The North Queensland Cowboys and South Sydney Rabbitohs close out Round 12 at Queensland Country Bank Stadium on Sunday. 

North Queensland enters the clash after producing one of its grittiest performances of the season in last week’s 18-12 win over the Roosters. 

Meanwhile, South Sydney comes into the contest off a disappointing 32-10 loss to the Dolphins. Usually heavily impacted by Origin, the Cowboys will only lose Reuben Cotter this week. 

Jason Taumalolo returns to start at lock, with Robert Derby replacing the injured Braidon Burns on the wing. South Sydney welcomes back Alex Johnston, although Latrell Mitchell and Campbell Graham are sidelined through injury. 

Tallis Duncan shifts to the centres alongside Latrell Siegwalt, while Talanoa Penitani is set to debut on the wing. Cameron Murray is away on Origin duty, meaning Adam Elliott starts at lock, while Peter Mamouzelos and Jamie Humphreys also return. 

The Cowboys will be chasing a fourth straight win over South Sydney, can they do it? 

For the latest news, odds and analysis ahead of the final game of NRL Round 12, check out our Cowboys vs Rabbitohs tips and predictions below.

Rabbitohs vs Cowboys Prediction and Betting Tips 

Head-to-Head Prediction 

The final game of a short but sweet NRL Round 12 sees the Cowboys host the Rabbitohs in a tie sure to be impacted by a few key Origin outs.

Cam Murray and Reuben Cotter will leave big shoes to fill in the middle for both sides.  It’s not just the players that got picked either, it’s the players that should have been picked, but are injured, namely Tom Dearden and Latrell Mitchell. 

In terms of a tip here, the Cowboys' gutsy win to snap the Roosters six game winning streak will have them full of confidence heading into this one.

They’ll be at home too and get to face a Bunnies side coming off a demoralising loss to the Dolphins. 

Betting tip: North Queensland Cowboys. 

First Try Scorer Prediction 

He’s back from injury and straight back into our betting slip for this market. As well as being the greatest try scorer the game has ever seen, Alex Johnston has scored at least one try in each of his last nine appearances.

At least. That’s right, he’s usually scoring two or three tries a game, as has become his trademark. With a hit rate like that, he is and always will be one of our favourite picks for this particular market. 

Betting tip: Alex Johnston. 

Over/Under Prediction 

Each of the last four matches between North Queensland and South Sydney have gone under the total match points line.

Betting tip: Under (52.5) total match points. 

Line Prediction

North Queensland has covered the line in each of its last four home matches when playing with a rest disadvantage.

Betting tip: Cowboys (-2.5) line. 

Rabbitohs vs Cowboys Anytime Try Scorer Betting Tips 

Scott Drinkwater

Scott Drinkwater has scored a try in each of North Queensland's last three matches against opponents that were ranked in the top eight.

Peter Mamouzelos

In each of North Queensland's last three home matches, the opposition's starting hooker has scored a try.

Heilum Luki

Heilum Luki has scored a try in three of North Queensland's last four home matches.

Reed Mahoney

Reed Mahoney has scored a try in each of North Queensland's last two home matches.

Rabbitohs vs Cowboys Teams 

North Queensland Cowboys Team List 

1. Scott Drinkwater

2. Robert Derby

3. Jaxon Purdue

4. Tom Chester

5. Zac Laybutt

6. Liam Sutton

7. Jake Clifford

8. Thomas Mikaele

9. Reed Mahoney

10. Matthew Lodge

11. Heilum Luki 

12. Sam McIntyre

13. Jason Taumalolo

14. Viliami Vailea

15. Griffin Neame

16. Kai O'Donnell

17. Coen Hess

18. Xavier Kerrisk

South Sydney Rabbitohs Team List 

1. Jye Gray

2. Alex Johnston

3. Latrell Siegwalt

4. Tallis Duncan 

5. Talanoa Penitani

6. Cody Walker 

7. Ashton Ward

8. Tevita Tatola

9. Peter Mamouzelos

10. Sean Keppie

11. Euan Aitken

12. Keaon Koloamatangi

13. Adam Elliott

14. Matt Dufty

15.  Lachlan Hubner

16. Jamie Humphreys

17. Liam Le Blanc

18. Thomas Fletcher

Rabbitohs vs Cowboys Match Details 

Date: Sunday, May 24, 2026.

Kick-off: 4:05pm AEST. 

Location: Queensland Country Bank Stadium.