North Queensland Cowboys vs Wests Tigers NRL Round 26 Tips & Prediction - Points galore in Townsville
The North Queensland Cowboys face off against the Wests Tigers in NRL Round 26, with a high-scoring game expected in Townsville. Despite the Cowboys holding a better head-to-head record and fighting for finals contention, their inconsistent form raises questions. The Tigers, buoyed by a recent upset win, are predicted to score 4 or more tries, exploiting the Cowboys' leaky defense. Key try-scorer picks include Jaxon Purdue and Jeremiah Nanai. Both teams have made significant lineup changes ahead of this crucial clash.
- North Queensland Cowboys vs Wests Tigers predictions for Saturday's NRL R26 game
- At least 60 points has been scored in the last seven meetings - line set at 52.5
- Tigers backed for 4+ tries; Nanai & Purdue dangerous for Cows
- The game is scheduled for kick off at 7.35pm AEST on Saturday August 29
North Queensland Cowboys vs Wests Tigers NRL Round 26 Tips & Prediction
Another high-scoring encounter between these two teams is backed for Saturday night's clash in Townsville, with the Tigers scoring 4+ tries and Jeremiah Nanai and Jaxon Purdue crossing for the Cows.
I just don't trust the Cowboys. Yes, they should be beating the 14th-placed Tigers, who have lost eight of their last nine games, at home in Townsville. Yes, they have everything to play for, with a win potentially securing them finals football. Yes, their fans deserve an emphatic response after their last game in Townsville saw them leak 82 points to the Roosters.
But I just don't trust them. Too inconsistent. Too erratic. Too many shocking performances.
So instead I'm turning to total points, Tigers tries and a pair of Cowboys anytime tryscorer props for the best bets.
Defence has been optional in recent meetings between these teams. Since 2023, the lowest points total has been 60. There's been an average of 69.7 points in the last seven games, while the Tigers piled 44 points on the Cows earlier this season.
Throw in the Tigers' resurgent form last week and I don't mind playing the visitors for Over 3.5 team tries against a Cowboys defence that is always vulnerable.
Obviously the Tigers have been shambolic for the most part this season too, so I like proven game-breakers like Jaxon Purdue and Jeremiah Nanai to cross for tries.
Cowboys vs Tigers Stats & Trends
- The last seven meetings between the teams have seen 60+ points
- Tigers have scored 4+ tries in their last two games & scored 44 points vs Cowboys in R2
- Cowboys conceded 82 points in their last game in Townsville
- Cowboys conceded 32 points in their most-recent game vs Eels
- Jeremiah Nanai has scored 1+ try in his last five appearances vs Tigers in Townsville
- Jaxon Purdue is back in the centres & has scored 1+ try in his last six games vs bottom four teams
Cowboys vs Tigers Head To Head
The Cowboys have won five of the last six meetings, but the Tigers were victorious by a big scoreline earlier this year at Leichhardt.
| Year | Score | Winner | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 44-16 | Wests Tigers | Leichhardt Oval |
| 2025 | 34-28 | North Queensland Cowboys | Leichhardt Oval |
| 2025 | 32-28 | North Queensland Cowboys | Queensland Country Bank Stadium |
| 2024 | 48-30 | North Queensland Cowboys | Leichhardt Oval |
| 2024 | 42-28 | North Queensland Cowboys | Queensland Country Bank Stadium |
North Queensland Cowboys Form Analysis
The Cowboys are holding onto eighth spot on the ladder, but they really don't look like a finals side with two rounds remaining.
North Queensland have a 4-6 record across their last 10 games, with their last three wins coming against Gold Coast, Brisbane and Manly - three teams outside the eight.
So Todd Payten's side have some work to do if they are to make any sort of impact for the remainder of the season - and they will be under big pressure in this game if the ninth-placed Bulldogs upset Penrith on Friday.
The Cowboys had the bye last week following their 32-30 defeat to the Eels in Round 24.
Wests Tigers Form Analysis
Yes, why not snap a horrendous eight-match losing run that was marred by various controversies by beating one of the premiership favourites on the road.
Classic Tigers and again, a case of what could have been this season if they could just sort themselves out.
Out of nowhere, the Tigers showcased great heart and resilience to edge out the Roosters 25-24 last week, with Jock Madden kicking the winning field goal.
The win lifted the Tigers to 14th on the ladder and another victory here could see them level on points with the likes of Melbourne and Canberra if those teams both lose this weekend.
Cowboys vs Tigers Team News
Big in for the Cowboys, with halfback Tom Dearden returning from an ankle injury.
Jaxon Purdue goes back to centre and Zac Laybutt moves to the wing for Murray Taulagi, who is out with concussion. Jeremiah Nanai also returns, pushing Kai O'Donnell to the bench.
Alex Twal is out with concussion for the Tigers, so Ethan Roberts comes onto the bench and Alex Seyfarth starts. Sunia Turuva has also been named on the interchange after missing last week with a knee injury.
| Cowboys | Position | Wests Tigers |
|---|---|---|
| Scott Drinkwater | Fullback | Jahream Bula |
| Braidon Burns | Winger | Junior Tupou |
| Jaxon Purdue | Centre | Solomone Saukuru |
| Tom Chester | Centre | Patrick Herbert |
| Zac Laybutt | Winger | Jeral Skelton |
| Jake Clifford | Five-Eighth | Jarome Luai |
| Tom Dearden | Halfback | Jock Madden |
| Griffin Neame | Prop | Terrell May |
| Reed Mahoney | Hooker | Apisai Koroisau |
| Jason Taumalolo | Prop | Fonua Pole |
| Heilum Luki | Second Row | Samuela Fainu |
| Jeremiah Nanai | Second Row | Tony Sukkar |
| Reuben Cotter | Lock | Alex Seyfarth |
| Soni Luke | Interchange | Heath Mason |
| Thomas Mikaele | Interchange | Sione Fainu |
| John Bateman | Interchange | Ethan Roberts |
| Coen Hess | Interchange | Bunty Afoa |
| Kai O'Donnell | Interchange | Tristan Hope |
| Ethan King | Interchange | Sunia Turuva |
Verdict
Plenty of points tipped for this one, with the Tigers scoring 4+ tries & Purdue and Nanai crossing for the Cowboys.
Over 52.5
Total Points
$1.95 - 3 Units
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Tigers Over 3.5
Total Team Tries
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Jaxon Purdue
Anytime Tryscorer
$2.50 - 1 Unit
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Jeremiah Nanai
Anytime Tryscorer
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