Wests Tigers vs North Queensland Cowboys Tips and Prediction

Leichhardt Oval on a Saturday afternoon usually means one thing. Chaos, points and a crowd that drags the Tigers into the fight.

The Tigers open their season after a Round 1 bye and get the benefit of a full extra week to prepare.

The Cowboys arrive after a trip to Vegas and another defensive performance that raised questions. They conceded 28 points to Newcastle and allowed 28.5 points per game last season, so stopping opposition attacks remains a major concern.

The Tigers backline has plenty of strike with Bula, Turuva and May out wide while Luai and Doueihi control things in the halves. If the game opens up at Leichhardt, the home side should have the edge.

North Queensland have lost seven of their last eight away games and the Tigers have been strong at Leichhardt winning three of their last four. With the extra preparation time and home crowd behind them, the Tigers look well placed to cover.

Bula has been a nightmare for the Cowboys. He has scored in all four of his recent games against them and has crossed seven times in his last seven appearances at Leichhardt. If the Tigers create space out wide he is the most likely finisher.

The Cowboys have dominated this matchup recently winning the last five meetings and they still have plenty of attacking quality through Drinkwater, Dearden and Taulagi.

If North Queensland control possession and limit the Tigers’ attacking opportunities, the game could stay closer than expected.