The Canberra Raiders will look to end a worrying form slide at home when they host the North Queensland Cowboys at GIO Stadium on Sunday afternoon. 

A 30-22 loss to the Dolphins dropped last year’s minor premiers to a disappointing 4-7 record, while also marking a sixth defeat from their past seven home games. 

Canberra has also lost seven straight against the Cowboys, who climbed to sixth on the ladder with a 30-18 win over South Sydney last Sunday. 

North Queensland additionally enters this contest having won its past four road games. Skipper Reuben Cotter has been named to back up from Origin, which sees Jason Taumalolo move back to prop and Matthew Lodge shift to the bench, while Murray Taulagi returns from his concussion. 

The Raiders have named Origin duo Ethan Strange and Hudson Young, while Sebastian Kris returns after being a late withdrawal last week. Daine Laurie shifts to lock in place of the concussed Jayden Brailey.

For the latest news, odds and analysis ahead of this match, check out our Raiders vs Cowboys tips and predictions below.

Raiders vs Cowboys Prediction and Betting Tips 

Head-to-Head Prediction 

For whatever reason, last season’s minor premiers the Canberra Raiders just can’t seem to get going this season.

They backed up from their bye with a loss against the Dolphins and now have to face a North Queensland side who are coming off two impressive wins against Sydneysiders the Roosters and the Rabbitohs.

Those twin wins, have the Cows up to sixth, while the Green Machine languish in 12th. The Raiders lost to one Queensland team at home last week and we’re tipping them to lose to another here. 

Betting tip: North Queensland Cowboys. 

First Try Scorer Prediction 

Criminally underrated, always in the Dally M race, but never the rep teams, Cowboys fullback Scott Drinkwater is undoubtedly the unsung hero of this North Queensland team. 

A true road warrior as well, Drinkwater has scored at least one try in each of North Queensland's last four away matches and is our pick for first try scorer. 

Betting tip: Scott Drinkwater. 

Over/Under Prediction 

Four of Canberra's last five matches have gone under the total match points line.

Betting tip: Under (52.5) total match points. 

Line Prediction

North Queensland has covered the line in eight of its last nine matches against Canberra.

Betting tip: Cowboys (+3.5) line. 

Raiders vs Cowboys Anytime Try Scorer Betting Tips 

Xavier Savage

In each of North Queensland's last four matches at GIO Stadium Canberra, the opposition's starting left wing has scored at least one try.

Jake Clifford

Jake Clifford has scored a try in each of North Queensland's last four matches against teams on a losing streak.

Sebastian Kris

In four of Canberra's last five matches, their starting right centre has scored a try.

Jaxon Purdue

Jaxon Purdue has scored at least one try in four of North Queensland's last five matches against teams on a losing streak.

Raiders vs Cowboys Teams 

Canberra Raiders Team List 

1. Kaeo Weekes

2. Savelio Tamale

3. Sebastian Kris

4. Matthew Timoko

5. Xavier Savage

6. Ethan Strange

7. Ethan Sanders

8. Corey Horsburgh

9. Tom Starling

10. Joe Tapine (c)

11. Hudson Young

12. Zac Hosking

13. Daine Laurie

14. Owen Pattie

15. Ata Mariota

16. Morgan Smithies

17. Jed Stuart

18. Chevy Stewart

North Queensland Cowboys Team List 

1. Scott Drinkwater

2. Zac Laybutt

3. Jaxon Purdue

4. Tom Chester

5. Murray Taulagi

6. Liam Sutton

7. Jake Clifford

8. Thomas Mikaele

9. Reed Mahoney

10. Jason Taumalolo

11. Heilum Luki 

12. Sam McIntyre

13. Reuben Cotter

14. Viliami Vailea

15. Griffin Neame

16. Matthew Lodge

17. Coen Hess

18. Robert Derby

Raiders vs Cowboys Match Details 

Date: Sunday, May 31, 2026. 

Kick-off: 4:05pm AEST. 

Location: GIO Stadium, Canberra.