North Queensland Cowboys vs Wests Tigers Preview & Prediction | 2025 NRL | Regular Season
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The Wests Tigers enter the post-Galvin era with a tough trip north to tackle the North Queensland Cowboys.
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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
Queensland trio Tom Dearden, Jeremiah Nanai and Reuben Cotter have all been named to start if they get through Origin unscathed. Jaxson Paulo replaces Murray Taulagi (calf) on the wing. Cotter missed the Cowboys’ last game and has been named at lock which moves Sam McIntyre to prop and Coen Hess to the bench leaving Thomas Mikaele as the odd man out.
Squad: 1. Scott Drinkwater 2. Robert Derby 3. Zac Laybutt 4. Viliami Vailea 5. Jaxson Paulo 6. Jaxon Purdue 7. Tom Dearden 8. Jordan McLean 9. Reece Robson 10. Sam McIntyre 11. John Bateman 12. Jeremiah Nanai 13. Reuben Cotter 14. Harrison Edwards 15. Kai O’Donnell 16. Griffin Neame 17. Coen Hess 18. Jake Clifford 19. Thomas Duffy 20. Karl Lawton 21. Thomas Mikaele 22. Braidon Burns 23. Kaiden Lahrs 24. Jamal Shibasaki
Wests Tigers team news
Lachlan Galvin has seemingly played his last game for the Wests Tigers with the club making the decision not to select him in any grade. Heath Mason replaces him in the only change to the side that lost to the Rabbitohs. Having previously only featured at fullback and off the bench, the 19-year-old gets a big chance to showcase his skills.
Squad: 1. Jahream Bula 2. Sunia Turuva 3. Adam Doueihi 4. Starford To’a 5. Charlie Staines 6. Heath Mason 7. Jarome Luai 8. Terrell May 9. Apisai Koroisau 10. Royce Hunt 11. Samuela Fainu 12. Alex Seyfarth 13. Alex Twal 14. Brent Naden 15. Jack Bird 16. Sione Fainu 17. Tony Sukkar 18. Tristan Hope 19. Luke Laulilii 20. Charlie Murray 21. Kit Laulilii 22. Tallyn Da Silva
North Queensland Cowboys vs Wests Tigers prediction
The North Queensland Cowboys host the Wests Tigers at Queensland Country Bank Stadium on Saturday
The North Queensland Cowboys (7th) had a bye in Round 12 but were defeated 24-6 by the Manly Sea Eagles in Round 11. They have won just two of their last five matches.
The Wests Tigers (12th) also had a bye in Round 12. Their previous match was a 22-12 loss to the South Sydney Rabbitohs in Round 11, their second consecutive defeat.
Despite the team's struggle, Tigers fullback Jahream Bula was outstanding in Round 11, making 285 run metres and 8 tackle busts.
The Cowboys defeated the Tigers twice last season, including a convincing 42-28 victory in Round 12 at this venue. The Wests Tigers hold a slight overall head-to-head advantage, winning 24 of their 46 encounters.
The Cowboys, bolstered by the return of their Origin stars, are strong favourites and we think they can record a big win in this one.
North Queensland Cowboys vs Wests Tigers tip: North Queensland to win by 13+ points
