The North Queensland Cowboys will look to cement their place in the top eight when they host the Parramatta Eels at Queensland Country Bank Stadium in the second match of Friday night’s double-header.

The Cowboys pulled away late to defeat the Bulldogs 28-12 last week and are now one of just four teams with at least six wins this season.

Meanwhile, the Eels struggled again in a loss to the Warriors at home, going down 36-14, but will aim to salvage something from their Queensland trip before the Round 12 bye.

Jason Taumalolo is set to become the Cowboys’ most capped player, surpassing the legendary Johnathan Thurston, while Todd Payten has made one change to the side, with Sam McIntyre starting for the injured Jeremiah Nanai.

The Eels have two forced changes, with Ryley Smith and Will Penisini out, replaced by Tallyn Da Silva and Jordan Samrani.

Parramatta won this encounter in a one-point thriller last year, but it will take something special to run it back on what will be an emotional night for Taumalolo and his teammates.

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

Cowboys vs Eels Prediction and Betting Tips

Head-to-Head Prediction

It’s not how you start, it’s how you finish, and while the finish line is some 17 rounds away, the Cowboys have shown you can quickly overturn a slow start.

After opening their season with back-to-back losses, North Queensland have only lost once since, winning six of their last seven NRL outings.

Parramatta could sure take a leaf out of the Cowboys book, sitting third last and seemingly unable to notch consecutive wins.

Notching consecutive losses has not been a problem for the Blue and Gold this season however and we expect them to notch just that on the road to the fully revived Cowboys in Taumalolo’s milestone match.

Betting tip: North Queensland Cowboys.

First Try Scorer Prediction

We love to back a man in form, and Jaxon Purdue is exactly that. Such have been the levels of his recent performances; there are whispers of a debut Queensland Origin jersey on the horizon.  

It’s not hard to see why Purdue has caught the attention of Billy Slater and his selectors, as he has scored at least one try in each of North Queensland's last four matches against opponents that were ranked in the bottom four.

Betting tip: Jaxon Purdue.

Over/Under Prediction

Four of Parramatta's last five away matches have gone over the total match points line.

Betting tip: Over (55.5) total match points.

Line Prediction

The underdog has covered the line in each of North Queensland's last four matches.

Betting tip: Eels (+10.5) line.

Cowboys vs Eels Anytime Try Scorer Betting Tips

Sean Russell

Sean Russell has scored a try in four of Parramatta's last five interstate matches.

Scott Drinkwater

Scott Drinkwater has scored at least one try in each of North Queensland's last five Friday matches.

Josh Addo-Carr

Josh Addo-Carr has scored at least one try in each of his last three appearances against North Queensland.

Scott Drinkwater

Scott Drinkwater has scored at least one try in each of North Queensland's last five Friday matches.

Ronald Volkman

Ronald Volkman has scored at least one try in each of his last two appearances in night matches.

Zac Laybutt

In five of North Queensland's last six home matches, their starting left wing has scored at least one try.

Cowboys vs Eels Teams

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. Sam McIntyre

13. Reuben Cotter (c)

14. Soni Luke

15. Griffin Neame

16. Thomas Mikaele

17. Matthew Lodge

18. Xavier Kerrisk

Parramatta Eels Team List

1. Joash Papali'i

2. Brian Kelly

3. Jordan Samrani

4. Sean Russell

5. Josh Addo-Carr

6. Ronald Volkman

7. Mitchell Moses (c)

8. Luca Moretti

9. Tallyn Da Silva

10. Junior Paulo

11. Kelma Tuilagi

12. Jack Williams

13. Jack De Bellin

14. Dylan Walker

15. Saxon Pryke

16. Toni Mataele

17. Charlie Guymer

18. Apa Twidle

Cowboys vs Eels Match Details

Date: Friday, May 8, 2026.

Kick-off: 8:00pm AEST.

Location: Queensland Country Bank Stadium, Townsville.