NRL, ROUND 21, JULY 22nd, 2023 NORTH QUEENSLAND COWBOYS v PARRAMATTA EELS
QUUENSLAND COUNTRY BANK STADIUM,TOWNSVILLE
In what promises to be a blockbuster match of Round 21, the North Queensland Cowboys and the Parramatta Eels are set to collide in an NRL showdown with massive top eight ramifications. Both teams started the season on a shaky note, potentially feeling the effects of last year’s Grand Final and Preliminary Final hangovers. However, in recent months, they have surged back with renewed vigor. The Cowboys are riding high on a five-game winning streak, ascending from 16th to ninth on the ladder. The Eels, on the other hand, have won six out of their last seven matches and currently occupy the seventh spot.
With both teams level on 24 points, the Cowboys have a chance to surpass the Eels if they secure their seventh consecutive victory on home turf in Queensland. The Cowboys’ winning streak has been nothing short of impressive, notching victories against formidable opponents such as the Storm, Panthers, and Rabbitohs. Their extraordinary 74-0 win over the Tigers also etched its name in the NRL history books.
Todd Payten’s squad continued their impressive run with a gritty 19-8 triumph over the Sea Eagles in a challenging away game last week, establishing themselves as one of the form sides in the competition. Meanwhile, the Eels bounced back from a heavy 46-10 loss to the Warriors by securing a tight 25-24 victory against the Titans. However, their recent wins came at a cost, as they will miss the services of Reagan Campbell-Gillard and Maika Sivo due to lengthy suspensions.
For the Eels, the absence of Sivo means fielding a new-look combination on the wing, which could be exploited by the crafty Cowboys fullback, Scott Drinkwater. Drinkwater has been instrumental in the Cowboys’ resurgence, displaying a blend of instinctive playmaking and solid defense. His 16 try assists and six line breaks since Round 11 have been key to North Queensland’s newfound attacking potency.
On the other hand, the Eels will look to J’Maine Hopgood to spearhead their offensive efforts. Hopgood’s exceptional work rate and skillful ball-playing have made him a revelation this season, providing much-needed variety to challenge the Cowboys’ resolute defense.
As the Cowboys aim to avenge last season’s narrow preliminary finals loss to the Eels in Townsville, the Queensland Country Bank Stadium is set to witness a battle of determination and desire. While the Eels have enjoyed comfortable wins against lesser-ranked opponents recently, the Cowboys’ winning streak has seen them conquer some of the best teams in the NRL. This encounter promises to be a high-octane clash with both teams seeking a crucial victory to strengthen their finals aspirations.
Cowboys team: 1. Scott Drinkwater 2. Semi Valemei 3. Valentine Holmes 4. Peta Hiku 5. Murray Taulagi 6. Tom Dearden 7. Chad Townsend 8. Jordan McLean 9. Reece Robson 10. Coen Hess 11. Luciano Leilua 12. Jeremiah Nanai 13. Reuben Cotter 14. Jake Granville 15. Griffin Neame 16. Jason Taumalolo 17. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki 18. Zac Laybutt 19. Jamayne Taunoa-Brown 20. Sam McIntyre 21. Ben Hampton 22. Mitchell Dunn
Eels team: 1. Clinton Gutherson 2. TBA 3. Viliami Penisini 4. Bailey Simonsson 5. Sean Russell 6. Daejarn Asi 7. Mitchell Moses 8. Ofahiki Ogden 9. Brendan Hands 10. Junior Paulo 11. Shaun Lane 12. Bryce Cartwright 13. J’maine Hopgood 14. Luca Moretti 15. Joe Ofahengaue 16. Andrew Davey 17. Ryan Matterson 18. Haze Dunster 19. Makahesi Makatoa 20. Waqa Blake 21. Ky Rodwell 22. Jack Murchie
Referees: Grant Atkins; Sideline Officials: Jarrod Cole, Liam Kennedy; Video Referees: Chris Butler;
PRDICTION
I will be taking the Cowboys in this one, due to some massive suspensions to the Eels, and the Cowboys at home. It will not be an easy win though, so be careful. Cows minus 6.5 points @ $1.85
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