Dolphins vs Cowboys Prediction

Game 1 of Round 20 of the 2025 NRL Telstra Premiership on July 17 features the The Dolphins vs North Queensland Cowboys at Suncorp Stadium on Thursday night. Get the latest NRL betting tips, predictions, and analysis right here, and catch the game live on Kayo, Foxtel, Channel 9, & 9NOW. 🏉🔥

The Dolphins vs North Queensland Cowboys Predictions

Thursday, July 17, 2025

7:50pm @ Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane

Final Score Prediction

Dolphins

28 : 20

Cowboys

Thursday night football kicks off Round 19 with a crucial Queensland clash at Suncorp Stadium, where our analytics have uncovered significant value in the market.

The Dolphins enter as deserved favourites, but the 5.5-point line creates an intriguing betting opportunity for astute punters.

North Queensland’s recent struggles on the road face a stern test against a Dolphins outfit hitting their straps at their adopted Brisbane home.

Win Percentages

Dolphins
63.62%

Cowboys
36.38%

The Market Assessment

The Dolphins’ $1.53 price reflects market confidence, yet our power rankings suggest this could represent genuine value.

With the Cowboys at $2.48, the head-to-head market appears correctly weighted given the 8-point margin prediction from our model.

Smart money should explore the margin markets where enhanced returns await those backing the right winning band.

Dolphins

Cowboys

The Suncorp Stadium Factor

Thursday nights at Suncorp have become the Dolphins’ fortress, with the Wayne Bennett factor continuing to inspire this emerging franchise.

The Cowboys’ travel woes persist, particularly in the hostile Brisbane environment where they’ve struggled to replicate their Townsville form.

Our comprehensive power rankings paint a clear picture – the Dolphins hold advantages across virtually every key metric.

Head-to-Head Analysis

The statistical breakdown reveals why the Dolphins deserve favouritism:

Power Ranking: Dolphins 4.67 vs Cowboys 12.50
Attack: Dolphins averaging superior points per game
Defence: Both sides showing vulnerability in recent weeks
Form Guide: Dolphins building momentum at home
Head-to-Head: Limited history but Dolphins hold psychological edge

Game Style Prediction: Blowout – Moderate Scoring
Expected Total: 48 points – Attack to dominate in ideal conditions

Our Betting Strategy

Best Bet: Dolphins 1-12

@ $3.05

Our 8-point margin prediction aligns perfectly with this band. Superior value compared to the skinny head-to-head price.

Line Play: Dolphins -5.5

@ $1.90

With an 8-point predicted margin, the Dolphins covering the 5.5-point spread offers solid insurance for conservative punters.

Total Points: Under 48.5

@ $1.90

Our model projects exactly 48 points. The defensive intensity of Thursday night football favours the under.

The Thursday Night Thriller

Wayne Bennett’s influence continues to transform the Dolphins into a genuine force at Suncorp Stadium. Their structured attack meets a Cowboys defence missing key personnel.

North Queensland must rediscover their early-season form to keep pace with the rampant Dolphins on their home deck.

Key Battle: The forward pack clash will set the platform. Whichever team dominates the middle third will control the contest’s tempo and outcome.