The North Queensland Cowboys will look to strengthen their finals hopes when they face the Manly Sea Eagles at Brookvale Oval on Sunday. 

The Cowboys had the bye last week after an impressive 26-12 victory over a strong Panthers side in Round 17. 

Meanwhile, the Sea Eagles have hit a rough patch under coach Kieran Foran, with three losses from their past five matches. Manly's most recent outing ended in a disappointing 23-14 loss to Parramatta last Sunday. 

Tolutau Koula and Haumole Olakau’atu have been named to back up from Origin for the Sea Eagles, although Clayton Faulalo is out with a hamstring injury. 

The Cowboys have named the same squad that defeated Penrith, with co-captain Tom Dearden listed among the reserves as he nears a return from injury. 

These sides have already met once this season, with the Cowboys suffering their worst defeat of the year in a 38-6 result at home. Can they make amends here?

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

Sea Eagles vs Cowboys Prediction and Betting Tips 

Head-to-Head Prediction 

Fozball took another hit last week when Manly were beaten by Parramatta, but with the likes of Haumole Olakau'atu back from Origin duty, the Sea Eagles will be ready to rip in as they push for their own finals berth.

The Cowboys, though, are no easybeats. They showed exactly what they're capable of before the bye, running out 26-12 winners over Penrith in an emotional night that saw Jason Taumalolo celebrate his milestone 300th NRL match.

Taumalolo has wound back the clock this season, inflicting serious damage on opposition forwards still, after 17 seasons in the top grade.

With the likes of Dearden, Nanai, Drinkwater, Luki and Cotter still leading the way and newer faces like Purdue and Chester adding fresh spark, North Queensland remain a tough proposition for anyone.

Still, with Tom Trbojevic finding some form and the game being played at Brookvale, we'll lean just slightly towards the home side in this one.

Betting tip: Manly Sea Eagles. 

First Try Scorer Prediction 

A bit of a smokey here but stay with us. Rookie five-eighth Joey Walsh looks to be the man to deputise for Luke Brooks for the rest of the season as he recovers from an ACL tear, and there is some value to be had backing the 20-year-old here.

Stand-offs aren’t always the most renowned try scorers, which explains Walsh’s price for first try scorer, but this kid relishes a start in the big time. Walsh has Joey Walsh has scored a try in each of his last two appearances in the starting lineup and we’re tipping him to make it three on the trot with the opener in this one. 

Betting tip: Joey Walsh. 

Over/Under Prediction 

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

Betting tip: Under (48.5) total match points. 

Line Prediction

Manly has covered the line in nine of their last 10 matches against North Queensland.

Betting tip: Manly (-5.5) line. 

Sea Eagles vs Cowboys Anytime Try Scorer Betting Tips 

Braidon Burns

Braidon Burns has scored two tries in each of his last two away appearances.

Lehi Hopoate

Lehi Hopoate has scored at least one try in six of his last seven appearances with Manly as a favourite.

Tolutau Koula

Tolutau Koula has scored at least one try in nine of his last 11 home appearances against opponents that were ranked lower on the ladder.

Ben Trbojevic

Ben Trbojevic has scored a try in each of Manly's last three matches against North Queensland.

Sea Eagles vs Cowboys Teams 

Manly Sea Eagles Team List 

1. Tom Trbojevic (c)

2. Jason Saab

3. Tolu Koula

4. Reuben Garrick

5. Lehi Hopoate

6. Joey Walsh

7. Jamal Fogarty

8. Taniela Paseka 

9. Jake Simpkin 

10. Kobe Hetherington 

11. Haumole Olakau'atu

12. Ben Trbojevic

13. Jake Trbojevic (c)

14. Corey Waddell

15. Nathan Brown

16. Ethan Bullemore

17. Simione Laiafi

18. Josh Feledy

North Queensland Cowboys Team List 

1. Scott Drinkwater

2. Braidon Burns

3. Zac Laybutt

4. Tom Chester

5. Murray Tualagi

6. Jaxon Purdue

7. Jake Clifford

8. Tom Mikaele

9. Reed Mahoney

10. Jason Taumalolo

11. Heilum Luki 

12. Jeremiah Nanai

13. Rueben Cotter (c)

14. Soni Luke

15. Griffin Neame

16. Matthew Lodge

17. Coen Hess

18. Sam McIntyre

Sea Eagles vs Cowboys Match Details 

Date: Sunday, June 12, 2026. 

Kick-off: 4:05pm AEST. 

Location: Brookvale Oval, Sydney.