<p>The North Queensland Cowboys and Canterbury Bulldogs will face off for the first time this season when they meet at Queensland Country Bank Stadium on Saturday night.</p> <p>The Dogs are riding back-to-back losses for the first time this season, most recently blowing an 18-0 lead in the final 20 minutes against the Broncos which resulted in them dropping out of the top two.</p> <p>Meanwhile, the Cowboys are losing touch with the top eight, falling 26-20 to the Storm last weekend to mark their fourth defeat in five outings. Bulldogs Origin representatives Stephen Crichton, Kurt Mann, Max King and Jacob Kiraz have all been named to back up, while consistent try scorer Marcelo Montoya is out for six weeks with a neck injury.</p> <p>Todd Payten has named his stars to back up from Origin, with Reuben Cotter, Tom Dearden, Jeremiah Nanai and Reece Robson returning. Karl Lawton is also back after serving his suspension, returning via the bench.</p> <p>Let’s take a look at the full team lists for both sides, as well as betting tips for the H2H, first try scorer, and over/under markets. This is our Cowboys vs Bulldogs prediction.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Cowboys vs Bulldogs Teams</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>North Queensland Cowboys Team List</h3> <p>1. Scott Drinkwater</p> <p>2. Robert Derby&nbsp;</p> <p>3. Jaxon Purdue</p> <p>4. Zac Laybutt</p> <p>5. Braidon Burns&nbsp;</p> <p>6. Jake Clifford</p> <p>7. Tom Dearden</p> <p>8. Jordan McLean</p> <p>9. Reece Robson</p> <p>10. Griffin Neame</p> <p>11. Reuben Cotter</p> <p>12. Jeremiah Nanai</p> <p>13. Harrison Edwards</p> <p>14. Karl Lawton</p> <p>15. Thomas Mikaele</p> <p>16. Kai O'Donnell</p> <p>17. Coen Hess</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>Canterbury Bulldogs Team List</h3> <p>1. Connor Tracey</p> <p>2. Jacob Kiraz&nbsp;</p> <p>3. Bronson Xerri</p> <p>4. Stephen Crichton</p> <p>5. Enari Tuala</p> <p>6. Matt Burton</p> <p>7. Toby Sexton&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>8. Max King</p> <p>9. Reed Mahoney</p> <p>10. Sam Hughes&nbsp;</p> <p>11. Viliame Kikau</p> <p>12. Jacob Preston</p> <p>13. Bailey Hayward</p> <p>14. Kurt Mann</p> <p>15. Harry Hayes</p> <p>16. Josh Curran</p> <p>17. Lachlan Galvin</p>

<h2>Cowboys vs Bulldogs Prediction and Betting Tips</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>Head-to-Head Prediction</h3> <p>Are the Doggies done? That might be a little dramatic, but they are certainly beginning to unravel.</p> <p>After looking unstoppable for the first half of the season, the cracks have begun to come to the fore at Canterbury.</p> <p>They followed up their two-point loss to Penrith by blowing an 18-point half-time lead to Brisbane last week to put their minor premiership plans somewhat in jeopardy.</p> <p>Obviously, Origin will play a huge role in deciding this one as there are few teams as dependent on their rep stars as these two.</p> <p>While North Queensland pushed Melbourne all the way last week, we’re not ready to give up on the Doggies. However, lose this one though and the alarm bells will certainly be sounding at Belmore.</p> <p><strong>Betting tip:</strong> Canterbury Bulldogs.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>First Try Scorer Prediction</h3> <p>Somewhat of a road warrior, Bulldogs’ second rower Jacob Preston has scored a try in four of his last five away appearances.</p> <p>Few in the NRL can link up with their halves and run an offensive line like Preston. Look to him and the Bulldogs to bust out this play early up in Townsville.</p> <p><strong>Betting tip:</strong> Jacob Preston.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>Over/Under Prediction</h3> <p>After starting the season in unstoppable free-scoring fashion, the points and the results have somewhat dried up for the Dogs of late.</p> <p>Each of Canterbury's last four matches have gone under the total match points line and we’re tipping that trend to continue here.</p> <p><strong>Betting tip:</strong> Under total match points.</p>

<h2>Cowboys vs Bulldogs Match Details</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Date:</strong> Saturday, July 12, 2025.</p> <p><strong>Kick-off:</strong> 7:35pm AEST.</p> <p><strong>Location:</strong> Queensland Country Bank Stadium, Townsville.</p>