The North Queensland Cowboys will look to bounce back from a historic loss when they visit the Gold Coast Titans at Cbus Super Stadium on Thursday night. 

The Cowboys were on the receiving end of the highest score by a team since 1935, falling 82-12 to the Roosters last Thursday. That result dropped the Cowboys to ninth in an increasingly congested finals race. 

Meanwhile, the Titans will be out to make up for their own poor performance after going down 42-6 to the Warriors on Saturday. 

With little room for error remaining, Todd Payten has made minimal changes. Kai O'Donnell starts for the injured Jeremiah Nanai, while Griffin Neame returns and pushes Thomas Mikaele back to the interchange. 

Zane Harrison is out for the Titans, with Lachlan Ilias replacing him at halfback. The Cowboys won 30-16 when these sides met at the start of the season, but that was long before the scars of their record-breaking loss last week.

For the latest team news, analysis, and expert insights ahead of the opening game of NRL Round 23, check out our Titans vs Cowboys tips and predictions below!

Titans vs Cowboys Prediction and Betting Tips 

Head-to-Head Prediction 

NRL Round 23 opens with the first of two QLD Derbies this week as the Titans look to capitalise on the lingering shellshock in the Cowboys camp.

When you cop 82 points in front of your own fans, the last thing you probably feel like doing is playing more footy.

Unfortunately, with no bye in sight this week, that is the reality the Cowboys face here. 

They were torn limb from limb by a rampaging Roosters outfit last week, in what ended up being one of the highest scoring games in NRL history.

Obviously, we’re not rushing to tip them this week, even if the Titans were also embarrassed at home last start. 

Still, there’s a big difference between conceding 82 on your own patch and conceding 42. 

That difference is enough to lose our allegiance for the foreseeable future; we’re taking the Titans on Thursday.

Betting tip: Gold Coast Titans. 

First Try Scorer Prediction 

Not too hot on any of the Cowboys here after their showing last week, so attention turns to the Titans side of the field. 

Young Gold Coast superstar Jayden Campbell has not only been in great try scoring touch recently but also has form against this specific opponent. 

He has scored at least one try in each of his last three appearances against North Queensland and goes in as our first try scorer here. 

Betting tip: Jayden Campbell.

Over/Under Prediction 

Seven of Gold Coast's last eight home matches have gone under the total match points line.

Betting tip: Under (48.5) total match points. 

Line Prediction

North Queensland has covered the line in each of their last four night matches against Gold Coast.

Betting tip: Cowboys (-3.5) line. 

Titans vs Cowboys Anytime Try Scorer Betting Tips 

Murray Taulagi

Murray Taulagi has scored at least one try in each of North Queensland's last six matches as an away favourite.

AJ Brimson

AJ Brimson has scored a try in each of Gold Coast's last three home matches against North Queensland.

Jaxon Purdue

Jaxon Purdue has scored at least one try in each of North Queensland's last five matches against opponents that were ranked in the bottom four

Braidon Burns

Braidon Burns has scored at least one try in each of his last four away appearances against opponents that were ranked lower on the ladder.

Zac Laybutt

Zac Laybutt has scored a try in each of his two previous appearances against Gold Coast.

Titans vs Cowboys Teams 

Gold Coast Titans Team List 

1. Keano Kini

2. Dean Ieremia

3. Jojo Fifita

4. AJ Brimson

5. Phillip Sami

6. Jayden Campbell

7. Lachlan Ilias 

8. Moeaki Fotuaika (c)

9. Oliver Pascoe

10. Tino Fa'asuamaleaui (c)

11. Arama Hau

12. Beau Fermor 

13. Chris Randall

14. Kurtis Morrin

15. Josh Patston

16. Klese Haas

17. Cooper Bai

18. Sam Verrills

19. Adam Christensen

North Queensland Cowboys Team List 

1. Scott Drinkwater

2. Braidon Burns

3. Zac Laybutt

4. Tom Chester

5. Murray Tualagi

6. Jake Clifford

7. Jaxon Purdue

8. Griffin Neame

9. Soni Luke

10. Jason Taumalolo

11. Heilum Luki

12. Kai O'Donnell

13. Rueben Cotter (c)

14. Ethan King

15. Tom Mikaele

16. Matthew Lodge

17. Coen Hess

18. Sam McIntyre

19. Kaiden Lahrs

Titans vs Cowboys Match Details 

Date: Thursday, August 6, 2026. 

Kick-off: 7:50pm AEST. 

Location: Cbus Super Stadium.