The Canterbury Bulldogs return to Accor Stadium on Friday night to host the North Queensland Cowboys in what shapes as a crucial round 9 clash for both sides.

Stunning many by becoming the first and only team this season to defeat the Penrith Panthers, the Bulldogs have let themselves down with sloppy losses to the Eels and Broncos, conceding 70 points and committing 27 errors across those two games.

One of the more entertaining sides in the competitions this season, the Cowboys have showcased plenty of attacking flair, particularly in their win over the Sharks.

When these two sides met last season, it was a low-scoring affair with the Bulldogs claiming victory, but both camps expect a far more open and high-scoring contest this Friday.

For the latest news, odds and analysis ahead of this match, check out our Bulldogs vs Cowboys tips and predictions below.

Canterbury Bulldogs vs North Queensland Cowboys Prediction and Betting Tips

Head-to-Head Prediction

The Bulldogs head into this game with some notable injury and suspension concerns with Viliame Kikau suffering a pec injury against the Broncos and Harry Hayes now currently serving a suspension. 

Stili Tupouniua replaces Kikau and Lipoi Hopoi joins the squad, while Enari Tuala returns from a hamstring injury as Marcelo Montoya struggles with form.

Murray Taulagi suffered a concussion against the Sharks and is replaced by Zac Laybutt for the Cowboys.

Jason Tamualolo is set to equal Johnathan Thurston’s all-time appearance record for the Cowboys, with his 294th game in North Queensland colours, a remarkable milestone that adds extra emotion to Friday night’s contest.

The Cowboys have won four of their past six games against the Bulldogs at Accor Stadium, and with Scott Drinkwater, Tom Dearden and Tamualolo all firing, Cameron Ciraldo’s men will need a significant lift to halt their visitors’ momentum.

Betting tip: North Queensland Cowboys.

First Try Scorer Prediction

Scott Drinkwater has scored the first try of the game twice this season, the most of any Cowboys player, and against the Bulldogs’ struggling defence, it’s a prime opportunity to use their attacking flair to open the scoring.

Betting tip: Scott Drinkwater.

Over/Under Prediction

Five of the last six matches between Canterbury and North Queensland have gone under the total match points line.

Betting tip: Under (51.5) total match points.

Line Prediction

The Cowboys have covered this line in four of their last five games, only failing against the Sea Eagles two rounds ago. 

Betting tip: Cowboys (+1.5) line.

Bulldogs vs Cowboys Anytime Try Scorer Betting Tips

Matt Burton

In four of North Queensland's last five away matches, the opposition's starting five-eighth has scored a try.

Jacob Preston

Jacob Preston has scored a try in three of Canterbury's last four home matches.

Braidon Burns 

Braidon Burns has scored a try in nine of his last 10 interstate appearances.

Jaxon Purdue 

Jaxon Purdue has scored at least one try in each of North Queensland's last four matches in Sydney.

Bulldogs vs Cowboys Teams

Canterbury Bulldogs Team List

1. Connor Tracey

2. Jonathan Sua

3. Bronson Xerri

4. Stephen Crichton (c)

5. Enari Tuala

6. Matt Burton

7. Lachlan Galvin

8. Samuel Hughes

9. Bailey Hayward

10. Leo Thompson

11. Sitili Tupouniua

12. Jacob Preston

13. Jaeman Salmon

14. Kurt Mann

15. Josh Curran

16. Lipoi Hopoi

17. Jake Turpin

19. Marcelo Montoya

North Queensland Cowboys Team List

1. Scott Drinkwater

2. Braidon Burns

3. Jaxon Purdue

4. Tom Chester

5. Zac Laybutt

6. Jake Clifford

7. Tom Dearden (c)

8. Coen Hess

9. Reed Mahoney

10. Jason Taumalolo

11. Heilum Luki

12. Jeremiah Nanai

13. Reuben Cotter

14. Soni Luke

15. Sam McIntyre

16. Thomas Mikaele

17. Griffin Neame

18. Matthew Lodge

Bulldogs vs Cowboys Match Details

Date: Friday, May 1, 2026.

Kick-off: 6:00pm AEDT.

Location: Accor Stadium, Sydney.