North Queensland Cowboys vs. Melbourne Storm Prediction: Cowboys Looking to Comeback Hard at the Opposition

Cowboys are ready to host Storm at the Country Bank Stadium, which is expected to have a full house. Cowboys stand 3rd with 7 wins and 14 points from their 10 games played. On the other hand, Storm stands 2nd with 8 wins and 16 points in the league. If the Cowboys managed to win, they would equal the points of Storm; however, there will be no effect on the current standings. 

North Queensland Cowboys - Playing at Home

The Cowboys will be anxious to break their losing streak against the Storm. North Queensland hasn't beaten Melbourne since the 2015 preliminary final; however, Todd Payten's side did give the eventual minor premiers a fright in Round 19 last season, losing 20-16. For the fourth week in a row, Payten has named the same 17 players. Despite going off the field late in the Magic Round victory over the Tigers, Peta Hiku has been picked in the centers. Hiku is likely to play following a successful training session on Wednesday. The rest of the team escaped with minor injuries.

Key Players for Cowboys

• Jason Taumalolo (c)
• Valentine Holmes
• Tom Gilbert
• Chad Townsend
• Jeremiah Nanai

Melbourne Storm – Playing with Few Striking Changes

Jahrome Hughes has been scratched and replaced by a player who has never played halfback in the NRL. Coach Anthony Griffin has changed his starting lineup, while the Raiders might be without up to eight players due to the virus. And the Roosters are preparing to release Taylan May's older brother, who is a standout Panthers player. If the Storm lined up in any round with the identical lineup as last week, they would win the majority of those games. Unfortunately, they were pitted against the reigning champions, and they were unable to stay up. The absence of Jahrome Hughes affected them the most, as much as missing Ryan Papenhyuzen did. Hughes is a dynamic player who is always ready to make a huge play when it's needed.

Key Players for Storm

• Tyran Wishart
• Brandon Smith
• Cameron Munster
• Kenny Bromwich
• Jahrome Hughes

Expert Betting Tips

I will be backing the home team for the upcoming game as Storm has been struggling lately with game form and team combination. The game total is expected to be above 30 and the Cowboys to win. Moreover, the hosts can be backed up by a +12.5 handicap.

• North Queensland Cowboys to Win for 2.30
• Handiсap North Queensland Cowboys (+12.5) for 1.91
• W North Queensland Cowboys By 1-12 for 5.5