Suncorp Stadium will play host to Friday's Round 26 NRL game between Dolphins and North Queensland Cowboys. The game kicks off at 8:00 pm with North Queensland Cowboys heading into the game as favourites with the bookmakers. Continue reading for our in-depth preview of the Dolphins vs. North Queensland Cowboys game and give you our free tips and bets.

When: Friday August 25, 2023 at 8:00 pm

Where: Suncorp Stadium

Bet: Bet On This Match HERE

Dolphins vs North Queensland Cowboys Odds

Dolphins vs North Queensland Cowboys Preview

North Queensland is still be a reasonable hope of squeezing into the finals – but this clash with the also-ran Dolphins is must-win ahead of a daunting final-round trip to Penrith.

The Dolphins’ charmed start to life in the NRL continued in Round 6 when they upset the Cowboys 32-22 in Townsville, Jamayne Isaako bagged a hat-trick, while Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow crossed for a double.

The teams’ respective fortunes eventually reversed mid-season, the Dolphins have tumbled to 14th on the back of nine losses from their last 10 games including when a severely depleted line-up went down to the last-placed Tigers 24-23 at the death.

The only teams with a worse defensive record than the Dolphins are the three sides below them.

The Cowboys rallied to break into the top eight courtesy of six straight rousing wins, but they have since lost three straight to the Titans (22-13), Broncos (30-14) and, last Thursday at home, the Sharks (32-12) to have their fate partially taken out of their own hands.

The attacking drop-off has been alarming, with Valentine Holmes’ suspension not enough of an excuse for a side that was routinely piling on points in June and July.

Tabuai-Fidow (head knock) returns this week, which sees Kodi Nikorima return to five-eighth and Isaiya Katoa drop out. Connelly Lemuelu and Kenny Bromwich are also back for the Dolphins.

Jeremiah Nani (shoulder) is out for the Cowboys, with Heilum Luki coming into the starting pack and Kulikefu Finefeuiaki joining the interchange. Semi Valemei (knee) is also injured, with Zac Laybutt to play centre and Murray Taulagi returning to the wing.

The Dolphins are 3-3 at Suncorp Stadium this year (5-1 against the line); the Cowboys have it all to play for and should get up – but on recent form it’s hard to back them while giving up an 8.5-point start.

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