Sydney Roosters vs North Queensland Cowboys Preview & Prediction | 2025 NRL | Regular Season
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The Sydney Roosters host the North Queensland Cowboys at Allianz Stadium on Sunday in a crucial match for both teams' finals hopes.
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
Sydney Roosters team news
The Sydney Roosters have named all their State of Origin players—James Tedesco, Lindsay Collins, Angus Crichton, and Spencer Leniu—to back up. However, enforcer Victor Radley is out due to concussion protocols.
Squad: 1. James Tedesco 2. Daniel Tupou 3. Billy Smith 4. Robert Toia 5. Mark Nawaqanitawase 6. Sandon Smith 7. Hugo Savala 8. Lindsay Collins 9. Connor Watson 10. Naufahu Whyte 11. Angus Crichton 12. Siua Wong 13. Salesi Foketi 14. Benaiah Ioelu 15. Zach Dockar-Clay 16. Blake Steep 17. Spencer Leniu 18. Ethan King 21. Taylor Losalu
North Queensland Cowboys team news
The North Queensland Cowboys' four Origin stars—Tom Dearden, Reece Robson, Jeremiah Nanai, and Reuben Cotter—have been named to play also but they face a major loss with Jason Taumalolo sidelined by a calf injury. Centre Viliami Vailea and back-rower John Bateman return from suspension.
Squad: 1. Scott Drinkwater 2. Robert Derby 3. Zac Laybutt 22. Braidon Burns 5. Murray Taulagi 6. Jaxon Purdue 7. Tom Dearden 8. Jordan McLean 19. Karl Lawton 10. Coen Hess 11. John Bateman 12. Jeremiah Nanai 15. Sam McIntyre 14. Harrison Edwards 16. Griffin Neame 17. Thomas Mikaele 20. Kai O’Donnell 18. Jake Clifford 23. Thomas Duffy
Sydney Roosters vs North Queensland Cowboys prediction
The Sydney Roosters (8th) are clinging to their top-eight spot and have been inconsistent with a win-loss pattern through their last five games. Their previous match ended in a narrow 12-8 victory over the Newcastle Knights in Round 15.
Mark Nawaqanitawase has flourished in his first full season of League. So far he has scored nine tries in his last 10 games.
In contrast, the North Queensland Cowboys (10th) have dropped out of the top eight after a 58-4 drubbing at the hands of the Dolphins, leaving their season in a precarious position.
Reece Robson has enjoyed playing the Roosters; he has scored four tries in six games.
The Roosters have historically dominated, winning 27 of 41 meetings. However, the Cowboys have won the last two encounters, including a 18-16 victory in Round 13, 2024.
This match is a test of character for the Cowboys, who must show greater defensive resilience. While the Roosters should be wary of a team desperate to rebound.
Sydney Roosters vs North Queensland Cowboys tip: Sydney Roosters to win by 13+ points
