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North Queensland Cowboys vs Wests Tigers NRL Betting Tips - Wide-open contest predicted in Round 26

andrew-hendrie
Andrew Hendrie
Editor
Last updated: Fri 28 Aug 2026 12:41
The North Queensland Cowboys and Wests Tigers are expected to deliver another high-scoring NRL match, continuing a trend where recent meetings have produced an average of nearly 70 points. The Cowboys, clinging to eighth spot and battling inconsistency, welcome back key players including Tom Dearden and Jeremiah Nanai. Meanwhile, the Tigers are fresh from an upset win but still face challenges. With both teams eager to prove a point and star players returning, expect multiple tries and plenty of action. Recommended bets include over 52.5 total points and both Purdue and Nanai to score.
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  • Recent Cowboys vs Tigers games average nearly 70 points
  • Key player returns & both teams expected to score multiple tries
  • Betting tips: Over 52.5 total points, Purdue & Nanai to score
cowboys wests nrl
Wests Tigers and North Queensland Cowboys to serve up plenty of points (Getty Images)


North Queensland Cowboys vs Wests Tigers Verdict


Since 2023, the lowest points total between these sides has has been 60 and there's been an average of 69.7 points in the last seven games. I'm expecting this to be another high-scoring contest.
  • The last seven meetings between the teams have seen 60+ points
  • Tigers have scored 4+ tries in their last two games & scored 44 points vs Cowboys in R2
  • Cowboys conceded 82 points in their last game in Townsville
  • Cowboys conceded 32 points in their most-recent game vs Eels
  • Jeremiah Nanai has scored 1+ try in his last five appearances vs Tigers in Townsville
  • Jaxon Purdue is back in the centres & has scored 1+ try in his last six games vs bottom four teams

Cowboys vs Tigers Head To Head

The Cowboys have won five of the last six meetings, but the Tigers were victorious by a big scoreline earlier this year at Leichhardt.

North Queensland Cowboys Form

The Cowboys are holding onto eighth spot on the ladder, but they really don't look like a finals side with two rounds remaining.

North Queensland have a 4-6 record across their last 10 games, with their last three wins coming against Gold Coast, Brisbane and Manly - three teams outside the eight.

So Todd Payten's side have some work to do if they are to make any sort of impact for the remainder of the season - and they will be under big pressure in this game if the ninth-placed Bulldogs upset Penrith on Friday.

The Cowboys had the bye last week following their 32-30 defeat to the Eels in Round 24.

Wests Tigers Form

Yes, why not snap a horrendous eight-match losing run that was marred by various controversies by beating one of the premiership favourites on the road.

Classic Tigers and again, a case of what could have been this season if they could just sort themselves out.

Out of nowhere, the Tigers showcased great heart and resilience to edge out the Roosters 25-24 last week, with Jock Madden kicking the winning field goal.

The win lifted the Tigers to 14th on the ladder and another victory here could see them level on points with the likes of Melbourne and Canberra if those teams both lose this weekend.

Team News

Big in for the Cowboys, with halfback Tom Dearden returning from an ankle injury.

Jaxon Purdue goes back to centre and Zac Laybutt moves to the wing for Murray Taulagi, who is out with concussion. Jeremiah Nanai also returns, pushing Kai O'Donnell to the bench.

Alex Twal is out with concussion for the Tigers, so Ethan Roberts comes onto the bench and Alex Seyfarth starts. Sunia Turuva has also been named on the interchange after missing last week with a knee injury.

Verdict

Plenty of points tipped for this one, with the Tigers scoring 4+ tries & Purdue and Nanai crossing for the Cowboys.

Best Bet1: Over 52.5 Total Points @20/21 at bet365 - 3 Units
Best Bet2: Tigers Over 3.5 Total Team Tries @20/21 at dabble - 2 Units
Best Bet3: Jaxon Purdue Anytime Tryscorer @6/4 at Star Sports - 1 Unit
Best Bet4: Jeremiah Nanai Anytime Tryscorer @17/10 at Ken Howells - 1 Unit
Over 52.5
Total Points
@20/21 - 3 Units
Bet £10 Get £30
with bonus code NEWBONUS

Available to new customers only. Make a qualifying deposit of £5 or more and claim the offer within 30 days of registering your account to qualify for 300% of that amount in Bet Credits, up to a maximum of £30 in Bet Credits. Once released, your Bet Credits will be held in your account balance and are non-withdrawable. Min deposit requirement. Free Bets are paid as Bet Credits and are available for use upon settlement of qualifying bets. Min odds, bet and payment method exclusions apply. Returns exclude Bet Credits stake. Registration required. Time limits and T&Cs apply. The bonus code NEWBONUS can be used during registration but does not change the offer amount in any way. #ad

Bet at bet365
Tigers Over 3.5
Total Team Tries
@20/21 - 2 Units
Bet £10 Get £10
Promo Code: NEWBONUS

New customers only. Bet £10+ to receive £10 in Free Bets. 7-day free bet expiry. Stake not returned. Promotional Terms Apply. 18+. GambleAware.org

Bet at dabble
Jaxon Purdue
Anytime Tryscorer
@6/4 - 1 Unit
Bet £20 Get £10
Use promo code NEWBONUS

18+ New customers only. Bet £20 (or more) EVS (2.0) or greater Get 2 x £5 Free Bets. 1 x £5 Free Bet paid automatically & following £5 Free Bet after 24hrs. Min Free Bet odds 4/1 (5.0) on accumulators Trebles & upwards. Expires after 24hrs. Full T&Cs apply. GambleAware.org

Bet at Star Sports
Jeremiah Nanai
Anytime Tryscorer
@17/10 - 1 Unit
up to £25 Cashback
50% back with code NEWBONUS

The Ken Howells promo code is NEWBONUS. 18+ only. T&Cs apply. begambleaware.org

Bet at Ken Howells
andrew-hendrie
Andrew Hendrie

Sports Editor • 20+ years betting experience

Andrew has been writing about sports for over a decade now after graduating with a double degree in 2013. In that time he has covered a wide range of sports, including NRL, AFL, Football (soccer), Tennis, NBA, NFL and more.


As a fan of Manchester City (since the 90s, he’s not a bandwagoner so they say), Canterbury Bulldogs and the Newcastle Jets, he’s experienced the highest of highs and the lowest of lows throughout the last few years.

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