The North Queensland Cowboys will look to complete a season double over the Brisbane Broncos when they clash at Queensland Country Bank Stadium on Saturday night and if they get the job done, they are likely Brisbane's season in the process.

The Cowboys defeated the Broncos 35-31 at Suncorp in Round 6 and have displayed some inconsistent, but highly entertaining footy in the months since.

They now sit just two points ahead of ninth-placed Manly, fighting off a host of teams making a charge for the top eight. Todd Payten has recalled Jake Clifford into the halves after last week's loss to the Dolphins, shifting Jaxon Purdue to the centres and Zac Laybutt to the bench.

Griffin Neame returns to the interchange and Thomas Mikaele is back from suspension.

Brisbane will arrive in Townsville full of confidence after a 14-12 upset win over the Panthers last Thursday provided a glimmer of hope for fans.

The reigning premiers sit 13th on the ladder, six points outside the top eight and cannot afford another defeat.

Cult hero Billy Walters is back on the extended bench after an ACL recovery as the Broncos welcome close to a full-strength squad.

It says everything about this fixture that Payten fronted his press conference last week and told the Rugby League world exactly how his players feel about their visitors.

"Everybody hates the Broncos," he said – which got the dribblers fired up from Toowoomba to Logan in defence of the reigning premiers.  

This one will be an emotional affair, with both clubs clinging onto finals footy hopes.

For the latest team news, analysis, and expert insights, check out our Cowboys vs Broncos Round 21 prediction and preview below.

North Queensland Cowboys vs Brisbane Broncos Prediction and Betting Tips

Head-to-Head Prediction

Surely not? With the full contingent finally back on deck, could the Broncos be about to mount another unlikely late-season charge? Stranger things have happened, so get the toilet water on standby just in case.

It's no surprise that having Reece Walsh, Ezra Mam, Adam Reynolds, Payne Haas, Patrick Carrigan and Ben Hunt all back together yielded a positive return for Brisbane, but it is a surprise that said return was against Penrith.

That two-point away win could be the catalyst for a late-season revival from the Broncs, starting here against local rivals who would love nothing more than to end their season on home soil.

Despite main man Tom Dearden returning and scoring from a long injury layoff, North Queensland couldn't get past the Dolphins.

We're tipping the Cowboys to lose back-to-back Queensland Derbies, with Brisbane sneaking home in a thriller, par for the course whenever these two meet.

Head-to-head prediction: Brisbane Broncos.

First Try Scorer Prediction

Reece Walsh showed last week yet again why he’s an out and out superstar of the game.

He was involved in everything positive from the Broncos as they overcame the Panthers chin dynasty for the first time since last years’ prelim final.

Reece has left his run late this season, so he’ll be looking to be on the attack right from the opening whistle.

Betting tip: Reece Walsh.

Over/Under Prediction

Nine of the last 10 matches between North Queensland and Brisbane have gone over the total match points line. Defence will be optional in this one, we’re expecting a shootout.

Betting tip: Over total match points.

Line Prediction

The line sits at 2.5 either way and this one could genuinely go down to the wire. But we’re expecting the Broncos to clear that one, at least with a late try when the game is already decided.

Betting tip: Broncos (-2.5) line.

North Queensland Cowboys vs Brisbane Broncos Anytime Try Scorer Betting Tips

Kotoni Staggs

One of the most dangerous centres in the competition, Staggs has the strength and footwork to punish Cowboys edge defence. In games where the Broncos get their shape on point, he's almost always in the mix.

Murray Taulagi

Taulagi is NQ's one of the best finishers in the league and will be on the scoresheet if the Cowboys can seize momentum.

Jeremiah Nanai

Nanai is a force on the edge and the number one target for North Queensland under the high ball. A man that can make something out of nothing, Nanai is one of the true weapons in this Cowboys outfit.

Josiah Karapani

Karapani on the left edge for Brisbane is a live option every week. A great finisher with footwork and pace to boot, often a beneficiary of Reece Walsh brilliance.

North Queensland Cowboys vs Brisbane Broncos 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. Thomas Mikaele
9. Reed Mahoney
10. Jason Taumaolo
11. Heilum Luki
12. Jeremiah Nanai
13. Reuben Cotter
14. Soni Luke
15. Griffin Neame
16. Matthew Lodge
17. Coen Hess

Brisbane Broncos Team List

1. Reece Walsh
2. Josiah Karapani
3. Kotoni Staggs
4. Gehamat Shibasaki
5. Deine Mariner
6. Ezra Mam
7. Adam Reynolds (c)
8. Preston Riki
9. Cory Paix
10. Payne Haas
11. Xavier Willison
12. Jordan Riki
13. Patrick Carrigan
14. Ben Hunt
15. Ben Talty
16. Va'a Semu
17. Grant Anderson

North Queensland Cowboys vs Brisbane Broncos Match Details

Date: Saturday, July 25, 2026.

Kick-off: 7:30pm AEST.

Location: Queensland Country Bank Stadium, Townsville.