North Queensland Cowboys vs Wests Tigers Prediction | Round 13 2025
28/05/2025|Joel Caine|NRL Expert Predictions & Tips
The Tigers might’ve had a bye last week, but there’s been no break from the headlines.
Now, they head to Townsville where the Cowboys are quietly trying to build a finals case, one home win at a time.
While the Tigers sort through the wreckage of the Lachlan Galvin saga, they’ll be hoping a drama-free trip north can spark a turnaround.
Jarome Luai and Terrell May were both left out of Origin selection, and with rest, now get the opportunity on the road to set everything on their terms.
With Luai in the driver’s seat with Galvin released from the Tigers squad, he’s got a chance to shift the gears, silence the doubters, and maybe – just maybe – keep this ride from veering into yet another chaotic detour.
Here’s how the Cowboys and Tigers lineup for this clash, as well as some betting tips for the H2H, first try scorer, and over/under markets. This is our Cowboys vs Tigers prediction.
Cowboys vs Tigers Team Lists
North Queensland Cowboys Team List
1. Scott Drinkwater
2. Robert Derby
3. Zac Laybutt
4. Viliami Vailea
5. Jaxson Paulo
6. Jaxson Purdue
7. Tom Dearden
8. Jordan McLean
9. Reece Robson
10. Sam McIntyre
11. John Bateman
12. Jeremiah Nanai
13. Reuben Cotter
14. Harrison Edwards
15. Kai O’Donnell
16. Griffin Neame
17. Coen Hess
Wests Tigers Team List
1. Jahream Bula
2. Sunia Turuva
3. Adam Doueihi
4. Starford To’a
5. Charlie Staines
6. Heath Mason
7. Jarome Luai
8. Terrell May
9. Api Koroisau
10. Royce Hunt
11. Samuela Fainu
12. Alex Seyfarth
13. Alex Twal
14. Brent Naden
15. Jack Bird
16. Sione Fainu
17. Tony Sukkar
Cowboys vs Tigers Prediction and Betting Tips
Head-to-Head Prediction
The Wests Tigers may be fresh off a bye, but the past can be a brutal reminder, and it suggests rest hasn’t been their best remedy.
They’ve lost 13 straight games when given 10 or more days to prepare – not ideal when you’re heading to Townsville to face a Cowboys side sitting inside the top eight.
North Queensland Cowboys have won four of their last five against the Tigers, including three dominant performances at home, where they’ve looked most comfortable.
With finals contention on the line, expect the Cowboys to keep the engine running and roll through this one.
Betting tip: North Queensland Cowboys
First Try Scorer Prediction
The Cowboys have feasted early against the Tigers in recent clashes, often finding success out wide.
Given the structure the Cowboys have shown at home, Scott Drinkwater looms as a threat to strike first.
With his strong lines and ball playing ability, Drinkwater can have a knack for finding the line in these matchups – and with the Tigers lack of consistent defence, he could be the one who lights up the scoreboard first.
Betting tip: Scott Drinkwater first try scorer.
Over/Under Prediction
If history is any guide, the scoreboard won’t be quiet on Saturday night.
Each of the last six meetings between these sides has gone over the total match points line, and North Queensland alone has posted 31+ points in their last three clashes with the Tigers.
With the Cowboys’ attack finding rhythm and the Tigers prone to leaking points late, this one has the makings of another high-scoring affair under the northern lights.
Betting tip: Over total match points.
Cowboys vs Tigers Match Details
Date: Saturday May 31
Kick-off: 5:30pm AEST
Location: Queensland Country Bank Stadium, Townsville