This preview has expired.

See all our latest betting tips or suggested betting sites

North Queensland Cowboys vs Penrith Panthers Tips - Panthers to continue recovery with victory in NRL

Andrew Hendrie

Editor

Last updated: 09 May 2025

Andrew Hendrie 09 May 2025

Share this article

North Queensland Cowboys vs Penrith Panthers expert predictions for Saturday's NRL Round 10 game
Panthers aiming for back-to-back wins
Brian To'o a key player and expected to score against Cowboys

Expired

Brian To'o of the Panthers (Getty Images)

North Queensland Cowboys vs Penrith Panthers Preview

The Panthers are tipped to claim back-to-back wins for the first time in 2025. After a must-win victory in Magic Round, the reigning premiers can continue their recovery in Townsville.

Panthers have won 2 of their last 3 games
Panthers conceded just 12 & 8 points in those two wins
Cowboys are coming off a loss to the Warriors in which they conceded 30 points
Panthers have seen Under 50.5 total points in five of their last six games
Cowboys have seen Under 50.5 points in five of their last seven games
Brian To'o has scored at least one try in his last six games vs Cowboys

Head To Head

The Cowboys have had the wood over the Panthers in recent seasons, including a 22-18 triumph back in Round 5.

North Queensland Cowboys Form

After a slow start to the season in which they lost their opening three games, the Cowboys turned things around and proceeded to put together a four-match winning streak.

Two of those victories were against the second-placed Raiders and Penrith themselves, showcasing that when the Cowboys get it right, they can match it with any side in the competition.

However, I think consistency will remain an issue for the Cowboys throughout the season and I was concerned with their defence leaking 30 points in 44 minutes against the Warriors in Magic Round.

In positive news for the Cowboys, captain Jason Taumalolo produced his best game of the season, running for 209 metres off 18 carries, while Jaxon Purdue continues to impress in the centres, scoring five tries in his last four games.

North Queensland Cowboys Team News

Reuben Cotter is suspended for the next two games, with Thomas Mikaele coming into the squad for his first game of 2025.

North Queensland Cowboys Team List

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. Sam McIntyre

Interchange

14. Harrison Edwards

15. Thomas Mikaele

16. Griffin Neame

17. Coen Hess

Reserves

18. Zac Laybutt

19. Thomas Duffy

20. Semi Valemei

21. Karl Lawton

22. Kai O’Donnell

Penrith Panthers Form

It was obviously a shocking start to the season for the Panthers and they enter this clash without back-to-back wins as they chase a fifth consecutive premiership.

In saying that, it's a totally understandable slow start - it's impossible to maintain that level of intensity for every single game over the last five years and motivation levels and desire in defence being low at the beginning of the year after four straight premierships makes sense.

However, when it mattered most with their season virtually on the line, the Panthers delivered the kind of performance that propelled them to so much success so far this decade, crushing the Broncos 32-8 on the back of some rock-solid defence and individual brilliance from Nathan Cleary and Isaah Yeo.

The Panthers' season starts now.

Penrith Panthers Team News

Some huge inclusions for the Panthers this week, with Brian To'o returning on the wing and Mitch Kenny back at hooker.

Brad Schneider also returns on the bench, with Trent Toelau, Luke Sommerton and Mavrik Geyer all dropping out.

Penrith Panthers Team List

1. Dylan Edwards

2. Paul Alamoti

3. Izack Tago

4. Luke Garner

5. Brian To’o

6. Blaize Talagi

7. Nathan Cleary

8. Moses Leota

9. Mitch Kenny

10. Lindsay Smith

11. Isaiah Papali’i

12. Liam Martin

13. Isaah Yeo

Interchange

14. Brad Schneider

15. Liam Henry

16. Luron Patea

17. Thomas Jenkins

Reserves

18. Luke Sommerton

19. Matt Eisenhuth

20. Casey McLean

21. Daine Laurie

22. Trent Toelau

Verdict

North Queensland Cowboys v Penrith Panthers

The Panthers are tipped to make it back-to-back wins and cover a small -3.5 line in victory over the Cowboys, with their defence keeping the game total Under 50.5 points.

Brian To'o is looking to score a try in seven straight games against the Cowboys.

Panthers -3.5

Line

@5/6 - 3 Units

£100 Free Bet Refund

with promo code NEWBONUS

Join betgoodwin with promo code NEWBONUS and get access to their £100 Free Bet Refunds offer. 18+ only. T&Cs apply.

Bet at Betgoodwin

Under 50.5

Total Points

@3/4 - 2 Units

Bet £10 Get £30

with bonus code NEWBONUS

Available to new customers only. Make a qualifying deposit of £5 or more and claim the offer within 30 days of registering your account to qualify for 300% of that amount in Bet Credits, up to a maximum of £30 in Bet Credits. Once released, your Bet Credits will be held in your account balance and are non-withdrawable. Min deposit requirement. Free Bets are paid as Bet Credits and are available for use upon settlement of qualifying bets. Min odds, bet and payment method exclusions apply. Returns exclude Bet Credits stake. Registration required. Time limits and T&Cs apply.

Bet at bet365

Brian To'o

Anytime Tryscorer

@8/11 - 1 Unit

Bet £10 Get £30

with bonus code NEWBONUS

Bet at bet365

Brian To'o

First Tryscorer

@15/2 - 1 Unit

Bet £20 Get 50 Free Spins

Use promo code NEWBONUS