The Cowboys head into round 7 in red-hot form, sitting fourth on the ladder after making a major statement across the opening six rounds.

The Sea Eagles, meanwhile, have back-to-back wins of their own after defeating the Dragons 28-18 in round 6, with Tom Trbojevic and Haumole Olakau’atu among the standout performers for new coach Kieran Foran.

It will be a tough contest between the two forward packs, with incredible performances from Jason Taumalolo and Coen Hess so far this season.

The Cowboys will be without winger Murray Taulagi for this clash after the speedster failed a HIA in the win over the Broncos, adding a touch of unpredictability to an already intriguing match-up.

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

Cowboys vs Sea Eagles Prediction and Betting Tips

Head-to-Head Prediction

The Cowboys survived a 35-31 contest defeating the Broncos by milestone man Scott Drinkwater and Jason Taumalolo.

Manly arrive in Townsville playing their best footy and will hope to make this game a tight contest, as the trip to the Cowboys territory can be a hostile environment.

The Sea Eagles have historical success against the Cowboys, winning 22 of the 37 NRL contests between the two sides, including six of the eight past meetings.

After a 42-12 thrashing in 2025, the Cowboys will have that in the back of their minds as both sides carry genuine momentum.

We predict the Cowboys to keep riding their confidence at home and get their fifth victory in a row, while Manly struggled through a period of their win against the Dragons and almost let a 16-0 lead in the first half slip out of their hands.

Betting tip: North Queensland Cowboys.

First Try Scorer Prediction

Heilum Luki has scored three times in six games since his return from an ACL injury and against a Sea Eagles defence that has struggled to defend this year, the Cowboys have the firepower to put Luki through space or put him in a position he can maximise off-the-ball.

Betting tip: Heilum Luki.

Over/Under Prediction

Despite five of Manly's last six interstate matches having gone under the total match points line, last week saw a huge spike in points per game for each match and these sides have been performing at a high level with the ball in their hands.

Betting tip: Over (53.5) total match points.

Line Prediction

The Cowboys are 10-2 in their last 12 games in Townsville, a strong cover that bodes well when they’re installed as the home favourites.

Betting tip: Cowboys (-4.5) line.

Cowboys vs Sea Eagles Anytime Try Scorer Betting Tips

Braidon Burns

Braidon Burns has scored a try in each of his last three appearances against Manly.

Jaxon Purdue

Jaxon Purdue has scored at least one try in each of North Queensland's last five matches against opponents that were ranked lower on the ladder.

Tom Trbojevic

Tom Trbojevic has scored at least one try in each of Manly's last five matches.

Tolutau Koula

Tolutau Koula has scored a try in each of Manly's last five matches as an underdog.

Cowboys vs Sea Eagles 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. Soni Luke

10. Jason Taumalolo

11. Heilum Luki

12. Kai O’Donnell

13. Reuben Cotter

14. Sam McIntyre

15. Griffin Neame

16. Thomas Mikaele

17. Matthew Lodge

18. Villami Vailea

Manly Sea Eagles Team List

1. Tom Trbojevic

2. Jason Saab 

3. Tolutau Koula

4. Reuben Garrick 

5. Lehi Hopoate

6. Luke Brooks

7. Jamal Fogarty

8. Taniela Paseka

9. Brandon Wakeham

10. Kobe Hetherington 

11. Haumole Olakau’atu 

12. Ben Trbojevic

13. Jake Trbojevic (c)

14. Jake Simpkin

15. Corey Waddell 

16. Ethan Bullemor 

17. Siosiua Taukeiaho

18. Nathan Brown

Cowboys vs Sea Eagles Match Details

Date: Thursday, April 16, 2026.

Kick-off: 7:50pm AEDT.

Location: Queensland Country Bank Stadium, Townsville.