Penrith Panthers vs North Queensland Cowboys prediction and odds: NRL 2023 Round 27

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It’s been 27 weeks and the NRL comes down to this match to determine who its Minor Premiers are in 2023. With the Penrith Panthers playing for top spot, and the North Queensland Cowboys looking to keep their season alive, read on for our Panthers vs Cowboys predictions.

Penrith Panthers vs North Queensland Cowboys – Match Predictions

Contents

1 Penrith Panthers vs North Queensland Cowboys – Match Predictions
- 1.1 Penrith Panthers to win 13+ @ 2.00 (1/1)
- 1.2 Penrith Panthers to win by 31-40 @ 9.00 (8/1)
2 Penrith Panthers vs North Queensland Cowboys preview
3 Penrith Panthers vs North Queensland Cowboys match details

The Panthers are second on the NRL ladder, but can go top with a victory here, while the Cowboys currently sit in 10th place, but can squeeze into eighth if they win. With that in mind, here are our top predictions ahead of the Panthers vs Cowboys this Saturday:

Penrith Panthers to win 13+ @ 2.00 (1/1)

Last week, the Panthers were out of sorts. This week, don’t expect the same thing. Firstly, the Eels are their cryptonight. Secondly, in front of a home crowd, with the Minor Premiership up for grabs, with the taste of defeat in their mouths, against a side that was thoroughly dispatched by the Broncos and Sharks recently… You get the idea. This is the Panthers’ match.

The Cowboys won’t roll over and give this one to Penrith, but you’ve got to think that the pressure of coming to the lion’s den–or rather, at least some kind of big cat’s den–will be too much for a Cowboys team that needs a win to have a hope of advancing.

Penrith Panthers to win by 31-40 @ 9.00 (8/1)

In fact, we think this one could blow out and become a triumphant romp home for the Panthers. Expect a hotly contested first half, but once Penrith have broken the Cowboys’ back, and it becomes clear to North Queensland that their season is over, the final quarter could get ugly.

Penrith Panthers vs North Queensland Cowboys preview

Heading into this match, here’s a look at how both teams’ seasons have gone so far in the NRL 2023:

Penrith Panthers

As expected, it’s been a dominant season for the Penrith Panthers. Sitting on 40 points, the Panthers have 17 wins and just six losses to their name. One of those losses did come at the hands of the Cowboys, however with a game in hand, Penrith are still an excellent chance of finishing in top spot ahead of the playoffs.

North Queensland Cowboys

It’s been the definition of a hot and cold season for the Cowboys. From defeating the Storm, Panthers, Rabbitohs and Tigers in a row, to losing to the Titans, Broncos and Sharks the next month, it’s been hard to watch at times. To make the playoffs, North Queensland need to win here, and then count on the Sharks beating the Raiders.

Penrith Panthers vs North Queensland Cowboys head to head

These two sides share a head to head that is as tight as can be, with the Panthers winning 21 and the Cowboys 20. Most recently, North Queensland tipped up Penrith 27-23 earlier this season.