Queensland Country Bank Stadium will play host to Sunday's Round 24 NRL game between North Queensland Cowboys and Newcastle Knights. The game kicks off at 4:05 pm with North Queensland Cowboys heading into the game as favourites with the bookmakers. Continue reading for our in-depth preview of the North Queensland Cowboys vs. Newcastle Knights game and give you our free tips and bets.

When: Sunday August 17, 2025 at 4:05 pm

Where: Queensland Country Bank Stadium

Bet 💰: Bet On This Match HERE

North Queensland Cowboys vs Newcastle Knights Odds

North Queensland Cowboys vs Newcastle Knights Preview

North Queensland and Newcastle meet in Townsville on Sunday with little more than pride and wooden spoon avoidance at stake. The Cowboys’ finals hopes have long evaporated after eight losses in their past 10 outings, though they showed defensive improvement in last week’s narrow 19-18 defeat to Parramatta.

The Knights, still the competition’s lowest-scoring side, have dropped five straight, conceding heavy defeats to Canberra and Penrith either side of their Round 22 bye. They hand a debut to teenage fullback Connor Votano, while Dane Gagai returns to centre. Phoenix Crossland is out with a head knock, prompting a reshuffle that sees Tyson Frizell start at lock.

North Queensland welcome back Jordan McLean, Karl Lawton, Thomas Mikaele and Harrison Edwards, though Coen Hess is suspended. The Cowboys have won their past four against Newcastle, including last year’s elimination final, and boast a nine-game home streak over the Knights.