Queensland Country Bank Stadium will play host to Friday's Round 21 NRL game between North Queensland Cowboys and St. George Illawarra Dragons. The game kicks off at 6:00 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. St. George Illawarra Dragons game and give you our free tips and bets.
When: Friday July 25, 2025 at 6:00 pm
Where: Queensland Country Bank Stadium
Bet: Bet On This Match HERE
North Queensland Cowboys vs St. George Illawarra Dragons Odds
North Queensland Cowboys vs St. George Illawarra Dragons Preview
Finals may be slipping out of reach, but there’s still plenty of pride at stake when the North Queensland Cowboys host the St. George Illawarra Dragons in Townsville on Friday night. Both teams are in the midst of tough stretches — the Cowboys have lost six of their last seven, while the Dragons are coming off three straight narrow defeats, including a gut-wrenching 20-18 loss to the Bulldogs.
North Queensland were exposed defensively in Round 19, leaking 43 points in a heavy loss to the Dolphins. In contrast, the Dragons have at least been competitive, with each of their recent losses decided by six points or fewer.
There are changes on both sides — the Cowboys bolster their lineup with John Bateman, Robert Derby and Thomas Duffy, while the Dragons bring in Mathew Feagai to cover the injured Sione Finau. With pressure easing and little to lose, expect a spirited, free-flowing contest as both sides chase a much-needed win.
Head To Head Bet
We're tipping North Queensland Cowboys to win at $1.58 odds.
First Try Scorer
First Try Scorer: Robert Derby at $8.75.
North Queensland Cowboys vs St. George Illawarra Dragons Teams
Cowboys team: 1. Scott Drinkwater 2. Robert Derby 3. Jaxon Purdue 4. Zac Laybutt 5. Braidon Burns 6. Thomas Duffy 7. Tom Dearden 8. Harrison Edwards 9. Reece Robson 10. Griffin Neame 11. John Bateman 12. Jeremiah Nanai 13. Reuben Cotter 14. Karl Lawton 15. Kaiden Lahrs 16. Kai O’Donnell 17. Coen Hess 18. Jaxson Paulo 19. Nicholas Lenaz 20. Temple Kalepo 21. Marly Bitungane 22. Dane Aukafolau
Dragons team: 1. Clinton Gutherson 2. Tyrell Sloan 3. Moses Suli 4. Mathew Feagai 5. Corey Allan 6. Lyhkan King-Togia 7. Kyle Flanagan 8. Emre Guler 9. Damien Cook 10. David Klemmer 11. Luciano Leilua 12. Jaydn Su’A 13. Jack de Belin 14. Jacob Liddle 15. Blake Lawrie 16. Hamish Stewart 17. Michael Molo 18. Nicholas Tsougranis 19. Ben Murdoch-Masila 20. Lachlan Ilias 21. Loko Jnr Pasifiki Tonga 22. Jacob Halangahu