South Sydney Rabbitohs vs North Queensland Cowboys Prediction

The second match of the NRL’s wild west double header, sees the South Sydney Rabbitohs take on the North Queensland Cowboys at Optus Stadium.

Both are coming off impressive performances, with the Cowboys upset win over Penrith, sending shockwaves through the competition and perhaps signalling the end of one of Rugby League’s greatest ever dynasties.

Meanwhile, the Rabbitohs produced one of their gutsiest displays in years as they defeated fierce rivals the Roosters 20-14 despite sustaining a trio of hamstring injuries.

Those injuries have cost them some key personnel for this clash, but they also have a number of big names returning just in time to help out.

Let’s see how the Rabbitohs, as well as the Cowboys, will line up for this one along with some betting tips for the H2H, first try scorer and over/under markets. This is our Rabbitohs vs Cowboys prediction.

 

Rabbitohs vs Cowboys Teams

 

South Sydney Rabbitohs

1. Jye Gray

2. Alex Johnston

3. Euan Aitken

4. Jack Wighton

5. Isaiah Tass

6. Latrell Mitchell

7. Jayden Sullivan

8. Sean Keppie

9.  Peter Mamouzelos

10. Tevita Tatola

11. Keaon Koloamatangi

12. Jai Arrow

13. Lachlan Hubner

14. Liam Le Blanc

15. Siliva Havili

16. Tallis Duncan

17. Davvy Moale

 

North Queensland Cowboys

1. Scott Drinkwater

2. Robert Derby

3. Jaxon Purdue

4. Viliami Vailea

5. Murray Taulagi

6. Tom Dearden

7. Jake Clifford

8. Jordan McLean

9. Reece Robson

10. Jason Taumalolo

11. John Bateman

12. Kai O'Donnell

13. Reuben Cotter

14. Sam McIntyre

15. Jeremiah Nanai

16. Griffin Neame

17. Coen Hess

Rabbitohs vs Cowboys Prediction and Betting Tips

 

Head-to-Head Prediction

Wayne Bennett’s decision to keep young gun Jye Gray at fullback and select returning superstar Latrell Mitchell in the centres was instantly vindicated as both men starred in their win over arch rivals the Roosters.

Gray extended his lead at the top of the Dally M count, while Mitchell picked up three points of his own, after providing the assist of the season so far.

It wasn’t all good news for the Bunnies though, as they lost standout rookie halfback Jamie Humphries to a hamstring injury which will see him miss the next month of footy.

That means Latrell will find himself in yet another new position this week, with Bennett opting to play him in the halves with Jayden Sullivan, to cover for the loss of Humphries and Cody Walker.

Whether this will be a winning combo or not remains to be seen, but we’ve finally learnt not to question the master coach and his tactical decisions.

We’re backing the Bunnies in close one here, as they have won four of their last five matches by a margin of 1 to 12 points, which presents a solid form line to support.

Betting tip: South Sydney Rabbitohs.

 

First Try Scorer Prediction

These days, whenever this man is named on the team sheet, we just can’t seem to keep him off our tip sheet.

Injuries have kept AJ from the field and our multis in recent times, but he’s back in action here and as the second highest try scorer in Rugby League history, we are always inclined to back him in this market.

Not that we needed any more proof of Johnston’s credentials, but a quick look at the form guide shows that he has scored at least one try in four of South Sydney's last five matches against North Queensland.

Betting tip: Alex Johnston.

 

Over/Under Prediction

The Bunnies have seemingly embraced the grind in 2025, with each of their last five matches going under the total match points line.

We’re always a fan of form, particularly when it comes to this market and will be backing the under to hit here.

Betting tip: Under total match points.

Rabbitohs vs Cowboys Match Details

 

Date: Saturday, April 12, 2025.

Kick-off: 5:30pm AEST.

Location: Optus Stadium, Perth.