North Queensland Cowboys vs Dolphins Preview & Prediction | 2025 NRL | Regular Season
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A depleted Cowboys side faces a daunting task when they host a confident Dolphins team in a Saturday night Queensland derby at Queensland Country Bank Stadium.
Start date/time:
How to watch on TV: UK – Sky Sports / Australia – Foxtel / US – Some matches are televised live on Fox Sports
How to watch online: UK – Sky Go & Watch NRL / Australia – Kayo Sports / US – Watch NRL, and if the match is televised in the USA it can also be streamed live on Fox Sports platforms
North Queensland Cowboys team news
Tom Dearden, Reuben Cotter, Jeremiah Nanai and Reece Robson are on Origin duty. Suspensions to John Bateman and Viliami Vailea means Todd Payten is running out a new look team. Fullback ScottDrinkwater takes over as skipper, while Murray Taulagi (calf), Kai O’Donnell (back) and Jason Taumalolo (calf) return from injury in a much-needed boost. Braidon Burns comes in at centre, with Jake Clifford taking the No.7 jersey and Thomas Mikaele and Kaiden Lahrs joining the bench.
Squad: 1. Scott Drinkwater 2. Robert Derby 3. Zac Laybutt 4. Braidon Burns 5. Murray Taulagi 6. Jaxon Purdue 7. Jake Clifford 8. Jordan McLean 9. Karl Lawton 10. Coen Hess 11. Sam McIntyre 12. Kai O’Donnell 13. Jason Taumalolo 14. Harrison Edwards 15. Thomas Mikaele 16. Griffin Neame 17. Kaiden Lahrs 18. Thomas Duffy 19. Semi Valemei 20. Jaxson Paulo 21. Marly Bitungane 22. Mason Kira
Dolphins team news
With Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow on Origin duty, Jake Averillo again shifts to fullback with Max Feagai coming into the centres. Ray Stone returns from a shoulder injury on the bench in a timely boost with Max Plath set for an extended injury hiatus. Tom Flegler, who is their marquee forward, hasn’t played a game in over 12 months.
Squad: 1. Jake Averillo 2. Jamayne Isaako 3. Max Feagai 4. Herbie Farnworth 5. Jack Bostock 6. Kodi Nikorima 7. Isaiya Katoa 8. Francis Molo 9. Jeremy Marshall-King 10. Felise Kaufusi 11. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki 12. Oryn Keeley 13. Kurt Donoghoe 14. Ray Stone 15. Connelly Lemuelu 16. Mark Nicholls 17. Josh Kerr 18. Sean O’Sullivan 19. Aublix Tawha 20. Harrison Graham 21. Tevita Naufahu 22. Junior Tupou
North Queensland Cowboys vs Dolphins prediction
The North Queensland Cowboys (6th) were well beaten 38-14 by the Melbourne Storm in Round 14. They have struggled for form of late, winning only one of their last five matches.
The Dolphins (7th) are on a high after demolishing the Dragons 56-6. It was their biggest ever NRL win. Jamayne Isaako regained try-scoring form last week and has scored eight tries in four games against the Cowboys.
This burgeoning rivalry is tied at two wins apiece. Surprisingly, the away team has won on all four occasions.
The Cowboys are facing an uphill battle given their Origin absentees, though the return of Taumalolo is a plus, they face a red-hot Dolphins team brimming with confidence.
North Queensland Cowboys vs Dolphins tip: Dolphins to win
