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North Queensland Cowboys vs South Sydney Rabbitohs NRL Betting Tips - Cows to take advantage of Origin-hit Bunnies

jeremy-darke
Jeremy Darke
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Last updated: Sat 23 May 2026 19:53
The North Queensland Cowboys take on the South Sydney Rabbitohs in an NRL clash where the Cowboys are favored, especially with the Rabbitohs missing key players like Cameron Murray and Latrell Mitchell due to Origin duties. North Queensland are in form, winning three of their last five and boasting a strong defensive improvement. Scott Drinkwater emerges as a major threat, having scored four tries in his last four games. The Rabbitohs' depleted lineup could struggle against the Cowboys' physical style, with North Queensland tipped to cover the line and hold Souths under 24.5 points.
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Jeremy Darke 23 May 2026
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  • Cowboys favored with Rabbitohs missing key players (Murray & Mitchell).
  • Scott Drinkwater in superb form: 4 tries in last 4 games.
  • Tip: Cowboys to cover the line, Souths under 24.5 points.

North Queensland Cowboys vs South Sydney Rabbitohs Preview


South Sydney are undermanned due to Origin absentees and the Cowboys should be too good at home as a result. North Queensland have also won three straight against Souths and can cover with Scott Drinkwater to star.

  • North Queensland have covered the line in their last 3 matches against South Sydney
  • South Sydney have scored 22 points or less in their last 4 matches against North Queensland.
  • South were held to just 10 points against the Dolphins last week.
  • Scott Drinkwater has scored 4 tries in his last 4 games.

Head to Head 


North Queensland have won the last three meetings against South Sydney including a 24-16 victory last season.

The last four matches between the Rabbitohs and Cowboys has gone under the game total.

North Queensland Cowboys Form - Cows Over A Shaky Start


The Cowboys produced one of their toughest wins of the season last round, defeating the Roosters 18-12 despite missing key personnel. Liam Sutton impressed on debut in the halves, while Jake Clifford controlled territory brilliantly and Scott Drinkwater again played a major attacking role.

North Queensland have now won three of their last five matches and continue to improve defensively after a shaky start to the season. They rank near the top of the competition in both run metres and linebreak generation, while their kicking game has helped consistently win field position battles.

The Cowboys also look far more balanced offensively than earlier in the year. Drinkwater remains the focal point around sweeping shifts and support play and comes into this game having scored 4 tries across his last 4 matches.

South Sydney Rabbitohs Form - Absentees Impacting


South Sydney remain dangerous with the ball but enter this matchup understrength and vulnerable defensively. 

The Rabbitohs have averaged 32.4 points over their last five games, although those numbers have been boosted by high-scoring wins over Melbourne and Cronulla.

The concern here is the missing personnel. Cameron Murray and Latrell Mitchell are massive outs both defensively and in transition attack, while Campbell Graham’s absence weakens the outside backs even further. 

Cody Walker will still create chances, but Souths now rely heavily on their spine producing points through broken play.

Defensively, the Rabbitohs continue to concede too many metres through the middle and have struggled to contain stronger forward packs away from home. 

North Queensland’s physical style and territorial game plan could frustrate Souths and force them into low-quality attacking sets.

Verdict

The Cowboys are backed to kick away and cover the 4.5 points as the favourite holding Souths under 24.5 points. Scott Drinkwater will cross for his fifth in five matches.

Best Bet1: North Queensland -4.5 Handicap/Line @10/11 at Hollywood bets - 3 Units
Best Bet2: Souths Under 24.5 Team Total Points @10/11 at bet365 - 2 Units
Best Bet3: Scott Drinkwater Anytime Tryscorer @10/11 at Star Sports - 2 Units
Best Bet4: Scott Drinkwater First Tryscorer @17/2 at Hollywood bets - 1 Unit
North Queensland -4.5
Handicap/Line
@10/11 - 3 Units
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Souths Under 24.5
Team Total Points
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Scott Drinkwater
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Bet at Star Sports
Scott Drinkwater
First Tryscorer
@17/2 - 1 Unit
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