The North Queensland Cowboys will look to strengthen their grip on a finals spot when they host the Wests Tigers at Queensland Country Bank Stadium on Saturday night. 

North Queensland are coming off a bye after suffering a 32-30 loss to Parramatta at CommBank Stadium a fortnight ago. 

Despite that result, the Cowboys could secure a finals berth this weekend depending on Canterbury’s result against Penrith. 

Meanwhile, the Tigers will look to spoil the Cowboys’ opportunity after knocking the Roosters off the top of the ladder with a 25-24 upset at Allianz Stadium on Sunday. 

The Cowboys welcome back Tom Dearden and Jeremiah Nanai for the crucial clash, although Murray Taulagi will miss due to concussion. 

The Tigers are without Alex Twal after he suffered a concussion last week, while Sunia Turuva and Ethan Roberts are both named on the interchange. 

The Tigers dominated North Queensland 44-16 when these sides met at Leichhardt Oval in the second week of the season, but a lot has changed since then.

For the latest team news, analysis, and expert insights ahead of this tussle in the tropics, check out our Cowboys vs Tigers tips and predictions below!

Cowboys vs Tigers Prediction and Betting Tips 

Head-to-Head Prediction 

Boy, were we wrong. Tigers’ fans we owe you an apology after predicting there was a Tricoloured cricket score heading your way last week.

After pulling off the upset of the season, knocking off the Roosters 25-24 courtesy of Jock Madden's extraordinary field goal in the 79th minute, Benji’s boys now head north to face the Cowboys.

The Cows sit precariously in eighth and need a win to protect their finals spot with the regular season winding down.

North Queensland have been difficult to beat at home this season and will be desperate to consolidate their position against a Tigers side that have lost each of their last five interstate matches when playing with a rest disadvantage.

Betting tip: North Queensland Cowboys. 

First Try Scorer Prediction 

It’s funny how often returning players make a splash straight away after a lay off. Not only is Jeremiah Nanai back in the side this week, but he has scored at least one try in each of North Queensland's last five home matches against the Wests Tigers.

Will a record like that against this particular opponent, we simply can’t resist nominating his as our tip for first try scorer here. 

Betting tip: Jeremiah Nanai.

Over/Under Prediction 

Each of the last nine matches between North Queensland and the Wests Tigers have gone over the total match points line.

Betting tip: Over 53.5 total match points. 

Line Prediction

North Queensland has covered the line in seven of their last eight matches against opponents that were ranked in the bottom four.

Betting tip: Cowboys (-12.5) line. 

Cowboys vs Tigers Anytime Try Scorer Betting Tips 

Jeral Skelton

In each of North Queensland's last five matches as a favourite, the opposition's starting left wing has scored at least one try.

Jaxon Purdue

Jaxon Purdue has scored at least one try in each of North Queensland's last six matches against opponents that were ranked in the bottom four.

Jahream Bula

Jahream Bula has scored a try in each of the Wests Tigers' last four interstate night matches.

Tom Chester

In each of the Wests Tigers' last five away matches, the opposition's starting left centre has scored at least one try.

Jake Clifford

Jake Clifford has scored a try in each of North Queensland's last four matches against opponents that were ranked in the bottom four.

Cowboys vs Tigers Teams 

North Queensland Cowboys Team List 

1. Scott Drinkwater

2. Braidon Burns

3. Jaxon Purdue

4. Tom Chester

5. Zac Labutt

6. Jake Clifford

7. Tom Dearden (c)

8. Griffin Neame

9. Reed Mahoney

10. Jason Taumalolo

11. Heilum Luki

12. Jeremiah Nanai

13. Rueben Cotter (c)

14. Soni Luke

15. Tom Mikaele

16. John Bateman

17. Coen Hess

18. Kai O'Donnell

19. Ethan King

Wests Tigers Team List 

1. Jahream Bula

2. Junior Tupou

3. Solomone Saukuru

4. Patrick Herbert

5. Jeral Skelton

6. Jarome Luai (c)

7. Jock Madden

8. Terrell May

9. Api Koroisau

10. Fonua Pole

11. Samuela Fainu

12. Tony Sukkar

13. Alex Seyfarth

14. Heath Mason

15. Sione Fainu

16. Ethan Roberts

17. Bunty Afoa

18. Tristan Hope

19. Sunia Turuva

Cowboys vs Tigers Match Details 

Date: Saturday, August 29, 2026. 

Kick-off: 7:30pm AEST. 

Location: Queensland Country Bank Stadium, Townsville.