Moreton Daily Stadium will play host to Friday's Round 5 NRL game between New Zealand Warriors and North Queensland Cowboys. The game kicks off at 6:00 pm with North Queensland Cowboys heading into the game as favourites with the bookmakers. Continue reading for our in-depth preview of the New Zealand Warriors vs. North Queensland Cowboys game and give you our free tips and bets.

When: Friday April 8, 2022 at 6:00 pm

Where: Moreton Daily Stadium

Bet: Bet On This Match HERE

New Zealand Warriors vs North Queensland Cowboys Odds

New Zealand Warriors vs North Queensland Cowboys Preview

A big litmus test for a pair of 2-2 teams that are still favoured to finish closer to the bottom-four than the Top 8.

The Warriors were dealt the softest early-season draw in the comp. After bumbling their way to an ugly win over the Tigers in Round 3, they produced their most well-rounded performance so far in a 20-6 victory over the sliding Broncos – equalling the biggest win and least points conceded under Nathan Brown.

Shaun Johnson’s presence transforms the Warriors into something resembling a competent football side. Their pack bounced back with an authoritative display against the Brisbane pack – though Addin Fonua-Blake is in serious doubt this week – and a maligned three-quarter line contingent stood tall.

The Cowboys took a step backwards last week after consecutive thrashings of the Raiders and Broncos, going down 28-4 to the Roosters in a home clash blighted by three sin-binnings. Their forwards were steamrolled by the Tricolours’ pack and gave in-form halves Tom Dearden and Chad Townsend little to work with.

Aaron Pene and Bayley Sironen return to the Warriors’ 17 with suspended Round 4 standout Jazz Tevaga and the injured Ben Murdoch-Masila unavailable. The Cowboys have lost fullback Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow to injury, with dangerous ball-player Scott Drinkwater getting the No.1 call-up.

The teams’ last seven encounters were decided by 1-12 margins.

Last season the Warriors almost blew a 20-point halftime lead before prevailing 24-20 in Gosford in Round 8, while they overturned a 16-point halftime deficit in Townsville four weeks later only for a long-range Tubai-Fidow try and booming Valentine Holmes field goal in the dying minutes to steal a 29-28 victory for the Cowboys.

The Warriors are the slightest of favourites at Redcliffe and still have enough muscle in the middle without AFB. If spine trio Johnson, Reece Walsh and Chanel Harris-Tavita reproduce what we saw last week, it should be enough for the hosts.

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