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North Queensland Cowboys vs Brisbane Broncos NRL Tips - Broncos set for sixth straight win over Cows
The article provides an expert prediction for the upcoming NRL Round 26 clash between North Queensland Cowboys and Brisbane Broncos. A victory for the Broncos could push them into the top four, contingent on the Warriors' performance. Despite injuries to key players Adam Reynolds and Ezra Mam, the Broncos have thrived, demonstrating their scoring prowess with Reece Walsh’s impactful performances. The Cowboys return strong but inconsistent, having struggled against top-tier teams. The match is anticipated to be high-scoring, and Jaxon Purdue is highlighted as a key player to watch.
- North Queensland Cowboys vs Brisbane Broncos expert predictions for Saturday's NRL Round 26 game
- Kick off is at 7.35pm AEST at Queensland Country Bank Stadium
- Broncos chasing sixth straight win over Cowboys with top four finish still on the cards
- Jaxon Purdue is scoring almost every week at centre - back him for another meat pie
- Preview, expert analysis, stats, team news & best bets
North Queensland Cowboys vs Brisbane Broncos NRL Tips
North Queensland Cowboys vs Brisbane Broncos, NRL Round 26 - Expert Prediction
The Broncos could potentially break into the top four with a win over rivals the Cowboys to conclude Super Saturday action in Townsville.
- North Queensland Cowboys vs Brisbane Broncos, NRL Round 26 - Expert Prediction
- Head To Head
- North Queensland Cowboys Form Analysis
- North Queensland Cowboys Team News
- North Queensland Cowboys Team List
- Brisbane Broncos Form Analysis
- Brisbane Broncos Team News
- Brisbane Broncos Team List
Cowboys vs Broncos Round 26 NRL Cheat Sheet
If the Warriors fall to the Eels on Friday night, then the Broncos know a win would propel them into the all-important top four, handing them control of their own destiny heading into the final round. Despite hamstring injuries to halves pairing Adam Reynolds and Ezra Mam, the Broncos have taken care of business in their last two games, easing to big wins over the Dolphins and Knights, while they've now scored a whopping 144 points in their last three victories. Reece Walsh, when he plays within himself, is arguably the most destructive player in the game and he'll be keen to make a big impact again here.
North Queensland fans will be incredibly frustrated that their side is winning now that their finals chances have been dashed, but I'm going to need to see more than two victories over the Knights and Tigers. The Cowboys have lost their last eight games vs top eight teams, so they have been repeatedly outclassed by the elite sides in 2025.
Back the Broncos to win by a converted try and for Over 50.5 total points - both sides have been piling on the points lately and Townsville fixtures are no strangers to high-scoring affairs. Jaxon Purdue has been hugely prolific at centre all season and will fancy himself to cross for another four-pointer.
- Broncos have won the last five meetings between the pair
- Broncos have won three of their last four games
- Broncos have scored 144 points in their last three wins
- Cowboys have lost their last eight games vs top eight teams
- Over 50.5 points has landed in three of the Broncos' last four games
- 50+ points has been scored six times at Queensland Country Bank Stadium this season
- Jaxon Purdue has scored at least one try in nine of his last 10 games when starting at centre. Purdue also crossed in his most-recent appearance vs Broncos earlier this season
Head To Head
There was a time when games between these sides were decided by one or two points on the regular. However, the Broncos have gained a stranglehold on this rivalry in recent times, winning the last five encounters by 10+ points - including a 26-16 triumph back in Round 3 earlier this year.
North Queensland Cowboys Form Analysis
It's a case of too little, too late for the Cowboys.
There's no doubt the Cowboys are a top eight team at their best, but their form fluctuates wildly from week to week and at the end of the day, they simply don't have the consistency.
North Queensland are ending the season positively, winning three of their last five games - including back-to-back triumphs over the Knights and Tigers, coming back to score 18 points in the final 14 minutes in the latter last week.
North Queensland Cowboys Team News
Todd Payten has named the same 17 players that came back to beat the Tigers 34-28 last week.
North Queensland Cowboys Team List
1. Scott Drinkwater
2. Semi Valemei
3. Jaxon Purdue
4. Viliami Vailea
5. Braidon Burns
6. Jake Clifford
7. Tom Dearden
8. Jordan McLean
9. Reece Robson
10. Jason Taumalolo
11. John Bateman
12. Jeremiah Nanai
13. Reuben Cotter
Interchange
14. Zac Laybutt
15. Karl Lawton
16. Harrison Edwards
17. Thomas Mikaele
Reserves
18. Kai O’Donnell
19. Marly Bitungane
20. Nicholas Lenaz
21. Jaxson Paulo
22. Kaiden Lahrs
Brisbane Broncos Form Analysis
When Adam Reynolds and Ezra Mam went down in almost the same second with hamstring injuries in the loss to Melbourne, it appeared as if the Broncos' finals chances were in serious jeopardy.
However, to their credit, Brisbane have knuckled down and won both of their subsequent games against the Dolphins (38-28) and Knights (46-12), with Ben Hunt filling in seamlessly at halfback.
Reece Walsh, unsurprisingly, has stepped up to lead his side in attack, while Kotoni Staggs is arguably in career-best form, scoring five tries in his last four games.
Brisbane have now secured finals football, but the top four is still well within striking distance - and if the Warriors lose and Michael Maguire's side win, they will head into Round 27 in fourth spot.
Brisbane Broncos Team News
Back-rower Brendan Piakura returns from concussion on the bench, pushing Jesse Arthars to 18th man. Adam Reynolds has been named on the extended bench as he edges closer to a return.
Brisbane Broncos Team List
1. Reece Walsh
2. Josiah Karapani
3. Kotoni Staggs
4. Gehamat Shibasaki
5. Deine Mariner
6. Billy Walters
7. Ben Hunt
8. Corey Jensen
9. Cory Paix
10. Payne Haas
11. Jaiyden Hunt
12. Jordan Riki
13. Patrick Carrigan
Interchange
14. Tyson Smoothy
15. Kobe Hetherington
16. Ben Talty
17. Brendan Piakura
Reserves
18. Jesse Arthars
19. Fletcher Baker
20. Delouise Hoeter
21. Jock Madden
22. Adam Reynolds
Verdict
The Broncos are backed to keep their top four chances alive, beating the Cowboys and covering a -4.5 line in a game expected to exceed 50.5 total points.
Jaxon Purdue is as prolific as they come in the centres and can cross for another try.
Broncos -4.5
Line
$1.92 - 3 Units
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Over 50.5
Total Points
$1.93 - 2 Units
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Jaxon Purdue
Anytime Tryscorer
$2.85 - 1 Unit
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Jaxon Purdue
First Tryscorer
$17.00 - 1 Unit
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Download the dabble app, enter referral code BETSAU to enjoy Dabble, the betting app with a difference! Bet as normal with & also be part of Australia's betting community where you can follow punters and sports stars, copy their bets, have banter with your mates & watch Sky Racing channels. 18+. T&Cs apply. What are you prepared to lose today? Set a deposit limit.
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