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North Queensland Cowboys vs Sydney Roosters NRL Betting Tips - Roosters supported in Round 22 road trip

jeremy-darke
Jeremy Darke
Editor
Last updated: Wed 29 Jul 2026 11:49
The Sydney Roosters head to Townsville riding high after five consecutive victories, pushing them to fifth on the NRL ladder. Their defense has been outstanding, conceding only 13.2 points per game recently, while averaging a winning margin of 10 points. The North Queensland Cowboys have solid recent form but struggle with consistency, especially in completion rates. The verdict: Roosters are tipped to cover the -5.5 handicap, the game is likely to remain under 45.5 points, and Mark Nawaqanitawase is predicted to score.
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  • Roosters have won 5 straight, averaging 10-point margins.
  • Cowboys struggle with consistency and will miss key attackers.
  • Roosters expected to cover -5.5, game to go under 45.5 points.
sydney roosters
Sydney Roosters to make it 6 in a row (Getty Images)

North Queensland Cowboys vs Sydney Roosters Verdict


The Roosters are up to fifth on the ladder on the back of five straight wins and can make that six on the long trip to Townsville. The five wins have been by an average margin of 10 points and Sydney appeal to cover a -5.5 line.

  • The Roosters have won five consecutive matches by an average margin of 10 points.
  • Sydney have conceded an average of only 13.2 points across their last five games.
  • Eight of the Roosters’ last 10 matches have gone Under the game total.
  • Daniel Tupou’s absence should increase Nawaqanitawase’s attacking involvement.

Head to Head


North Queensland have won three of the last five meetings with the Roosters, including an 18-12 victory in Sydney earlier this season.

The Cowboys also won 18-16 in 2024 and 20-6 in 2023, proving they have regularly troubled the Roosters in recent seasons. Sydney’s two victories during that five-game period came by 34 and 14 points.

The most recent meeting was a low-scoring contest, with North Queensland holding the Roosters to just 12 points. Three of the last four head-to-head matches have finished below their respective game totals.

North Queensland Cowboys Form - Top 8 Claims Strengthened


North Queensland have won three of their last four games to strengthen their position inside the top eight. 

Their latest victory came in an 18-10 Queensland derby against Brisbane, with the Cowboys defending repeated pressure during the second half.

The Cowboys have also recorded recent victories over Penrith and Manly, although a 36-16 defeat to the Dolphins highlighted the difference between their best and worst performances.

North Queensland have averaged 19.8 points across their last five matches while conceding 22.8. 

They rank fifth for run metres and linebreaks, but their completion rate sits 14th in the competition and could become an issue against a Roosters side capable of controlling territory.

Sydney Roosters Form - Red-Hot Chooks Win 5 In A Row


The Roosters have won five consecutive games, although they were forced to work hard for last week’s 23-22 victory over Newcastle.

Sydney trailed at half-time and spent long periods defending their own end, but James Tedesco scored a hat-trick before Daly Cherry-Evans kicked the decisive field goal. 

The Roosters secured the victory despite having less than half of the possession and fewer attacking opportunities than Newcastle.

The result extended Sydney’s unbeaten run and demonstrated their ability to remain patient in tight contests. 

The Roosters have averaged 23.2 points and conceded only 13.2 across their last five matches, producing an average winning margin of 10 points.

Verdict

The Cowboys absences will restrict their attack keeping this game under 45.5 points with the Roosters covering as the converted try favourites. Mark Nawaqanitawase will  break his try scoring drought.

Best Bet1: Sydney -5.5 Handicap/Line @10/11 at Hollywood bets - 3 Units
Best Bet2: Under 45.5 Game Total @10/11 at bet365 - 2 Units
Best Bet3: Mark Nawaqanitawase Anytime Tryscorer @3/4 at Star Sports - 2 Units
Best Bet4: Mark Nawaqanitawase First Tryscorer @13/2 at Hollywood bets - 1 Unit
Sydney -5.5
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Mark Nawaqanitawase
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jeremy-darke
Jeremy Darke

Sports Editor & Betting Analyst • 15+ Years of Experience, Australian Sports Specialist

Jeremy is a freelance journalist who is a true sports activist. A die-hard fan of the NRL all his life and also has a passion for all the major American sports.


From when he was a little fella he has played most sports ranging from rugby, ice hockey, tennis and football, just to name a few. His interest in analytics and statistics helps him find the edge while writing previews and being a regular tipster.

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