North Queensland Cowboys vs St George Illawarra Dragons Prediction – Round 21 2025

With both teams in poor form, finals footy looks like a bridge too far for the North Queensland Cowboys and St. George Illawarra Dragons.

Still, where there’s life, there is hope and both will battle, at least, for some much-needed joy at Queensland Country Bank Stadium on Friday evening.

The Dragons have lost three straight in close fashion, including a heartbreaker last week against the Dogs, who snatched back the lead inside the final three minutes to win 20-18.

The Cowboys have won five straight over the Dragons but come into this contest with a run of six losses from their past seven outings. The latest of these six losses coming last start where they were no match for a rampant Dolphins outfit, going down 43-24.

On the team front, there’s just one change for the Dragons with Mathew Feagai returning for the injured Sione Finau.

Up North Thomas Mikaele and Murray Taulagi are out injured, while Jaxson Paulo has been dropped. John Bateman, Robert Derby and Thomas Duffy are the new faces in the starting 13.

Check out our North Queensland Cowboys vs St George Illawarra Dragons match preview for plenty of betting tips and predictions across a host of markets. From H2H to anytime try scorer and everything in between. 

So, for all the latest news, analysis, odds, and betting tips ahead of this mouthwatering matchup, check out our Cowboys vs Dragons prediction below.

 

Cowboys vs Dragons Prediction and Betting Tips

 

Head-to-Head Prediction

It’s effectively curtains for North Queensland in season 2025 and the Dragons are all but on their last life.

The Cowboys continued their recent trend of conceding piles of points against the Phins last week, in a showing that pretty much put a big red line through their finals hopes.

Speaking of finals’ hopes, the Dragons top eight chances are on life support after their last gasp loss to the Bulldogs.

It was a result that was not befitting of their efforts and there’s even an argument that the last pass that led to their undoing floating a fraction forward.

Fired up from that potential injustice and with slightly more to play for than their hosts in NRL round 21, we’re going against the odds and tipping the Dragons to win up in Townsville.

Betting tip: St George Illawarra Dragons.

 

First Try Scorer Prediction

We love a man in form when it comes to this market and Tyrell Sloan has scored at least one try in each of St. George Illawarra's last three matches.

He also scored his side’s first try last week, now he and his teammates just need to make sure he gets on the scoresheet before the opposition does.

Betting tip: Tyrell Sloan.

 

Over/Under Prediction

Each of North Queensland's last four home matches against St. George Illawarra have gone over the total match points line.

Betting tip: Over total match points.

 

Cowboys vs Dragons Anytime Tryscorer Betting Tips

 

Jaydn Su’A

In each of North Queensland's last four matches, the opposition's starting right second row has scored a try.

 

Jeremiah Nanai

Jeremiah Nanai has scored at least one try in four of North Queensland's last five matches as a favourite.

 

Corey Allan

In each of St. George Illawarra's last four matches, its starting left wing has scored at least one try.

 

Braidon Burns

Braidon Burns has scored at least one try in each of his last three appearances with his team as a favourite.

 

Scott Drinkwater

Scott Drinkwater has scored at least one try in three of North Queensland's last four matches.

 

Jaxon Purdue

Jaxon Purdue has scored a try in three of North Queensland's last four home matches against teams on a losing streak.

 

Cowboys vs Dragons Teams

 

North Queensland Cowboys Team List

1. Scott Drinkwater

2. Robert Derby  

3. Jaxon Purdue

4. Zac Laybutt

5. Braidon Burns

6. Thomas Duffy

7. Tom Dearden

8. Harrison Edwards

9. Reece Robson

10. Griffin Neame

11. John Bateman

12. Jeremiah Nanai

13. Reuben Cotter

14. Karl Lawton

15. Kaiden Lahrs

16. Kai O'Donnell

17. Coen Hess

 

St George Illawarra Dragons Team List

1. Clint Gutherson

2. Tyrell Sloan 

3. Moses Suli

4. Mathew Feagai

5. Corey Allan

6. Lyhkan King-Togia

7. Kyle Flanagan

8. Emre Guler

9. Damien Cook

10. David Klemmer

11. Luciano Leilua

12. Jaydn Su'A

13. Jack de Belin

14. Jacob Liddle

15. Blake Lawrie

16. Hamish Stewart

17. Michael Molo

 

Cowboys vs Dragons Match Details

 

Date: Friday, July 25, 2025.

Kick-off: 6:00pm AEST.

Location: Queensland Country Bank Stadium, Townsville.