Wests Tigers vs North Queensland Cowboys Preview & Prediction | 2025 NRL

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The final match of the round sees the Wests Tigers host the North Queensland Cowboys at Leichhardt Oval, with the home side looking to keep their faint finals hopes alive.

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

Wests Tigers team news

There are no changes to the Wests Tigers team that were too strong for the Sea Eagles. Starford To’a has been picked and will start in the centres, even after leaving the field against Manly with a shoulder problem.

Squad: 1. Jahream Bula 2. Sunia Turuva 3. Taylan May 4. Starford To’a 5. Jeral Skelton 6. Jarome Luai 7. Adam Doueihi 8. Terrell May 9. Apisai Koroisau 10. Fonua Pole 11. Samuela Fainu 12. Sione Fainu 13. Alex Twal 14. Latu Fainu 15. Royce Hunt 16. Charlie Murray 17. Tony Sukkar 18. Heath Mason 19. Brent Naden 20. Kit Laulilii 21. Krystian Mapapalangi 22. Luke Laulilii

North Queensland Cowboys team news

North Queensland Head Coach Todd Payten has gone with an unchanged team after their win over the Knights in Round 24. Kai O’Donnell has been named at 18th man, with Marly Bitungane, Nicholas Lenaz and Kaiden Lahrs all outside the 18, but in the extended squad.

Squad: 1. Scott Drinkwater 2. Semi Valemei 3. Jaxon Purdue 4. Viliami Vailea 5. Braidon Burns 6. Jake Clifford 7. Tom Dearden 8. Jordan McLean 9. Reece Robson 10. Jason Taumalolo 11. John Bateman 12. Jeremiah Nanai 13. Reuben Cotter 14. Karl Lawton 15. Harrison Edwards 16. Zac Laybutt 17. Thomas Mikaele 18. Kai O’Donnell 19. Marly Bitungane 20. Nicholas Lenaz 21. Jaxson Paulo 22. Kaiden Lahrs

Wests Tigers vs North Queensland Cowboys prediction

The Wests Tigers (11th) have won three of their last four games, including a 26-12 victory over the Manly Sea Eagles, to surge into finals contention. They need a bunch of results to fall their way, but it remains a mathematical possibility from the start of the round at least.

The Cowboys (13th) snapped a three-game losing streak with a 38-4 win over the Newcastle Knights last week. While their finals hopes are over, they will be eager to build for 2026

Wests Tigers Co-captain Apisai Koroisau has made 666 tackles this season but also ranks second in the NRL for missed tackles with 83.

Cowboys’ fullback Scott Drinkwater leads the entire NRL with 19 try assists for the season.

This has been a very even rivalry, with the Wests Tigers holding a narrow 24-23 advantage. The Cowboys won their last meeting 32-28 in Round 13 this season.

The Tigers’ unbeaten run at Leichhardt in 2025, coupled with the form of Luai and Doueihi, gives them a slight edge over the inconsistent Cowboys.

Wests Tigers vs North Queensland Cowboys tip: Wests Tigers to win by 10+ points