NQ Cowboys vs Penrith Panthers Prediction: Panthers eye another victory

Queensland Country Bank Stadium will host this NRL round 8 game between NQ Cowboys and Penrith Panthers. The Panthers come in as favorites on the road, while NQ Cowboys are underdogs. 

NQ Cowboys had a commendable start to the season with a run of three wins. In the meantime, their performance has suddenly deteriorated, and they look more like a side that we never thought could be this poor. Since their round 3 win over the Dragons, North Queensland have lost 3 of 4 games, allowing their opposition to score an average of 32.25 points per game. In that span, NQ Cowboys were defeated by Brisbane Broncos and Parramatta Eels, and their last weekend encounter against the Cronulla Sharks. On the statistical side, the NQ Cowboys rank 5th in the NRL in Run Meters, averaging 1471m per game, and rank 3rd in the league in Line Breaks with an average of 5.6 per game.

Penrith Panthers have stepped up big, and now, they are 4-2 this season despite inconsistent plays. Penrith Panthers were on the winning end the previous weekend against Wests Tigers. In their last five league games, Penrith Panthers have won four and three others against Parramatta Eels, Brisbane Broncos, and the Sydney Roosters. However, their two defeats this season have come against the Melbourne Storm and the Manly Sea Eagles. Penrith Panthers are ranked 2nd in the league in Tackles Inside Opp 20m, averaging 34.5 per game, but convert those chances into tries at the 4th worst rate of any team in the NRL with 1 try for every 9.32 tackles (league avg. 7.8).

NQ Cowboys have struggled recently, and I have no confidence in them. The Penrith Panthers are getting intense week in and week out and are now like the side we witnessed last season. Nathan Cleary should be at his best as he returns to the squad and should lead the Penrith Panthers to victory here.