Brisbane Broncos vs North Queensland Cowboys Prediction

Giddy up, it’s time for the fan-favourite Queensland Derby. Whenever it’s the Broncos vs Cowboys, sparks always seem to fly.

Regardless of form, ladder position, who is coaching, or where it’s played, this game always delivers drama of the highest order.

The last few years have seen the Broncos dominate this fixture, winning the last six straight against their northern rivals.

That doesn’t mean the Cowboys didn’t score plenty of points in those defeats, the aggregate score of those six fixtures reads 204-98 in Brisbane’s favour.

Brisbane are odds on to make it seven straight against the Cowboys under the Friday night lights of Suncorp Stadium, but can Townsville’s finest upset the mango cart?

Let’s find out. It’s time to have a look at how both teams will line up, as well as some betting tips for the H2H, first try scorer and over/under markets. Here is our Broncos vs Cowboys prediction.

Broncos vs Cowboys Round 3 Teams

Brisbane Broncos

1. Reece Walsh 2. Selwyn Cobbo 3. Deine Mariner 4. Gehamat Shibasaki 5. Jesse Arthars 6. Ben Hunt 7. Adam Reynolds 8. Patrick Carrigan 9. Cory Paix 10. Payne Haas 11. Jack Gosiewski 12. Jordan Riki 13. Kobe Hetherington 14. Billy Walters 15. Corey Jensen 16. Xavier Willison 17. Brendan Piakura

North Queensland Cowboys

1. Scott Drinkwater 2. Robert Derby 3. Jaxon Purdue 4. Viliami Vailea 5. Murray Taulagi 6. Tom Dearden 7. Jake Clifford 8. Jordan McLean 9. Reece Robson 10. Jason Taumalolo 11. John Bateman 12. Kai O’Donnell 13. Reuben Cotter 14. Sam McIntyre 15. Jeremiah Nanai 16. Griffin Neame 17. Coen Hess

Broncos vs Cowboys Prediction and Betting Tips

Head-to-Head Prediction

A Queensland Derby on a Friday night, does it get any better? Probably not. Regardless of how either of these sides are travelling, when they meet the form guide always seems to go out the window and all hell normally breaks loose.

The Cowboys have started 2025 in a tailspin and questions are already being asked of head coach Todd Payten.

Meanwhile Brisbane showed exactly why it’s dangerous to believe the hype, backing up their stunning opening round win, with a shock loss last start to Canberra.

Obviously, we’re still inclined to back Brisbane, as the Cowboys have been beyond poor to start the new season. However, these games always deliver, and we think there won’t be much in this one at all.

Betting tip: Brisbane Broncos.

First Try Scorer Prediction

After barely being sighted last week, Broncos’ fullback Reece Walsh knows he needs to turn in a big performance, pronto.

With Newcastle custodian and fellow Queenslander Kalyn Ponga leading the Dally M count after two rounds, Reece Lightning will need to step it up if he wants to hold onto his Origin jersey.

What better way to set your maker than opening the scorer against your local rivals, in front of your home supporters. Over to you, Reece.

Betting tip: Reece Walsh.

Over/Under Prediction

As mentioned before, there are usually plenty of points in this game. The over/under line here is set at 52.5 points, and you probably won’t be surprised to hear that each of the last seven matches between Brisbane and North Queensland have gone over that total.

Betting tip: Over total match points.

Broncos vs Cowboys Match Details

Date: Friday, March 21, 2025.

Kick-off: 7:00pm AEST.

Location: Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane.