Inspired by some second-half Johnathan Thurston brilliance, the Cowboys showed plenty of determination in a gripping 26-20 loss to the Roosters last week.
The Cowboys have struggled in attack this season, sitting 14th in points scored, but managed to score 20-points against the Chooks who are the strongest defensive team in the league.
With only four games remaining in his illustrious career, retiring champion Thurston would love to finish on a high with a win at home in what will be his final match against Queensland rivals, the Broncos.
For Brisbane, it was back to reality last week after suffering a demoralising defeat to the unfancied Bulldogs.
Conceding 36-points to one of the worst attacking teams in the league will be a sticking point for coach Wayne Bennett and his team. One they won't want to repeat.
The Broncos will need some luck to come their way and must improve significantly off the back of this performance if they are to overcome the Cowboys at home this week.
Coming up against the might of Jason Taumololo and Coen Hess will be a big challenge for the Broncos' forward pack. A challenge made even harder with the loss of key forwards Josh McGuire and Tevita Pangai Junior.
Clashes between these two sides have been close in recent years, and you wouldn't expect anything different this time around.
C Jenson (Cowboys), G Shibasaki (Broncos), S Tagataese (Broncos), P Mago (Broncos)
S Fensom (Cowboys), J Kahu(Broncos), T Pangai Junior (Broncos), J McGuire (Broncos)
Fine and 19 degrees.
Key NRL stats
Average points scored: Cowboys 16.3 / Broncos 20.9
Average points conceded: Cowboys 21.6 / Broncos 21.2
Gavin Cooper has scored a try in each of his last five outings
Key NRL Betting Stats
10 of the Broncos 12 wins have been by a margin of 1-12 - Broncos to win 1-12 @ $2.90
Corey Oates (3) leads both teams in first try scorers this season: Corey Oates first try scorer @ $8.50
Clashes at 1300 Smiles Stadium have averaged 34.7 total match points: 'Under' total match points line of 41.5 points @ $1.90
NRL Betting Tip: North Queensland Cowboys +4.5 @ $1.90
Reasoning: The Cowboys have found some form in recent weeks and possess a strong line-up who can match it with the Broncos.
Look for Johnathan Thurston to inspire his team to a gutsy win, with a man-of-the-match performance in his final clash against the Brisbane Broncos.
Missed our NRL Premiership Betting Tips?Read it here
Last week, New Zealand showed they are genuine premiership contenders, rolling up their sleeves to hold out a resurgent Dragons outfit.
With a top-four finish well and truly on the cards, the Warriors will be at their best against the Knights who have very little to play for.
Look for Isaac Luke to dominate from dummy-half off the back of his forwards over-powering a smaller Knights pack.
Newcastle had their moments against the Tigers last week, but in a disappointing display, couldn't come away with the two points.
Up against a Tigers outfit who out-enthused them from the start, the Knights slowly clawed their way back into the game but failed once again to land the killer blow.
This week's mouth-watering match-up between fullbacks Roger Tuivasa Sheck and Kalyn Ponga will be the key focus for fans. Both players are as elusive as they are skilled and possess phenomenal game-breaking attributes.
P Hiku (Warriors), P Saulo (Knights)
S Lisone(Warriors), J King (Knights)
Mostly sunny and 8 degrees.
Key NRL stats
Average points scored per game: Warriors 18.3 / Knights 15.2
Average points conceded per game: Warriors 25.7 / Knights 17.5
The Warriors have won four of the past five clashes against the Knights
Key NRL Betting Stats
New Zealand has covered the line at 60% this season: Warriors to cover the line -7.5 @$1.90
Solomone Kata (3) leads both teams in first try scorers this season: Solomon Katafirst try scorer @ $12
Clashes at Mt Smart Stadium have averaged 31.3 total match points: 'Under' match line of 36.5 points @ $1.90
NRL Betting Tip: Warriors -7.5@$1.90
Reasoning: The Warriors have plenty to play for and will look to put their foot on the Knights throat early. The Knights haven't convinced in attack of late and with concerns over Kalyn Ponga's fitness, it's hard to see Newcastle going toe-to-toe with the Warriors.
NRL Odds:South Sydney Rabbitohs $1.85 (-1.5) / Sydney Roosters $2.00 (+1.5)
The match of the round. An absolute blockbuster as cross-town rivals face off in what shapes up as a battle for the minor premiership. A win to either side will see them move to competition leaders.
Souths showed their winning formula was no fluke with an impressive win over the former premiership favourites, Melbourne. The Burgess brothers, each running over 100m, proved too much to handle for the Storm who let an early 10-point lead slip away.
Off the back of some strong forward hit-ups, Damien Cook tore through the Storm's ruck defence opening them up through the middle in what was a dominant performance over rival hooker Cameron Smith.
But the Bunnies won't have it all their way facing the Roosters, who rank first in the key defensive NRL statistics of line-breaks conceded, missed tackles and points conceded.
Conversely, the Roosters will need to be at their defensive best to overcome an in-form Bunnies. But, as we saw in round 19 when the Tigers played Souths, a strong defensive effort can repel an aggressive Bunnies forward pack.
Beware Souths fans. Roosters' fullback James Tedesco has averaged 230 run metres in his last three games and has certainly gone up a gear off the back of a successful origin campaign.
R Kennar (Souths)
A Doueihi (Souths)
Mostly sunny and 16 degrees.
Key NRL stats
Average points scored: Rabbitohs 24.4 / Roosters 23.0
Average points conceded: Rabbitohs 17.4 / Roosters 15.1
The Roosters have won three of the past five clashes against the Bunnies
Key NRL Betting Stats
The Bunnies have covered the line at 65% this season: Souths to cover the line -1.5 @$1.90
Latrell Mitchell (6) leads both teams in first-try scorers this season: Latrell Mitchell first try scorer @ $11
Clashes at ANZ Stadium have averaged 35.6 total match points - 'Under' match line of 36.5 points @ $1.90
NRL Betting Tip: Sydney Roosters to win @$2.00
Reasoning: If the Roosters can produce a strong defensive effort they will frustrate the Bunnies out of this one. The Roosters are again without five-eighth Luke Keary which will keep their expectations in check. Expect the Roosters to grind this one out in a workman-like performance.
Aug 09, 2018 12:57 PM
AAP
C Jenson (Cowboys), G Shibasaki (Broncos), S Tagataese (Broncos), P Mago (Broncos) 
S Fensom (Cowboys), J Kahu(Broncos), T Pangai Junior (Broncos), J McGuire (Broncos)
Fine and 19 degrees.
Key NRL stats
Key NRL Betting Stats
NRL Betting Tip: North Queensland Cowboys +4.5 @ $1.90 
