North Queensland Cowboys vs Melbourne Storm NRL Betting Tips - Storm value to cover in Round 4
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.
- 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.
- North Queensland Cowboys vs Melbourne Storm Preview
- Cowboys vs Storm Head To Head
- North Queensland Cowboys Struggling To Showcase Potential
- North Queensland Cowboys Team News
- Melbourne Storm Throw Away Perfect Record
- Melbourne Storm Team News
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.
| Year | Winner | Score | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Melbourne Storm | 26–20 | QLD C. Bank |
| 2025 | Melbourne Storm | 38–14 | AAMI |
| 2024 | North Queensland Cowboys | 38–30 | QLD C. Bank |
| 2023 | North Queensland Cowboys | 45–20 | QLD C. Bank |
| 2022 | North Queensland Cowboys | 36–6 | QLD 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
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.
Storm -13.5
Line
@9/10 - 3 Units
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Over 50.5
Total Points
@7/8 - 2 Units
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Tyran Wishart
Anytime Tryscorer
@9/2 - 1 Unit
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Tyran Wishart
Last Tryscorer
@40/1 - 1 Unit
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