jason Taumalolo (Cowboys) remains sidelined with a calf injury, a significant loss for their forward pack. Manly is mostly full strength, with only minor interchange changes.
- Home advantage for the Cowboys is significant, especially at Queensland Country Bank Stadium. There are no major weather concerns reported for the match.
- Both teams are mid-table and eager to solidify their positions for the finals. The return of Laybutt for the Cowboys boosts morale, while Manly aims to bounce back from a recent loss.
Odds and Predictions
| Category | Odds | Prediction | Confidence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Moneyline | Manly Warringah Sea Eagles: 118, North Queensland Cowboys: -132, Draw: 1800 | North Queensland Cowboys | β β β ββ 65% |
| Spread | Manly Warringah Sea Eagles: 1.5 -105, North Queensland Cowboys: -1.5 -125 | Cowboys -1.5 | β β β ββ 62% |
| Over/under | Over: 51.5 -115, Under: 51.5 -115 | Under 51.5 | β β β ββ 55% |
Top EV Betting Odds
Discover the best value bets based on our EV analysis.
| Market | EV Pick |
|---|---|
| Moneyline | North Queensland Cowboys 2% |
| Spread | N/A |
| Over/Under | Under 51.5 3% |
π₯ Best Value Pick: Under 51.5 at 3% EV | Suggested Bet Size: 3.3% (Kelly Criterion)
Predicted Outcome
The Cowboys are favored slightly based on home ground advantage, positional stability, and the Sea Eaglesβ recent loss. The return of Laybutt and the debut of Purdue could be wildcards, but the Cowboysβ pack and home crowd give them a narrow edge.
Predicted Score: Cowboys 26 β Sea Eagles 18