RegisterLog in
  • Home
  • Rugby League
  • NRL

North Queensland Cowboys vs Penrith Panthers NRL Betting Tips - Panthers reaction expected in Round 17

jeremy-darke
Jeremy Darke
Editor
Last updated: Thu 25 Jun 2026 14:29
The Penrith Panthers are poised to rebound following a rare defeat, taking on a struggling North Queensland Cowboys side that has suffered three consecutive losses. The Panthers remain the NRL's benchmark for attack and defense, conceding just 43 points in their last four games. North Queensland, meanwhile, have been inconsistent and have allowed 104 points over their past three matches. The recommendation is to back Penrith -11.5 (handicap) and under 49.5 total points, with Brian To'o highlighted as a strong anytime tryscorer pick.
Share
Jeremy Darke 25 Jun 2026
Share this article
Or copy link
Copy
  • Cowboys on a 3-match losing streak, struggling defensively.
  • Panthers maintain strong form, boasting best attack and defensive stats.
  • Recommendation: Penrith -11.5, Under 49.5 points, & Brian To'o anytime tryscorer.
penrith panthers
Penrith Panthers are backed in the handicap (Getty Images)

North Queensland Cowboys vs Penrith Panthers Verdict 


The Cowboys have dropped three straight matches and are struggling for points too. Another loss is predicted as they host a Penrith Panthers side that will be out to bounce back from a shock loss last weekend.

  • Penrith have won four of their past five games.
  • Penrith have conceded just 43 points across their last four matches.
  • North Queensland have lost three straight matches.
  • Brian To'o has scored six tries in his last five games.

Head to Head


These sides have split the recent meetings, with North Queensland holding a 2-2-1 record across the last five clashes. 

The Cowboys won in Penrith and drew at home last season, showing they have matched up well historically, but Penrith arrive with a much stronger overall profile in 2026.

North Queensland Cowboys Form - Three Straight Defeats


The Cowboys have lost three straight matches and have struggled for consistency at both ends of the field, averaging just 18.8 points while conceding 26.8 across their last five games. 

They have been held to 20 points or fewer in four of those five outings, with attacking fluency proving difficult to sustain despite the creativity of Scott Drinkwater and the emergence of Jaxon Purdue.

There are still positives within the squad, particularly through the middle where Jason Taumalolo reaches his 300-game milestone and Reuben Cotter continues to lead from the front. 

The Cowboys will need a much sharper defensive performance after conceding 104 points across their last three matches.

Penrith Panthers Form - Shocked Panthers


Penrith remain the benchmark of the competition despite suffering a surprise one-point defeat last week. 

Prior to that result they had won four consecutive matches, averaging 36.5 points during that stretch, including a 68-0 demolition of the Tigers. 

Across their last five games they are averaging 32.8 points while conceding only 12.2, underlining why they own both the competition's best attack and defence.

The return of Nathan Cleary, Isaah Yeo and Brian To'o significantly strengthens an already elite lineup. 

Penrith continue to dominate the key possession metrics, ranking among the competition leaders in run metres, post-contact metres and defensive efficiency, while their disciplined style consistently limits opposition scoring opportunities. 

Verdict

Penrith -11.5 is the best bet, with the Under 49.5 also appealing given the Panthers' defensive strength. Brian To'o is the standout anytime try scorer after crossing six times in his last five games and returning to a full-strength backline.

Best Bet1: Penrith -11.5 Handicap/Line @7/8 at Hollywood bets - 3 Units
Best Bet2: Under 49.5 Game Total @9/10 at bet365 - 2 Units
Best Bet3: Brian To'o Anytime Tryscorer @4/5 at Star Sports - 2 Units
Best Bet4: Brian To'o First Tryscorer @13/2 at Hollywood bets - 1 Unit
Penrith -11.5
Handicap/Line
@7/8 - 3 Units
£30 Free Bet
Use promo code NEWBONUS

Claim £30 free bet & 20 Free Spins. Use the promo code NEWBONUS. New Hollywoodbets account holders. 18 years or older. United Kingdom residents only. T&Cs apply.

Bet at Hollywood bets
Under 49.5
Game Total
@9/10 - 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. The bonus code NEWBONUS can be used during registration but does not change the offer amount in any way. #ad

Bet at bet365
Brian To'o
Anytime Tryscorer
@4/5 - 2 Units
Bet £20 Get £10
Use promo code NEWBONUS

18+ New customers only. Bet £20 (or more) EVS (2.0) or greater Get 2 x £5 Free Bets. 1 x £5 Free Bet paid automatically & following £5 Free Bet after 24hrs. Min Free Bet odds 4/1 (5.0) on accumulators Trebles & upwards. Expires after 24hrs. Full T&Cs apply. GambleAware.org

Bet at Star Sports
Brian To'o
First Tryscorer
@13/2 - 1 Unit
£30 Free Bet
Use promo code NEWBONUS

Claim £30 free bet & 20 Free Spins. Use the promo code NEWBONUS. New Hollywoodbets account holders. 18 years or older. United Kingdom residents only. T&Cs apply.

Bet at Hollywood bets

Related

Top Betting Sites

special-offer-1Betting offers

Upcoming Events

10 June 2026

  • Volleyball Nations League 2026 -
  • Volleyball

11 June 2026

  • FIFA World Cup -
  • Soccer

21 June 2026

  • ATP Mallorca -
  • Tennis
Load More
27 Jun 2026

North QLD Cowboys v Penrith Panthers

days

hours

min
Add to Calendar

Sports Tips Starts in

Today's Acca Tips

  • Soccer tips

  • Horse Racing tips

 bonus image
Resources
Copyright © 2026 All Rights Reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited. Players must be 18 or over and located in jurisdictions where online gambling is legal. Please play responsibly. Bet with your head, not over it. Know when to Stop. Gamble responsibly and Think about your choices. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, and wants help, call or visit: gamcare.org.uk (UK), 800gambler.org (US), or gamblinghelponline.org.au (Australia). Gambling is addictive 18+. #Ads © 2026 freetips.com
Hear more from Freetips.com