Leichhardt Oval will play host to Thursday's Round 22 NRL game between Wests Tigers and North Queensland Cowboys. The game kicks off at 7:50 pm with North Queensland Cowboys heading into the game as favourites with the bookmakers. Continue reading for our in-depth preview of the Wests Tigers vs. North Queensland Cowboys game and give you our free tips and bets.
When: Thursday August 1, 2024 at 7:50 pm
Where: Leichhardt Oval
Bet 💰: Bet On This Match HERE
Wests Tigers vs North Queensland Cowboys Odds
Wests Tigers vs North Queensland Cowboys Preview
North Queensland Cowboys are eyeing off what shapes as a vital free hit as they set a course for the finals, but the memories of their last visit to Leichhardt Oval should douse any sense of complacency before they take on the hapless Wests Tigers.
The Cowboys have climbed to sixth with consecutive wins over fellow Top 8 sides Canterbury (20-18) and Cronulla (30-22) at home, while Kyle Feldt bagged a hat-trick against the Sharks.
The Cowboys have lost Jason Taumalolo and Reuben Cotter, with Sam McIntyre and Harrison Edwards coming in.
Heilum Luki returns in a handy boost, while Thomas Mikaele and Jake Granville join the bench.
The last-placed Tigers are on a five-match losing streak, conceding 40-plus points in four straight games before showing some fight in a 28-16 loss to the Warriors.
They trailed 14-0 at halftime in Auckland but there was just a converted try in it with 12 minutes left, while Api Koroisau was inspirational.
The Tigers welcome back Justin Olam for Starford Toa (hamstring), Solomon Alaimalo comes onto the wing for Luke Laulilii (concussion) and David Klemmer replaces Fonua Pole (rib).
The Tigers rocked the Cowboys 66-18 at Leichhardt midway through 2023 their ninth win from 10 games between the clubs at the venue.
Of course, the Cowboys returned the favour with a 74-0 rout in Townsville six weeks later, while they chalked up a 42-28 home win in Round 12 this season.
A three-match winning streak at Leichhardt was broken by the Storm in a 40-28 loss in Round 18, but theres no question the Tigers perform better at their spiritual homes.
But the Cowboys have won their last three interstate matches and have too much at stake to take their eye of the ball here.
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Wests Tigers vs North Queensland Cowboys Tip
We're tipping North Queensland Cowboys to win at $1.33 odds.
Wests Tigers vs North Queensland Cowboys Teams
Tigers team: 1. Jahream Bula 2. Solomon Alaimalo 3. Solomona Faataape 4. Justin Olam 5. Charlie Staines 6. Lachlan Galvin 7. Latu Fainu 8. Stefano Utoikamanu 9. Apisai Koroisau 10. David Klemmer 11. Reuben Porter 12. Samuela Fainu 13. Isaiah Papali’i 14. Tallyn Da Silva 15. Alex Seyfarth 16. Sione Fainu 17. Alex Twal 18. Heath Mason 19. Justin Matamua 20. Josh Feledy 21. Declan Casey 22. Tim Johannssen
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. Sam McIntyre 11. Heilum Luki 12. Jeremiah Nanai 13. Thomas Mikaele 14. Harrison Edwards 15. Jake Granville 16. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki 17. Griffin Neame 18. Jaxon Purdue 19. Jamal Shibasaki 20. Jake Clifford 21. Tomas Chester 22. Thomas Duffy
