Sydney Roosters vs North Queensland Cowboys Prediction – Round 16 2025

The Sydney Roosters will aim to hold onto their spot in the top eight when they host the North Queensland Cowboys at Allianz Stadium on Sunday.

The Cowboys were directionless in attack and hapless in defence last week as the Dolphins dismantled them 58-4.

Todd Payten’s side has now won just one of its last six and will be desperately looking for answers. Meanwhile, the Roosters came from behind to produce a gritty victory away to Newcastle, winning 12-8 last Saturday night.

The Cowboys have beaten the Roosters during each of the last two seasons, including at this venue in 2024. Sydney’s Robert Toia, Lindsay Collins, Connor Watson, Angus Crichton, and Spencer Leniu have all been named to play after Origin, while Egan Butcher and Victor Radley are out with concussion.

Similarly, Origin reps Tom Dearden, Reece Robson, Jeremiah Nanai, and Reuben Cotter are back for the Cowboys, along with suspended duo Viliami Vailea and John Bateman.

Being named and actually taking the field after a wet and wild Origin encounter are two very different things. Still, as things stand, here are the team lists for this one, along with betting tips for the H2H, first try scorer, and over/under markets. This is our Roosters vs Cowboys prediction.

 

Roosters vs Cowboys Teams

 

Sydney Roosters Team List

1. James Tedesco

2. Daniel Tupou

3. Billy Smith

4. Robert Toia

5. Mark Nawaqanitawase

6. Sandon Smith

7. Hugo Savala

8. Lindsay Collins

9. Connor Watson

10. Naufahu Whyte

11. Angus Crichton

12. Siua Wong

13. Salesi Foketi

14. Benaiah Ioelu

15. Zach Dockar-Clay

16. Blake Steep

17. Spencer Leniu

 

North Queensland Cowboys Team List

1. Scott Drinkwater

2. Robert Derby

3. Zac Laybutt

4. Viliami Vailea

5. Murray Taulagi

6. Jaxon Purdue

7. Tom Dearden

8. Jordan McLean

9. Reece Robson

10. Coen Hess

11. John Bateman

12. Jeremiah Nanai

13. Reuben Cotter

14. Harrison Edwards

15. Sam McIntyre

16. Griffin Neame

17. Thomas Mikaele

Roosters vs Cowboys Prediction and Betting Tips

 

Head-to-Head Prediction

The Cowboys will be hoping their Origin stars are in good enough condition to make the flight from Perth to Sydney for this one, because they showed last week just how they get on without them.

Without the services of Tom Dearden, Reuben Cotter, Jeremiah Nanai and Reece Robson last week, the Cows were towelled up 58-4 by the Dolphins. At home no less.

Even if they do all backup, after a performance like that we are putting them in the ‘untippable’ category.

Their opponents the Chooks have also recently come home to roost in the eight after winning last week, giving us all the more incentive to steer clear of the North Queenslander.

Betting tip: Sydney Roosters.

 

First Try Scorer Prediction

Always a threat in the air, Mark Nawaqanitawase has been the first try-scorer in three of his last five appearances in Sydney. That is some strike rate in this market and is almost impossible to ignore.

Add in the fact that in 14 of Sydney's last 16 home matches, their starting left winger has scored at least one try and Nawaqanitawase becomes an even more appealing option for first try scorer here.

Betting tip: Mark Nawaqanitawase.

 

Over/Under Prediction

Not only did the Cowboys concede 58 on their own last week (total match points for this game is set at 48.5) but each of the Roosters’ last five home matches have gone over the total match points line.

Betting tip: Over total match points.

Roosters vs Cowboys Match Details

 

Date: Sunday, June 22, 2025.

Kick-off: 4:05pm AEST.

Location: Allianz Stadium, Sydney.