New Zealand Warriors vs North Queensland Cowboys Prediction – Round 9 2025

Two of the form teams in the NRL will tangle when the New Zealand Warriors and North Queensland Cowboys clash in a Magic Round blockbuster at Suncorp Stadium on Saturday evening.

The Warriors have surged into the top four with five wins from their opening seven matches, including last week’s 26-12 home victory over Newcastle.

While they boast four wins from their past five meetings with the Cowboys, the Warriors face a significant test stopping this incarnation of the North Queenslanders.

Todd Payten’s men obliterated the Titans 50-18 last week to claim their fourth straight win, climbing into the top six in the process.

Both of these sides are riding a tsunami of momentum into this one, but the wave has to break for someone. Who will it be?

Let’s take a look at how these two sides will line up for Magic Round, along with some betting tips for the H2H, first try scorer and over/under markets. This is our Warriors vs Cowboys prediction.

 

Warriors vs Cowboys Teams

 

New Zealand Warriors

1. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad

2. Taine Tuaupiki

3. Rocco Berry

4. Ali Leiataua

5. Adam Pompey

6. Chanel Harris-Tavita

7. Luke Metcalf

8. Marata Niukore

9. Wayde Egan

10. Mitch Barnett

11. Kurt Capewell

12. Leka Halasima

13. Erin Clark

14. Te Maire Martin

15. Jackson Ford

16. Demitric Vaimauga

17. Bunty Afoa

 

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. Jeremiah Nanai

13. Reuben Cotter

14. Sam McIntyre

15. Harrison Edwards

16. Griffin Neame

17. Coen Hess

Warriors vs Cowboys Prediction and Betting Tips

 

Head-to-Head Prediction

We’ve been duly impressed by the Warriors over the last few weeks as they’ve showcased their newfound appreciation for the grind, slogging out back-to-back wins in tense circumstances.

These gutsy performances have them sitting fourth and you’d think would make them prime tipping candidates here.

Normally, you’d be right. But in NRL round 9 they come up against one of the hottest teams in the competition – the North Queensland Cowboys.

The boys from up North have won four on the bounce and their most recent result was a one-sided demolition job on fellow Queenslanders the Titans.

The 50-18 rout should have the Warriors’ defensive coaches on high alert because it certainly piqued our interest and we’ll be backing them home here.

Betting tip: North Queensland Cowboys.

 

First Try Scorer Prediction

When you’re coming off a hat-trick you’re obviously going to be a prime candidate for any try scoring markets.

That’s certainly the case for Cowboys’ finisher Robert Derby, who crossed for three meat pies in his side’s rout of the Titans last week.

We’re backing Derby to pick up where he left off last week and cross for an early four-pointer here.

Betting tip: Robert Derby.

 

Over/Under Prediction

Statistics show that four of New Zealand's last five matches in Australia have gone over the total match points line.

When the Wahs head Down Under, tries fly, and seeing as they are playing a team who piled on half a century on their own last week, we’ll be backing the overs to hit here.

Betting tip: Over total match points.

Warriors vs Cowboys Match Details

 

Date: Saturday, May 3, 2025.

Kick-off: 5:30pm AEST.

Location: Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane.