Queensland Country Bank Stadium will play host to Sunday's Round 1 NRL game between Nth Queensland Cowboys and Canterbury Bulldogs. The game kicks off at 6:25 pm with Nth Queensland Cowboys heading into the game as favourites with the bookmakers. Continue reading for our in-depth preview of the Nth Queensland Cowboys vs. Canterbury Bulldogs game and give you our free tips and bets.

When: Sunday March 13, 2022 at 6:25 pm

Where: Queensland Country Bank Stadium

Bet: Bet On This Match HERE

Nth Queensland Cowboys vs Canterbury Bulldogs Odds

Nth Queensland Cowboys vs Canterbury Bulldogs Preview

The conclusion of Round 1 may be the only time we see either of these clubs in the Top 8 in 2022. North Queensland is on the second line of betting in the Most Losses market, while Canterbury’s Trent Barrett has surged in ‘first coach to be sacked’ speculation after a dismal pre-season.

Settling on a fullback and halves combination, as well as reigniting Jason Taumalolo as one of the best forwards on the planet after a career-worst 2021, are the keys as Todd Payten aims to lead the Cowboys out of the bottom four for the first time since their 2017 grand final appearance. Veteran half Chad Townsend has more responsibility on his shoulders than his ability can handle, while Tom Dearden has claimed the No.6 jersey. Flyer Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow is at fullback with recruit Peta Hiku teaming up in the centres with Valentine Holmes.

The Bulldogs have been the NRL’s busiest club in the player market. Matt Burton is a slam-dunk signing but does not solve the halfback problem, with the talented but ill-equipped Jake Averillo getting the No.7 nod. The likes of Matt Dufty, Tevita Pangai Jr and to a lesser extent Paul Vaughan shape as hit-or-miss recruits, while the brilliant Josh Addo-Carr may suffer the same difficulties on the end of the Bulldogs’ backline endured by Nick Cotric last season.

The Cowboys have won eight of the teams’ last 10 clashes, including a 30-18 result in Townsville last season after Bulldogs firebrand Jack Hetherington was sent off for a coat-hanger on Valentine Holmes.

Neither team inspires much confidence, but the Cowboys were the better of the two in the trials and are at home, while the Bulldogs are on a five-year Round 1 losing streak. In a near pick ’em, the hosts are the safe option.

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