A blockbuster Queensland derby concludes NRL Super Saturday with the Cowboys hosting the Broncos. Always a must-watch game when these two sides meet, this game is no different and had the potential to be a great clash. Given their standing on the ladder, each team will be motivated by vastly different outcomes, and this makes for a tricky match. Nevertheless, Before You Bet is here to help with a comprehensive look at what’s ahead in this fixture.
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Cowboys vs Broncos Prediction & Tips: 2025 NRL Round 26
Too much too late
The Cowboys were great on Sunday against the Tigers, defeating their opponents 34-28 in an exciting match. Trailing 16-10 at HT, they produced 3 tries in the final 15 minutes to capture victory. They allowed themselves to come back into the match with a greater share of possession (52%) and a superior completion rate (79%), seeing them make 9.6m per carry and 6 line breaks. The reason the Cowboys are not playing Finals could be their defence. On top of conceding a high number of points, they also missed 40 tackles and gave numerous opportunities to their opponents. Given they’re out of Finals contention, a spirited victory is meaningless for such a talented team that should be achieving more than they are.
Building towards the Finals
Taking the opportunity to travel to Newcastle early, the Broncos not only prepared themselves for that match but what is ahead in the Finals. They had minimal issues in their 46-12 victory, dictating the contest in every area with the 9-try display showing their potency in attack. It was one-way traffic as they had 53% possession and completed at 78%; this saw them average 10.6m per carry in attack and make 14 line breaks. They can still improve defensive though and will not be happy with their 40 missed tackles as better teams will punish them for such a high tally.
Stats that matter
* Including their Round 3 26-16 victory over the Cowboys this year, the Broncos have won the past 6 against them, with the average margin of victory in the past 5 games sitting at 20.6 points.
* The Broncos are superior to the Cowboys on both sides of the ball. They average 27ppg in attack and concede 21ppg defensively. The Cowboys score just 22ppg and leak 28 ppg.
* The Broncos have won 3 out of their 5 matches here (60%) while the Cowboys have a 54% strike rate at home.
Something different about this game
Whenever these two sides meet, the form guide almost needs to be overlooked as each will have their own motivating factors to want to perform well in this match. For the Cowboys, this is their last game of the season, and nothing would please them more than causing an upset. Recent performances suggest it is unlikely but the potential this team has counters that. They can be dangerous on their day. The Broncos are still vulnerable; they are without their first-choice halves (although Reynolds has been named on an extended bench – they would be foolish to risk him) and several other key players. The Cowboys are a chance of winning this match. However, parting way with your money on them is another challenge altogether and one which cannot be confidently recommended. Rather, take this game to follow a similar path of previous nail-biting derby’s whereby they have been decided by fewer than 2 converted tries.
Either team by 12 points or less
$1.83 (2 Units)
Same Game Multi: Cowboys vs Broncos
Leg 1 = Total points over 50.5 – the average total between these two sides in their past 5 matches is 52.4 points and the 2025 statistics suggests that this total is likely to be surpassed.
Leg 2 = Staggs to score – he has scored 4 tries in the past 4 matches against the Cowboys, with a double in their most recent match. With 5 tries to his name in the past 4 weeks, he is also a man in form.
Leg 3 = Walsh to score – Walsh has also hit form recently, with 3 tries in the past 4 weeks. He will want to have an impact on this game also, especially without other key players on the field, so watch for his involvement to be sky high again.
SGM Odds: $6.00 at Dabble
Cowboys vs Broncos Betting Odds & Match Info
Date: Saturday 30th August
Location: Queensland Country Bank Stadium, Townsville
Time: 7:35pm AEST
Odds: Cowboys ($2.65) vs Broncos ($1.48)
Line: Broncos -6.5
Points: 48.5
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Where to Watch Cowboys vs Broncos
Watch the Cowboys vs Broncos free on Channel Nine or live and ad free on Kayo Sports.
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