Queensland Country Bank Stadium will play host to Saturday's Round 9 NRL game between North Queensland Cowboys and Dolphins. The game kicks off at 7:35 pm with North Queensland Cowboys heading into the game as favourites with the bookmakers. Continue reading for our in-depth preview of the North Queensland Cowboys vs. Dolphins game and give you our free tips and bets.

When: Saturday May 4, 2024 at 7:35 pm

Where: Queensland Country Bank Stadium

Bet 💰: Bet On This Match HERE

North Queensland Cowboys vs Dolphins Odds

North Queensland Cowboys vs Dolphins Preview

The North Queensland Cowboys face the Dolphins once again in 2024, this time hoping for a better outcome than the decisive 43-18 loss they suffered at Suncorp Stadium during the season’s opener.

Since that match, both teams have experienced fluctuating fortunes. The Cowboys initially kicked off the season with a strong 4-1 record, only to slide into a three-game losing streak. This skid includes a severe 42-6 defeat at Cronulla and a more commendable narrow 26-20 loss to Penrith at home, despite trailing by 20 points—a performance that somewhat countered their reputation as flat-track bullies.

On the other hand, the Dolphins, standing at 4-3, have managed to avoid back-to-back defeats this year. They bounced back brilliantly with a resounding 44-16 victory over Parramatta in Darwin, only to stumble at home with an 18-14 loss against a struggling Newcastle team, exacerbated by Kalyn Ponga’s absence. Despite their energy, the Dolphins only managed to score two of their three tries in the dying minutes against the Knights.

In team news, Cowboys’ back-rower Heilum Luki is back from a seven-week hiatus, which shifts Jake Granville out of the squad. With Tom Chester sidelined due to a hamstring injury, former Warrior Viliami Vailea will step up in the centres.

The Dolphins are also making adjustments, with Felise Kaufusi and Connelly Lemuelu coming into the pack to replace Kenny Bromwich, who is recovering from a head injury, and the dropped Oryn Keeley.

Looking back, the Dolphins secured a 32-22 victory in Townsville in Round 6 last year but then fell to the Cowboys in two subsequent meetings in Brisbane.

Despite their defensive challenges—having conceded the second-highest points in the NRL—North Queensland’s offense remains formidable. Meanwhile, the Dolphins have shown they can exploit weaknesses in lackluster defenses.

Given their resilience against the Panthers last week, the Cowboys have a solid chance at redemption on their home turf. However, the Dolphins present a strong challenge and could potentially offer better value against the spread.

Content provided by Ladbrokes

North Queensland Cowboys vs Dolphins Tip

North Queensland Cowboys vs Dolphins Teams

Cowboys team: 1. Scott Drinkwater 2. Kyle Feldt 3. Valentine Holmes 4. Viliami Vailea 5. Semi Valemei 6. Tom Dearden 7. Chad Townsend 8. Jordan McLean 9. Reece Robson 10. Griffin Neame 11. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki 12. Jeremiah Nanai 13. Reuben Cotter 14. Heilum Luki 15. Thomas Mikaele 16. Sam McIntyre 17. Jason Taumalolo 18. Jake Granville 19. Jake Clifford 20. Harrison Edwards 21. Jamal Shibasaki 22. Jaxon Purdue

Dolphins team: 1. Trai Fuller 2. Jamayne Isaako 3. Jake Averillo 4. Tesi Niu 5. Jack Bostock 6. Kodi Nikorima 7. Isaiya Katoa 8. Jesse Bromwich 9. Jeremy Marshall-King 10. Mark Nicholls 11. Felise Kaufusi 12. Euan Aitken 13. Max Plath 14. Josh Kerr 15. Kurt Donoghoe 16. Ray Stone 17. Connelly Lemuelu 18. Oryn Keeley 19. Sean O’Sullivan 20. Jarrod Wallace 21. Edrick Lee 22. Mason Teague