Optus Stadium will play host to Saturday's Round 6 NRL game between South Sydney Rabbitohs and North Queensland Cowboys. The game kicks off at 5:30 pm with North Queensland Cowboys heading into the game as favourites with the bookmakers. Continue reading for our in-depth preview of the South Sydney Rabbitohs vs. North Queensland Cowboys game and give you our free tips and bets.
When: Saturday April 12, 2025 at 5:30 pm
Where: Optus Stadium
Bet 💰: Bet On This Match HERE
South Sydney Rabbitohs vs North Queensland Cowboys Odds
South Sydney Rabbitohs vs North Queensland Cowboys Preview
South Sydney and North Queensland are heading to Perth with unexpected momentum after securing hard-fought wins in recent weeks.
The Rabbitohs, with a 4-1 record, have been one of the competition’s surprise packages despite enduring multiple high-profile injuries during the pre-season. They followed up a 28-18 victory over an injury-hit Penrith side with a stunning 20-14 comeback win against the Sydney Roosters last Friday.
Latrell Mitchell and Jayden Sullivan played key roles in the Rabbitohs’ gritty win, stepping up after halfbacks Jamie Humphreys and Cody Walker were sidelined by hamstring injuries. The duo will start in the halves this week. Fullback Jye Gray, who currently leads the Dally M count, has proven Wayne Bennett’s decision to keep him in the No.1 spot to be spot on.
Alex Johnston returns to replace the injured Mikaele Ravalawa (hamstring), while Euan Aitken will make his club debut at centre.
The Cowboys, after a rough 0-3 start, have bounced back with back-to-back wins—first defeating Canberra 30-20 in the humid conditions of Townsville, then edging Penrith 22-18 in Sydney, thanks to impressive goal-line and scramble defence.
Reuben Cotter is back for the Cowboys, with Harrison Edwards dropping out as the only change.
North Queensland has historically struggled against Souths, having lost their last seven encounters. However, they claimed victories in their only two meetings last season—31-6 at Accor Stadium in 2023 and 28-22 at Magic Round in 2024, with Tom Dearden scoring three tries across both games.
On the back of their stable halves pairing, the Cowboys are the $1.75 favourites heading into the match. However, with Mitchell and the Rabbitohs’ resilient underdogs stepping up, they will be looking to make a strong case for an upset.
South Sydney Rabbitohs vs North Queensland Cowboys Tip
We're tipping North Queensland Cowboys to win at $1.78 odds.
South Sydney Rabbitohs vs North Queensland Cowboys Teams
Rabbitohs team: 1. Jye Gray 2. Alex Johnston 3. Euan Aitken 4. Jack Wighton 5. Isaiah Tass 6. Latrell Mitchell 7. Jayden Sullivan 8. Sean Keppie 9. Peter Mamouzelos 10. Tevita Tatola 11. Keaon Koloamatangi 12. Jai Arrow 13. Lachlan Hubner 14. Liam Le Blanc 15. Siliva Havili 16. Tallis Duncan 17. Davvy Moale 18. Thomas Fletcher 19. Salesi Ataata 20. Fletcher Myers 21. Haizyn Mellars 22. Nazareth Taua
Cowboys team: 1. Scott Drinkwater 2. Robert Derby 3. Jaxon Purdue 4. Viliami Vailea 5. Murray Taulagi 6. Tom Dearden 7. Jake Clifford 8. Jordan McLean 9. Reece Robson 10. Jason Taumalolo 11. John Bateman 12. Kai O’Donnell 13. Reuben Cotter 14. Sam McIntyre 15. Jeremiah Nanai 16. Griffin Neame 17. Coen Hess 18. Harrison Edwards 19. Zac Laybutt 20. Thomas Duffy 21. Karl Lawton 22. Thomas Mikaele
