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North Queensland Cowboys vs Melbourne Storm NRL Betting Tips - Storm value to cover in Round 4

andrew-hendrie
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Last updated: Thu 26 Mar 2026 09:27
The Melbourne Storm are predicted to rebound strongly against the North Queensland Cowboys following last week's defeat. Historically strong against high-ranking teams, the Cowboys have struggled in recent matchups against elite opponents, losing their last nine games against top-eight teams by an average of 19 points. Despite their offensive talent, the Cowboys' defense remains a concern, particularly against a Storm team known for high-scoring games, evident from their 2026 wins and recent victories over the Cowboys.
Andrew Hendrie 26 Mar 2026
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  • Storm to recover after last week's defeat with high-scoring potential.
  • Cowboys struggle against top teams; lost last nine such matches by 19 points average.
  • Melbourne Storm's victories indicated through commanding wins in 2026.
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Cowboys Storm NRL
Cowboys host Storm on Saturday (Photo by Getty Images)


North Queensland Cowboys vs Melbourne Storm Preview


Expect a Melbourne Storm reaction to last week's defeat as they cover the line against North Queensland. The Cowboys have often come up short against elite sides and that is predicted to continue.
  • Cowboys have lost their last nine games vs top eight teams
  • Cowboys have lost those nine games by an average margin of 19 points
  • Storm's two wins in 2026 have been by 48 & 26 points
  • Storm have seen 56+ points in two of their three games this season
  • Three of the last four meetings have seen 52+ points
  • Tyran Wishart has scored three tries in his last three appearances vs Cowboys

Cowboys vs Storm Head To Head

There was a time recently when the Cowboys won four straight, but the Storm have steadied the ship with victories in the last two meetings.

YearWinnerScoreVenue
2025Melbourne Storm26–20QLD C. Bank
2025Melbourne Storm38–14AAMI
2024North Queensland Cowboys38–30QLD C. Bank
2023North Queensland Cowboys45–20QLD C. Bank
2022North Queensland Cowboys36–6QLD C. Bank

North Queensland Cowboys Struggling To Showcase Potential

As always, there's a lot of potential in the Cowboys, but they just can't seem to tap into it.

An opening round defeat in Vegas to the Knights was followed by a diabolical 44-18 defeat to the Tigers at Leichhardt.

North Queensland opened their account for 2026 last week at home with a 30-16 victory over fellow battlers Gold Coast - but it was nothing to write home about.

Tom Dearden got the Cowboys' attack moving and allowed outside backs like Scotty Drinkwater and Jaxon Purdue to work their magic in open space. But the Cows' main issue remains defence and they have a big task ahead of them to keep the Storm at bay here.

North Queensland Cowboys Team News

Zac Laybutt comes in at centre for Tom Chester, who is out suspended.

Tom Mikaele and Harrison Edwards join the side on the bench.

North Queensland Cowboys Team List

1. Scott Drinkwater 
2. Braidon Burns 
3. Jaxon Purdue 
4. Zac Laybutt 
5. Murray Taulagi 
6. Jake Clifford 
7. Tom Dearden 
8. Coen Hess 
9. Reed Mahoney 
10. Jason Taumalolo 
11. Heilum Luki 
12. Sam McIntyre 
13. Reuben Cotter

Interchange 
14. Soni Luke 
15. Kai O’Donnell 
16. Griffin Neame 
17. Harrison Edwards 

Reserves
18. Thomas Mikaele 
19. Liam Sutton 
20. Kaiden Lahrs 
21. Matthew Lodge 
22. Robert Derby

Melbourne Storm Throw Away Perfect Record

Melbourne launched their season as they usually do under Craig Bellamy, absolutely crushing the Eels 52-4 in the opening round.

It wasn't as polished, but the Storm backed it up by outscoring the Dragons 46-20 in their following game.

Joe Chan has slotted in seamlessly on that right edge previously occupied by Eli Katoa and has two tries in three games, linking up brilliantly with Jahrome Hughes.

However, that partnership wasn't enough for the Storm in last week's Grand Final rematch with the Broncos. In what is becoming a worrying trend, the Storm blew another half-time lead - this time 14 points as they went down 18-14 at home.

Melbourne Storm Team News

Trent Loiero has been named to start in a swap with Tui Kamikamica in Melbourne's only change from last week.

Melbourne Storm Team List

1. Sualauvi Faalogo 
2. William Warbrick 
3. Jack Howarth 
4. Moses Leo 
5. Nick Meaney 
6. Cameron Munster 
7. Jahrome Hughes 
8. Stefano Utoikamanu 
9. Harry Grant 
10. Josh King 
11. Joe Chan 
12. Alec MacDonald 
13. Trent Loiero 

Interchange
14. Tyran Wishart 
15. Cooper Clarke 
16. Tui Kamikamica 
17. Davvy Moale 

Reserves
18. Jack Hetherington 
19. Siulagi Tuimalatu-Brown 
20. Lazarus Vaalepu 
21. Manaia Waitere 
22. Trent Toelau

Verdict

The Storm are tipped to cover with Over 50.5 total points. Tyran Wishart is great value for a try off the bench.

Best Bet1: Storm -13.5 Line @9/10 at Hollywood bets - 3 Units
Best Bet2: Over 50.5 Total Points @7/8 at bet365 - 2 Units
Best Bet3: Tyran Wishart Anytime Tryscorer @9/2 at Star Sports - 1 Unit
Best Bet4: Tyran Wishart Last Tryscorer @40/1 at Hollywood bets - 1 Unit
Storm -13.5
Line
@9/10 - 3 Units
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Over 50.5
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@7/8 - 2 Units
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Bet at bet365
Tyran Wishart
Anytime Tryscorer
@9/2 - 1 Unit
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Bet at Star Sports
Tyran Wishart
Last Tryscorer
@40/1 - 1 Unit
£30 Free Bet
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