Suncorp Stadium will play host to Sunday's Round 1 NRL game between Dolphins and North Queensland Cowboys. The game kicks off at 4:05 pm with North Queensland Cowboys heading into the game as favourites with the bookmakers. Continue reading for our in-depth preview of the Dolphins vs. North Queensland Cowboys game and give you our free tips and bets.
When: Sunday March 10, 2024 at 4:05 pm
Where: Suncorp Stadium
Bet: Bet On This Match HERE
Dolphins vs North Queensland Cowboys Odds
Dolphins vs North Queensland Cowboys Preview
The opening round concludes with a pair of fringe Top 8 contenders striving to make an early statement at Suncorp Stadium.
The budding Queensland rivalry finished with one away win apiece in 2023, the Dolphins scoring a 32-22 upset in Townsville in Round 7 and the Cowboys grabbing a 34-10 late-season result in Brisbane.
The debuting Dolphins finished with a 4-4 record at Suncorp Stadium.
The Dolphins’ maiden campaign was an unequivocal success despite finishing 13th with nine wins.
In a sizzling start they beat four eventual finalists in the first 10 rounds and pushed the Broncos to the final minute, but injuries influenced a 1-10 run during the second half of the year.
The club has bought superbly with Herbie Farnworth and Thomas Flegler complementing 2023 breakout stars Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, Jeremy Marshall-King and Jamayne Isaako.
But Tom Gilbert’s pre-season ACL is a heartbreaker, while quality in the halves remains a roadblock to success; Kodi Nikorima is alongside Sean O’Sullivan for Round 1. Ray Stone starts at lock, while Jarrod Wallace, Jake Averillo, Euan Aitken and Isaiya Katoa are standout names in the reserves list.
Todd Payten’s Cowboys lost a lot of ground on their 2022 top-four billing and prelim appearance, landing ninth on the back of a dismal 2-5 start and a 1-4 finish to the regular season.
There’s no new faces in the Cowboys’ 17, but they also had a major injury setback with Coen Hess ruled out for the year.
Zac Laybutt claims the centre spot vacated by Peta Hiku, Kyle Feldt has edged out Semi Valemei on the wing, and Jason Taumalolo will start at prop for Hess.
Former Tiger Thomas Mikaele was unlucky to miss out after trialling strongly.
The Cowboys have more upside on face value, courtesy of top-tier spine players Scott Drinkwater, Tom Dearden and Reece Robson, potent backs and a bevy of game-breaking back-rowers.
But they went 3-8 on the road in 2023 and are a dicey proposition as a warm away favourite.
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Dolphins vs North Queensland Cowboys Tip
We're tipping North Queensland Cowboys to win at $1.50 odds.
Dolphins vs North Queensland Cowboys Teams
Dolphins team: 1. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow 2. Jamayne Isaako 3. Tesi Niu 4. Herbie Farnworth 5. Jack Bostock 6. Kodi Nikorima 7. Sean O’Sullivan 8. Jesse Bromwich 9. Jeremy Marshall-King 10. Thomas Flegler 11. Felise Kaufusi 12. Connelly Lemuelu 13. Ray Stone 14. Josh Kerr 15. Max Plath 16. Kenny Bromwich 17. Mark Nicholls 18. Jarrod Wallace 19. Jake Averillo 20. Oryn Keeley 21. Euan Aitken 22. Isaiya Katoa
Cowboys team: 1. Scott Drinkwater 2. Kyle Feldt 3. Valentine Holmes 4. Zac Laybutt 5. Murray Taulagi 6. Tom Dearden 7. Chad Townsend 8. Jordan McLean 9. Reece Robson 10. Jason Taumalolo 11. Heilum Luki 12. Jeremiah Nanai 13. Reuben Cotter 14. Jake Granville 15. Griffin Neame 16. Sam McIntyre 17. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki 18. Tomas Chester 19. Thomas Mikaele 20. Semi Valemei 21. Jack Gosiewski 22. Jake Clifford