Queensland Country Bank Stadium will play host to Saturday's Round 18 NRL game between North Queensland Cowboys and Melbourne Storm. The game kicks off at 7:35 pm with Melbourne Storm heading into the game as favourites with the bookmakers. Continue reading for our in-depth preview of the North Queensland Cowboys vs. Melbourne Storm game and give you our free tips and bets.

When: Saturday July 5, 2025 at 7:35 pm

Where: Queensland Country Bank Stadium

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North Queensland Cowboys vs Melbourne Storm Odds

North Queensland Cowboys vs Melbourne Storm Preview

North Queensland will be chasing back-to-back wins for the first time since Round 8 when they host Melbourne in another Origin-ravaged clash on Saturday night. The Cowboys snapped a horror run with a 30-24 win over the Titans, but face a far sterner test against a Storm outfit gunning for their fifth straight victory.

Both teams are missing key personnel to Origin, including Tom Dearden, Harry Grant and Cam Munster, while the Cowboys also lose Reece Robson and Jeremiah Nanai. Jahrome Hughes remains the key for Melbourne, continuing to guide the competition’s most dangerous attack alongside a resurgent Ryan Papenhuyzen.

The Cowboys have had the wood on Melbourne in Townsville in recent years, winning their last three meetings at home with dominant attacking displays. But with the league’s second-worst defence, containing the slick Storm will be a huge challenge.

Given both sides’ scoring trends and personnel changes, another high-scoring encounter looks likely.