Dolphins vs North Queensland Cowboys Prediction: Two struggling sides with shattered hopes

The National Rugby League match between the North Queensland Cowboys and the Dolphins will take place at Suncorp Stadium in round 26 action. Both teams are in serious trouble coming into this match, and their chances of making the playoffs are quickly dwindling as a result. However, which of the two teams do you believe will emerge victorious from this match?

The Dolphins have had a terrible stretch recently, losing their last five games in a row and nine of their last ten overall. Api Koroisau's sideline penalty goal hit the crossbar on its way through to winning the game for the Tigers 23-24, which caused the newcomers to suffer a devastating loss the previous week. The loss came in the final minutes of the game and resulted in the Tigers taking the victory. The Dolphins have had success at Suncorp Stadium, winning three of their last six games there and only losing one of those contests by a margin of 10 points or more. In three of their last four contests, the Dolphins have scored more than 18 points in total offense. The Dolphins now hold the 14th rank in the standings of the National Rugby League with 22 points after competing in 22 matches. This week sees the return of three players: Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, Kenny Bromwich, and Connelly Lemuelu. Herman Ese'ese and Euan Aitken have been moved to the bench, and Kodi Nikorima has taken up the five-eight position. Isaiya Katoa has been placed on reserve status at this time.

The North Queensland Cowboys suffered their third consecutive loss on Friday night when they faced off against the Cronulla Sharks. As a result of this loss, the Cowboys are now tied for ninth place with the South Sydney Rabbitohs and the Sydney Roosters on the basis of their for-and-against record. After a six-game win streak in which they allowed an average of just 12 points to be scored against them, the North Queensland Cowboys' defense has seemingly lost its mind, as they have allowed their opponents to score an average of 28 points in each of their most recent three games. They will not have a shot at making it to the championship game in 2023 if Todd Payton is unable to fix the problems with the defensive line. Jeremiah Nanai and Semi Valemei will not participate in the game against the Dolphins. In their place, Heilum Luki will start on the edge, and Zac Laybutt will take the field in the center position. In the meantime, Kulikefu Finefeuiaki has been placed on the bench to provide additional support.

When these two teams played each other for the first time, it was in round 6, 2023, and the Dolphins had a 26-12 halftime lead. After having two players sent to the sin bin during the course of the match, the North Queensland Cowboys were unable to come back from an unassailable advantage and ended up losing the game 32-22.

This week's matchup between the North Queensland Cowboys and their new in-state rivals, the Dolphins, is the most vital game left for either team before the playoffs begin two weeks from now. If the Cowboys want to have a chance of making it all the way to the championship game in 2023, they have to win both of their remaining games and hope that other results go in their favor. It is only a matter of pride for the Dolphins if they are able to claim victory over the Cowboys for the second time this year. However, with a fair quantity of quality players back this week for the Dolphins, I am picking them to cover the line despite being 9.5-point underdogs against the North Queensland Cowboys, who are suffering from defensive form and have a mountain of pressure on them this week.