Saturday night continues with a blockbuster where the North Queensland Cowboys, clinging desperately for wins, host a Panthers side disappointed in their one-point loss to the Titans last Saturday night.

Ivan Cleary welcomes back his Origin stars after rest, and the Cowboys know all too well what a full-strength Panthers side looks like.

The ultimate home-ground test for the Cowboys has so much weight at this time of the season, and this is happening while the club celebrates Jason Taumalolo’s 300th NRL career game.

This is the kind of game that defines careers and seasons, and the Cowboys will need their most complete 80-minute effort to date this season. 

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

Cowboys vs Panthers Prediction and Betting Tips 

Head-to-Head Prediction 

Nathan Cleary, Brian To’o and Isaah Yeo return for the Penrith lineup after being rested last week.

A Cowboys squad largely unchanged will be looking for their best players to stand up and for Jason Taumalolo to remind fans why they fell in love with his game in the first place.

The biggest storyline heading into this clash is the sheer mismatch in form and personnel, as the Cowboys were right in the contest last week before falling away in the second half.

It has become a pattern haunting them all season, and one that the Panthers will want to exploit.

We expect the Panthers to dominate after losing their second game of the season and losing in such a manner that doesn’t allow for excuses, if it’s Origin stars resting for a game.

Betting tip: Penrith Panthers. 

First Try Scorer Prediction 

Thomas Jenkins loves to play against teams that are struggling to win.

The Panthers winger scores tries for fun, scoring two tries in four of Penrith’s last five matches against teams on a losing streak.

This season, the Cowboys have conceded 39% of tries on their right edge, and the Panthers left edge could tear them apart if given the chance.

Betting tip: Thomas Jenkins.

Over/Under Prediction 

Each of Penrith's last seven interstate matches has gone under the total match points line.

Betting tip: Under (49.5) total match points. 

Line Prediction

Penrith has covered the line in eight of its last nine matches when playing with a rest advantage.

Betting tip: Panthers (-13.5) line. 

Cowboys vs Panthers Teams Anytime Try Scorer Betting Tips 

Braidon Burns

Braidon Burns has scored at least one try in each of his last 10 appearances with North Queensland as an underdog.

Murray Taulagi

Murray Taulagi has scored at least one try in each of his last four home appearances.

Brian To’o

Brian To'o has scored at least one try in six of his seven previous appearances against North Queensland.

Nathan Cleary 

Nathan Cleary has scored a try in each of his last three away appearances.

Lindsay Smith

Lindsay Smith has scored a try in each of Penrith's last two matches.

Cowboys vs Panthers Teams 

North Queensland Cowboys Team List 

1. Scott Drinkwater

2. Braidon Burns

3. Zac Laybutt

4. Tom Chester

5. Murray Taulagi

6. Jaxon Purdue

7. Jake Clifford

8. Thomas Mikaele

9. Reed Mahoney

10. Jason Taumalolo

11. Heilum Luki

12. Sam McIntyre

13. Reuben Cotter

14. Soni Luke

15. Griffin Neame

16. Matthew Lodge

17. Coen Hess

18. Liam Sutton

Penrith Panthers Team List 

1. Dylan Edwards

2. Thomas Jenkins

3. Paul Alamoti

4. Izack Tago

5. Brian To’o

6. Blaize Talagi

7. Nathan Cleary

8. Moses Leota

9. Freddy Lussick

10. Lindsay Smith 

11. Isaiah Papali’i

12. Liam Martin

13. Isaah Yeo

14. Jack Cogger

15. Scott Sorensen

16. Liam Henry

17. Luke Garner

18. Billy Phillips

Cowboys vs Panthers Match Details 

Date: Saturday, June 27, 2026. 

Kick-off: 5:30pm AEST. 

Location: Queensland Country Bank Stadium, Townsville.