North Queensland Cowboys vs South Sydney Rabbitohs Preview & Prediction | 2026 NRL | Regular Season
Click here for today’s sports betting tips from our expert analysts!
North Queensland Cowboys sit level on points with South Sydney Rabbitohs and will overtake them in the NRL table with victory here.
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How to watch on TV: UK – Sky Sports / Australia – Channel 9 / US – Some matches are televised live on Fox Sports
How to watch online: UK – Sky Go & Watch NRL / Australia – 9Now / 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
Braidon Burns is dealing with a hamstring issue and is not named in the North Queensland Cowboys squad, which includes Burns’ replacement Robert Derby and Jason Taumalolo.
Squad: Scott Drinkwater, Robert Derby, Jaxon Purdue, Tom Chester, Zac Laybutt, Liam Sutton, Jake Clifford, Thomas Mikaele, Reed Mahoney, Matthew Lodge, Heilum Luki, Sam McIntyre, Jason Taumalolo, Viliami Vailea, Griffin Neame, Kai O'Donnell, Coen Hess, Xavier Kerrisk, Ethan King, Wiremu Greig, Ronald Philitoga, Mason Barber
South Sydney Rabbitohs team news
South Sydney Rabbitohs have named Alex Johnston in their squad and will give him every chance to prove his fitness ahead of this game, whilst the injured Campbell Graham and Latrell Mitchell are both confirmed as out.
Squad: Jye Gray, Alex Johnston, Latrell Siegwalt, Tallis Duncan, Talanoa Penitani, Cody Walker, Ashton Ward, Tevita Tatola, Peter Mamouzelos, Sean Keppie, Euan Aitken, Keaon Koloamatangi, Adam Elliott, Matthew Dufty, Lachlan Hubner, Jamie Humphreys, Liam Le Blanc, Thomas Fletcher, Edward Kosi, Moala Graham-Taufa, Bronson Garlick, John Radel
North Queensland Cowboys vs South Sydney Rabbitohs prediction
North Queensland Cowboys and South Sydney Rabbitohs are two of five teams on 14 points heading into Friday with the pair rounding off this shortened slate of fixtures. The Cowboys are coming off the back of a hard-fought 12-18 victory over Sydney Roosters, whilst South Sydney Rabbitohs are under pressure to respond after going down to the Dolphins.
Each of the Rabbitohs’ last three defeats this season prior to their game against Dolphins have seen them respond with a win the following match. Whilst North Queensland Cowboys could easily end that streak, this is a team who have had issues from an attacking standpoint, scoring less than 35 points in each of their last three. However, the visitors have hit the 35-point-mark in three of their most recent four, so backing South Sydney Rabbitohs appears a shrewd play.
North Queensland Cowboys vs South Sydney Rabbitohs tip: South Sydney Rabbitohs to win
