Queensland Country Bank Stadium will play host to Friday's Round 6 NRL game between North Queensland Cowboys and Dolphins. 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 North Queensland Cowboys vs. Dolphins game and give you our free tips and bets.

When: Friday April 7, 2023 at 8:00 pm

Where: Queensland Country Bank Stadium

Bet: Bet On This Match HERE

North Queensland Cowboys vs Dolphins Odds

North Queensland Cowboys vs Dolphins Preview

North Queensland and the Dolphins head into the first instalment of this all-Queensland rivalry and a crucial juncture.

The 2-3 Cowboys are experiencing a difficult follow-up to their top-four heroics of 2022 – but they will take comfort from the fact they also won only two of their first five last year. Todd Payten’s charges won 10 of their next 11, however, and they look way off a run of that magnitude.

The effort was there in a 15-14 golden point loss to Canterbury in Sydney, but conceding a last-minute try in an extra-time defeat is always going to burn.

Scott Drinkwater’s return should spark a Cowboys attack which has managed just 17 points per game, but the pack will be missing Jordan McLean and Heilum Luki. Reuben Cotter makes a timely return, though.

The Dolphins’ spectacular start to life in the NRL hit its first low point in Round. Following three outstanding wins and a gallant loss to the Broncos, the newcomers were thumped 38-12 by an under-fire Dragons outfit. Felise Kaufusi’s suspension absence seemed to hit harder last week.

Their questionable depth is starting to become an issue, with Kodi Nikorima the latest halves solution as Anthony Milford joins Sean O’Sullivan on the sidelines. Edrick Lee makes his first appearance for the club on the wing with debutant Jack Bostock dropping out.

The Dolphins are 4-1 against the line but the way they folded defensively was a worry ahead of a Townsville road trip, despite the Cowboys’ struggles. The Cowboys have won 14 of their last 16 as a favourite and this is a gilt-edged opportunity to put their campaign back on the rails.

Content provided by Ladbrokes