Ahead of their elimination final, the North Queensland Cowboys will host the Canberra Raiders at Queensland Country Bank Stadium on Saturday night. 

The Cowboys overcame a sluggish start and half-time deficit to defeat the Tigers 24-10 last weekend and lock away a finals spot. 

Meanwhile, the Raiders had a bye last week after suffering a 34-30 loss to the Broncos the week before. 

Robert Derby, Coen Hess and John Bateman all come into the Cowboys’ starting lineup to replace Zac Laybutt, Griffin Neame and Jeremiah Nanai respectively, with Sam McIntyre and Kaiden Lahrs added to the interchange. 

The Raiders have made a host of changes, with Coby Black to debut at halfback and Noah Martin returning to the forward pack, while Morgan Smithies and Malachi Smith have been added to the bench. 

The Raiders defeated the Cowboys 26-12 earlier this season to snap a seven-match losing streak in this matchup.

For the latest team news, analysis, and expert insights ahead of this match, check out our Cowboys vs Raiders tips and predictions below!

Cowboys vs Raiders Prediction and Betting Tips 

Head-to-Head Prediction 

The Cowboys locked in their finals spot with a 24-10 win over the Wests Tigers last week, and they'll be desperate to get one more win under their belt before finals begin. Playing at home in Townsville is a major advantage for them.

The head-to-head record here is striking: the Cowboys have won each of their last five home matches against Canberra. 

That's a trend built on their ability to grind out results in the tropical heat, which visiting teams often struggle to handle, particularly those from chilly Canberra. 

The Raiders will be tough opponents, but the Cowboys' home dominance in this fixture is hard to look past. Expect a physical contest that North Queensland edges through their forward pack.

Betting tip: North Queensland Cowboys. 

First Try Scorer Prediction 

The man who can apparently play anywhere in the backline also loves to score a try or two. 

Jaxon Purdue has scored a try in each of North Queensland's last three matches and lining up at centre at the moment, no doubt he’ll be in the right areas early on in this one.  

Betting tip: Jaxon Purdue.

Over/Under Prediction 

Six of Canberra's last seven matches have gone over the total match points line.

Betting tip: Over 55.5 total match points. 

Line Prediction

North Queensland has covered the line in each of their last six night matches against Canberra.

Betting tip: Cowboys (-6.5) line. 

Cowboys vs Raiders Anytime Try Scorer Betting Tips 

Simi Sasagi

Simi Sasagi has scored at least one try in three of his last four away appearances.

Heilum Luki

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

Owen Pattie

Owen Pattie has scored a try in each of Canberra's last two matches.

Tom Chester

Tom Chester has scored at least one try in each of North Queensland's last three matches as a home favourite.

Tom Dearden

Tom Dearden has scored a try in each of his last two appearances against Canberra.

Cowboys vs Raiders Teams 

North Queensland Cowboys Team List 

1. Scott Drinkwater

2. Braidon Burns

3. Jaxon Purdue

4. Tom Chester

5. Robert Derby

6. Jake Clifford

7. Tom Dearden (c)

8. Coen Hess

9. Reed Mahoney

10. Jason Taumalolo

11. Heilum Luki

12. John Bateman

13. Rueben Cotter

14. Soni Luke

15. Sam McIntyre

16. Tom Mikaele

17. Kaiden Lahrs

18. Kai O'Donnell

19. Ethan King

Canberra Raiders Team List 

1. Kaeo Weekes

2. Jed Stuart

3. Simi Sasagi

4. Matthew Timoko

5. Xavier Savage

6. Ethan Strange

7. Coby Black

8. Josh Papalii

9. Owen Pattie 

10. Joe Tapine (c)

11. Noah Martin

12. Matty Nicholson

13. Ata Mariota

14. Malachi Smith

15. Joe Roddy

16. Morgan Smithies

17. Vena Patuki-Case

18. Tom Starling

19. Daine Laurie

Cowboys vs Raiders Match Details 

Date: Saturday, September 5, 2026. 

Kick-off: 5:30pm AEST. 

Location: Queensland Country Bank Stadium, Townsville.