GIO Stadium will play host to Friday's Round 15 NRL game between Canberra Raiders and North Queensland Cowboys. The game kicks off at 6:00 pm with Canberra Raiders heading into the game as favourites with the bookmakers. Continue reading for our in-depth preview of the Canberra Raiders vs. North Queensland Cowboys game and give you our free tips and bets.
When: Friday June 14, 2024 at 6:00 pm
Where: GIO Stadium
Bet: Bet On This Match HERE
Canberra Raiders vs North Queensland Cowboys Odds
Canberra Raiders vs North Queensland Cowboys Preview
Canberra is a narrow home favourite against a North Queensland side smarting from a 30-point loss in its own backyard.
The fifth-placed Raiders have won three of their last four, responding to a heavy loss to the Roosters with a nerve-shredding golden point win in Redcliffe where Jordan Rapana stepped up to win the match with his boot.
NSW Origin back-rower Hudson Young returns with Simi Sasagi dropping out of the side.
The 12th-placed Cowboys produced a gallant 18-16 away win over the Roosters without their rep stars in Round 13. But they returned to their tackle-shy ways in an insipid 42-12 home loss to the Warriors last Saturday.
Murray Taulagi and Reece Robson are back after sitting out last weeks beatdown with Origin injuries; Braidon Burns and Harrison Edwards are out of the 17. Jordan McLean also returns, while Jeremiah Nanai and Jason Taumalolo are named to start.
The Cowboys are on a four-match winning streak against the Raiders, including a 19-18 eclipse in Round 1 in Townsville in their only meeting last yar. Five of the teams last six encounters were decided by six points or less and only one of those produced a total in excess of 38 points.
The Raiders have conceded 84 points in losing their last two games at GIO Stadium, but expect a well-rested side to make a statement against the third-worst defensive outfit in the NRL.
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Canberra Raiders vs North Queensland Cowboys Tip
We're tipping Canberra Raiders to win at $1.70 odds.
Canberra Raiders vs North Queensland Cowboys Teams
Raiders team: 1. Jordan Rapana 2. Nick Cotric 3. Matthew Timoko 4. Sebastian Kris 5. Xavier Savage 6. Ethan Strange 7. Kaeo Weekes 8. Josh Papali’i 9. Danny Levi 10. Joseph Tapine 11. Hudson Young 12. Elliott Whitehead 13. Morgan Smithies 14. Tom Starling 15. Ata Mariota 16. Trey Mooney 17. Emre Guler 18. Albert Hopoate 19. Zac Woolford 20. Peter Hola 21. Simi Sasagi 22. Hohepa Puru
Cowboys team: 1. Scott Drinkwater 2. Kyle Feldt 3. Valentine Holmes 4. Viliami Vailea 5. Murray Taulagi 6. Tom Dearden 7. Chad Townsend 8. Jordan McLean 9. Reece Robson 10. Reuben Cotter 11. Heilum Luki 12. Jeremiah Nanai 13. Jason Taumalolo 14. Sam McIntyre 15. Thomas Mikaele 16. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki 17. Griffin Neame 18. Braidon Burns 19. Harrison Edwards 20. Tomas Chester 21. Jaxon Purdue 22. Jamal Shibasaki