The Dolphins will be out to respond when they host the North Queensland Cowboys at Suncorp Stadium on Sunday afternoon. 

The Dolphins are coming off a humiliating 66-0 defeat to the Sharks last Saturday, the first time the club has been held scoreless in its short history. 

Meanwhile, the Cowboys have bounced back from a three-match losing streak with consecutive upset victories over Penrith and, most recently, a 19-18 golden-point result against Manly last Sunday to climb back into the top eight. 

Tom Dearden has been named in the reserves as he eyes a return from injury for the Cowboys. Griffin Neame starts in place of Thomas Mikaele, while Kai O'Donnell joins the interchange, replacing John Bateman. 

For the Dolphins, Origin trio Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, Jack Bostock and Selwyn Cobbo return, although Jake Averillo misses out through injury. 

The Dolphins claimed a 40-14 victory when these sides met earlier this season and will be chasing a fifth straight win over the Cowboys.

For the latest team news, analysis, and expert insights ahead of this all-Queensland affair, check out our Dolphins vs Cowboys tips and predictions below!

Dolphins vs Cowboys Prediction and Betting Tips 

Head-to-Head Prediction 

The final game of NRL Round 20 is an all-Queensland affair with the Dolphins welcoming the Cowboys to Suncorp Stadium.

Now, we knew the Phins would miss main man and halfback Isaiya Katoa, but not this much.

In their first game since Katoa was sidelined with a fractured wrist, the highly rated Redcliffe outfit inexplicably lost 66-0 to the Sharks, at Suncorp no less.

There have been some truly shocking results this season, but that one takes the cake by some distance. 

It also slams the Dolphins straight in the “do not tip” basket., particularly against a Cowboy’s side who will be riding high after their golden point victory over Manly last week. 

Betting tip: North Queensland Cowboys.

First Try Scorer Prediction 

Last week’s golden point hero and a Suncorp specialist, we’re taking Cowboys’ fullback Scott Drinkwater as our first try scorer on Sunday. 

Drinkwater has scored a try in each of North Queensland's last three matches at Suncorp Stadium and we’re backing him to make it four from four here. 

Betting tip: Scott Drinkwater.

Over/Under Prediction 

Six of North Queensland's last seven matches have gone under the total match points line.

Betting tip: Under (50.5) total match points. 

Line Prediction

The Dolphins have failed to cover the line in each of their last three matches.

Betting tip: Cowboys (+3.5) line. 

Dolphins vs Cowboys Anytime Try Scorer Betting Tips 

Herbie Farnworth

Herbie Farnworth has scored at least one try in each of his last six appearances at Suncorp Stadium against opponents that were ranked in the top eight.

Braidon Burns

Braidon Burns has scored at least one try in each of his last eight appearances with North Queensland as an away underdog.

Selwyn Cobbo

Selwyn Cobbo has scored at least one try in each of his last five appearances.

Murray Taulagi

Murray Taulagi has scored at least one try in each of his five previous appearances against the Dolphins.

Dolphins vs Cowboys Teams 

The Dolphins Team List 

1. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow

2. Jamayne Isaako

3. Jack Bostock

4. Herbie Farnworth

5. Selwyn Cobbo

6. Kodi Nokirima (c)

7. Brad Schneider

8. Tom Flegler

9. Jeremy Marshall-King

10. Francis Molo

11. Connelly Lemuelu

12. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki

13. Morgan Knowles

14. Kurt Donoghoe

15. Max Plath

16. Tom Gilbert

17. Felise Kaufusi

18. Tevita Naufahu

North Queensland Cowboys Team List 

1. Scott Drinkwater

2. Braidon Burns

3. Zac Laybutt

4. Tom Chester

5. Murray Tualagi

6. Jaxon Purdue

7. Jake Clifford

8. Griffin Neame

9. Reed Mahoney

10. Jason Taumalolo

11. Heilum Luki 

12. Jeremiah Nanai

13. Rueben Cotter (c)

14. Soni Luke

15. Kai O'Donnell

16. Matthew Lodge

17. Coen Hess

18. Sam McIntyre

Dolphins vs Cowboys Match Details 

Date: Sunday, July 19, 2026. 

Kick-off: 4:05pm AEST. 

Location: Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane.