Queensland Country Bank Stadium will play host to Saturday's Round 26 NRL game between North Queensland Cowboys and Brisbane Broncos. The game kicks off at 7:35 pm with Brisbane Broncos heading into the game as favourites with the bookmakers. Continue reading for our in-depth preview of the North Queensland Cowboys vs. Brisbane Broncos game and give you our free tips and bets.
When: Saturday August 30, 2025 at 7:35 pm
Where: Queensland Country Bank Stadium
Bet: Bet On This Match HERE
North Queensland Cowboys vs Brisbane Broncos Odds
North Queensland Cowboys vs Brisbane Broncos Preview
North Queensland Cowboys will look to finish their campaign with a statement when they host archrivals Brisbane Broncos in Townsville on Saturday night. Consecutive wins have lifted the Cowboys’ spirits, with their attacking spark on full display in a 38-4 thrashing of Newcastle and a thrilling 34-28 comeback over the Tigers. Scott Drinkwater has been central to the resurgence, adding to his season tally of 11 tries and 24 assists.
The Broncos, however, are eyeing a return to the top four after impressive victories over the Dolphins and Knights. Despite injuries to Adam Reynolds, Ezra Mam and Selwyn Cobbo, they’ve powered on, with Reece Walsh silencing critics through back-to-back standout performances.
Brisbane has dominated recent derbies, winning five straight, including a 26-16 triumph in Round 3. While the Cowboys’ carefree style makes them dangerous, the Broncos’ depth and momentum should prove decisive with finals looming.
Head To Head Bet
We're tipping Brisbane Broncos to win at $1.48 odds.
First Try Scorer
First Try Scorer: Reece Walsh at $9.75.
North Queensland Cowboys vs Brisbane Broncos Teams
Cowboys team: 1. Scott Drinkwater 2. Semi Valemei 3. Jaxon Purdue 4. Viliami Vailea 5. Braidon Burns 6. Jake Clifford 7. Tom Dearden 8. Jordan McLean 9. Reece Robson 10. Jason Taumalolo 11. John Bateman 12. Jeremiah Nanai 13. Reuben Cotter 14. Zac Laybutt 15. Karl Lawton 16. Harrison Edwards 17. Thomas Mikaele 18. Kai O’Donnell 19. Marly Bitungane 20. Nicholas Lenaz 21. Jaxson Paulo 22. Kaiden Lahrs
Broncos team: 1. Reece Walsh 2. Josiah Karapani 3. Kotoni Staggs 4. Gehamat Shibasaki 5. Deine Mariner 6. Billy Walters 7. Ben Hunt 8. Corey Jensen 9. Cory Paix 10. Payne Haas 11. Jaiyden Hunt 12. Jordan Riki 13. Patrick Carrigan 14. Tyson Smoothy 15. Kobe Hetherington 16. Ben Talty 17. Brendan Piakura 18. Jesse Arthars 19. Fletcher Baker 20. Delouise Hoeter 21. Jock Madden 22. Adam Reynolds