The North Queensland Cowboys and Gold Coast Titans will close out Round 3 at Queensland Country Bank Stadium on Sunday evening.

North Queensland are still searching for its first win after consecutive losses to begin 2026. A two-week layoff following their Vegas trip did little to help them as they conceded 44 points in a heavy loss to the Tigers.

They play host for the first time this year, welcoming a Gold Coast side which has won just once in its past 14 visits to Townsville, a treacherous run that includes a 50-18 beatdown last season.

The Titans, under new coach Josh Hannay, are also chasing their first win of the season. They will be particularly disappointed after giving up a 14-0 second-half lead to fellow Queensland rivals the Dolphins on Sunday.

Reuben Cotter is a huge inclusion for the Cowboys, with Kai O’Donnell moving to the bench and Matt Lodge to the reserves. Halfback Jayden Campbell is a chance to return for Gold Coast.

Who will get on the board and who will be left floating in the doldrums? For the latest news, odds and analysis ahead of this all-Queensland affair, check out our Cowboys vs Titans tips and predictions below.

Cowboys vs Titans Prediction and Betting Tips

Head-to-Head Prediction

The final game of NRL Round 3 is an all-Queensland affair and its desperation stakes already for the Cowboys and the Titans.

After entering 2026 with questions about his future lingering overhead, North Queensland boss Todd Payten is plummeting towards the axe, after starting the season with back-to-back losses.

Meanwhile, new Titans boss Josh Hannay is quickly realising life in the NRL is no walk in the park, also opening up season with a pair of Ls.

Both teams are borderline untippable, but we have to swing one way or another, unless an unlikely draw materialises.

It’s times like these when we defer to the odds and the H2H market shows that, at home, the Cowboys are the favourites to win this one.

Betting tip: North Queensland Cowboys.

First Try Scorer Prediction

We’re going for a value play to finish the round. Not exactly a prolific try scorer, new Cowboys hooker Reed Mahoney has emerged as a surprise candidate for this market.

The elusive No.9 loves playing this particular opponent and has scored a try in each of his last three appearances against Gold Coast.

This record indicates he is capable of pulling the wool over the defensive line’s eyes and burrowing over early.

Betting tip: Reed Mahoney.

Over/Under Prediction

Each of North Queensland's last four matches have gone over the total match points line.

Betting tip: Over (57.5) total match points.

Line Prediction

North Queensland has covered the line in four of its last five home matches.

Betting tip: Cowboys (-4.5) line.

Cowboys vs Titans Anytime Try Scorer Betting Tips

AJ Brimson

In each of North Queensland's last four matches, the opposition's starting five-eighth has scored a try.

Braidon Burns

Braidon Burns has scored a try in six of North Queensland's last seven matches.

Jojo Fifita

Jojo Fifita has scored a try in each of Gold Coast's last three matches against North Queensland.

Jaxon Purdue

Jaxon Purdue has scored a try in five of North Queensland's last six home matches against teams on a losing streak.

Beau Fermor

Beau Fermor has scored a try in three of Gold Coast's last four matches against North Queensland.

Cowboys vs Titans Teams

North Queensland Cowboys Team List

1. Scott Drinkwater

2. Braidon Burns

3. Jaxon Purdue

4. Tom Chester

5. Murray Taulagi

6. Jake Clifford

7. Tom Dearden (c)

8. Coen Hess

9. Reed Mahoney

10. Jason Taumalolo

11. Heilum Luki

12. Sam McIntyre

13. Reuben Cotter

14. Soni Luke

15. Kai O'Donnell

16. Griffin Neame

17. Harrison Edwards

18. Zac Laybutt

Gold Coast Titans Team List

1. Keano Kini

2. Sialetili Faeamani

3. Jojo Fifita

4. Max Feagai

5. Phillip Sami

6. AJ Brimson

7. Lachlan Ilias

8. Moeaki Fotuaika

9. Sam Verrills

10. Tino Fa'asuamaleaui (c)

11. Arama Hau

12. Beau Fermor

13. Chris Randall

14. Kurtis Morrin

15. Tukimihia Simpkins

16. Klese Haas

17. Cooper Bai

18. Oliver Pascoe

Cowboys vs Titans Match Details

Date: Sunday, March 22, 2026.

Kick-off: 6:15pm AEDT.

Location: Queensland Country Bank Stadium, Townsville.