The North Queensland Cowboys will continue their quest for a finals return when they visit the Parramatta Eels at CommBank Stadium on Saturday evening. 

The Cowboys responded to their worst-ever performance, an 82-12 loss to the Roosters, by beating the Titans 30-8 last Thursday. 

The result moved them back inside the top eight, two points ahead of the ninth-placed Bulldogs entering the round, with a favourable run to close the home-and-away season. 

Meanwhile, the Eels threatened to pull off the biggest comeback in NRL history, fighting back from a 28-0 half-time deficit before falling 28-24 to the Rabbitohs last Saturday. 

With Isaiah Iongi out injured, Apa Twidle comes in at fullback for the Eels. Tallyn Da Silva starts at hooker, while Dylan Walker and Sean Russell are named on the interchange. 

Cowboys hooker Reed Mahoney is back from concussion to face his former team. 

Parramatta will be chasing a fourth straight victory over North Queensland, having won 33-30 in golden point when these sides met earlier this year in one of the games of the season.

For the latest team news, analysis, and expert insights ahead of this one, check out our Eels vs Cowboys tips and predictions below!

Eels vs Cowboys Prediction and Betting Tips 

Head-to-Head Prediction 

Bouncing back from an 82-12 defeat can’t be easy, so credit where credit is due for the North Queensland Cowboys.

They drew a line in the sand last start, seeing off the Titans with a comprehensive 30-8 victory, with a couple of forwards in Jason Taumalolo and Heilum Luki leading the charge with impressive performances.

The Cows now congregate south to size up the Eels, who mounted an impressive but ultimately unsuccessful comeback against the Bunnies last start. 

It was a case of too little too late for Parra, as often seems to be the case for the club, as they scored 24 unanswered points to lose 28-24.

With North Queensland sitting exactly eighth they simply have so much more to play for than the 13th placed Eels, whose season flatlined weeks ago. Giddy up. 

Betting tip: North Queensland Cowboys.

First Try Scorer Prediction 

We touched on the form of this man earlier and we’re willing to put our money where our mouth is and back Heilum Luki as our first try scorer here.

Luki has scored at least one try in each of North Queensland's last four matches against opponents that were ranked lower on the ladder and presents excellent value in this market.

Betting tip: Heilum Luki.

Over/Under Prediction 

Each of Parramatta's last six home matches have gone under the total match points line.

Betting tip: Under (50.5) total match points. 

Line Prediction

The underdog has covered the line in six of the last seven matches between Parramatta and North Queensland.

Betting tip: Eels (+5.5) line. 

Eels vs Cowboys Anytime Try Scorer Betting Tips 

Josh Addo-Carr

Josh Addo-Carr has scored at least one try in seven of his last eight appearances against North Queensland.

Braidon Burns

Braidon Burns has scored at least one try in each of his last 11 appearances in Sydney.

Will Penisini

Will Penisini has scored a try in four of his last five home appearances.

Scott Drinkwater

Scott Drinkwater has scored at least one try in each of North Queensland's last five matches as a favourite in Sydney.

Jordan Samrani

Jordan Samrani has scored a try in each of Parramatta's last two matches.

Tallyn Da Silva

Tallyn Da Silva has scored a try in each of Parramatta's last two matches.

Eels vs Cowboys Teams 

Parramatta Eels Team List 

1. Apa Twidle

2. Brian Kelly

3. Will Penisini

4. Jordan Samrani

5. Josh Addo-Carr

6. Ronald Volkman

7. Mitchell Moses (c)

8. Luca Moretti

9. Tallyn Da Silva

10. Junior Paulo

11. Jack Williams

12. Kitione Kautoga

13. Jack De Bellin

14. Dylan Walker

15. Saxon Pryke

16. Teancum Brown

17. Jezaiah Funa-luta

18. Toni Mataele

19. Sean Russell

North Queensland Cowboys Team List 

1. Scott Drinkwater

2. Braidon Burns

3. Zac Laybutt

4. Tom Chester

5. Murray Tualagi

6. Jake Clifford

7. Jaxon Purdue

8. Griffin Neame

9. Reed Mahoney

10. Jason Taumalolo

11. Heilum Luki

12. Kai O'Donnell

13. Rueben Cotter (c)

14. Soni Luke

15. Tom Mikaele

16. John Bateman

17. Coen Hess

18. Sam McIntyre

19. Ethan King

Eels vs Cowboys Match Details 

Date: Saturday, August 15, 2026. 

Kick-off: 5:30pm AEST. 

Location: CommBank Stadium, Sydney.