Preview: North Queensland Cowboys vs Gold Coast Titans

The Gold Coast Titans are struggling with a 0-3 record in the 2024 season, and their upcoming match against the North Queensland Cowboys doesn’t seem promising, especially after their recent defeat to the Brisbane Broncos. On the other hand, the Cowboys are eager to bounce back from their loss and are expected to dominate both halves of the game. Additionally, it’s anticipated that the Titans will struggle to score, with their points predicted to be under 14.5 in the match.

Key Statistics:

– The Titans have only won one out of their last 12 games in Townsville.
– The Cowboys boast an impressive average of 30.5 points per game in attack, while the Titans have struggled to score, averaging just 6 points per game.
– In their past three games, the Titans have conceded five tries to opposing fullbacks.

Head to Head:

In the 2023 season, the Cowboys and Titans split their series, with the Titans securing a victory in their last encounter in round 22. However, historically, the Titans have struggled in North Queensland, with their last win in Townsville dating back to round 3, 2021.

North Queensland Cowboys Form:

The Cowboys suffered their first defeat of the season in a lopsided Queensland Derby against the Brisbane Broncos, where they struggled against Adam Reynolds’ kicking game and committed numerous errors. They aim to bounce back in their upcoming clash against the Titans.

North Queensland Cowboys Team News:

Coach Todd Payton has opted to stick with the same 17 players from the previous match.

Gold Coast Titans Form:

The Titans have been struggling in the competition, ranking as the worst team in the league over the opening four rounds. They have been lacking in various aspects of the game, particularly in attack, defense, and their overall performance.

Gold Coast Titans Team News:

There are changes in the Titans’ lineup, with Harley Smith-Shields coming in on the wing and Jojo Fifita replacing the injured Philip Sami. David Fifita will once again start from the bench.

Verdict:

Considering the Titans’ recent struggles, it’s likely that they will face difficulties against the Cowboys. The Cowboys are expected to dominate both halves of the game, and the Titans are predicted to score under 14.5 points. Scott Drinkwater is also anticipated to contribute to the Cowboys’ scoring, becoming the fourth fullback in as many games to score against the Titans.