NRL
  • Home
  • NRL

Newcastle Knights vs North Queensland Cowboys Tips and Prediction

jeremy-darke
Editor
Last updated: 31 minutes ago
Add to Calendar
Listen
Jeremy Darke 31 minutes ago
Share this article
Or copy link
success image
  • Newcastle Knights vs North Queensland Cowboys Tips and Prediction
  • Cowboys favored at -4.5 due to team cohesion.
  • Jaxon Purdue is a key player for anytime tryscoring.
  • Knights' new dynamic could surprise if their halves click early.
Jaxon Purdue
Newcastle Knights vs North Queensland Cowboys Tips and Prediction (Photo by Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images)

Newcastle Knights vs North Queensland Cowboys Tips and Prediction


How this game shapes up


Round 1 in Vegas and both sides are trying to reset.

Newcastle enter a new era under Justin Holbrook with Dylan Brown arriving and a reshuffled halves pairing. It might click long term, but combinations take time and this is a tough first assignment.

North Queensland were one of the most disappointing sides last season, but the roster is largely settled. Dearden remains the organiser and Reed Mahoney arrives with plenty to prove. The Cowboys also bring a five game winning streak over the Knights into this matchup.

These meetings have leaned under in recent years and both coaches will want defensive steel to start the season.

Best Bets


Cowboys -4.5


The Knights are building something new, but Round 1 usually rewards cohesion. North Queensland’s spine is more settled and they have dominated this matchup in recent seasons. That continuity gives them the edge.

Jaxon Purdue Anytime Tryscorer


Purdue starts in the centres and his numbers in the number three jersey speak for themselves. Fourteen tries in sixteen starts in the centres. If the Cowboys generate clean ball on the edges, he is the one finishing it.

What could go wrong?


If the Knights’ new halves combination clicks immediately, the attack could look very different to last season. Kalyn Ponga only needs a few moments to change a game.

And if both sides go ultra conservative to open the year, the margin could stay tighter than expected deep into the second half.

Verdict

Cowboys to cover -4.5 and Jaxon Purdue scores.
Best Bet1: North Queensland -4.5 Handicap/Line @20/21 at dabble - 3 Units
Best Bet2: Jaxon Purdue Anytime Tryscorer @6/4 at Neds - 2 Units
North Queensland -4.5
Handicap/Line
@20/21 - 3 Units
Download the dabble app
with referral code BETSAU

Download the dabble app, enter referral code BETSAU to enjoy Dabble, the betting app with a difference! Bet as normal with & also be part of Australia's betting community where you can follow punters and sports stars, copy their bets, have banter with your mates & watch Sky Racing channels. 18+. T&Cs apply. What are you prepared to lose today? Set a deposit limit.

Bet at dabble
Jaxon Purdue
Anytime Tryscorer
@6/4 - 2 Units
Take it to the Neds Level
Register with code BLACKBOOK

The Neds.com.au code is BLACKBOOK. 18+ only. T&Cs apply. WHAT ARE YOU REALLY GAMBLING WITH? Set a deposit limit.

Bet at Neds

Top Betting Sites

special-offer-1Betting offers

Upcoming Events

26 February 2026

01 March 2026

  • Newcastle Knights vs North QLD Cowboys -
  • Rugby League
Load More