North Queensland Cowboys host Brisbane Broncos in Round 21 of the 2026 NRL season at Queensland Country Bank Stadium on Saturday. Read on for our full match preview, betting tips, and best odds.
The fuse has been lit for colossal Queensland derby between the seventh-placed Cowboys and a Broncos side that needs to win every game.
FORM: After gutsy upset wins over Penrith and Manly, North Queensland let an early two-try lead slip in a disappointing 36-16 loss to the Dolphins on Sunday.
The Broncos halted an eight-game slide in sensational fashion to keep their season alive, with Reece Walsh steering the premiers to a 16-14 defeat of Penrith.
INS AND OUTS: Jake Clifford comes back in to partner Tom Dearden in the halves, pushing Jaxon Purdue to centre and Zac Laybutt to the bench. Tom Mikaele returns from concussion at prop.
The Broncos have lost Brendan Piakura to concussion indefinitely. Xavier Willison goes to the second-row with Preston Riki to start at prop. Billy Walters is on the six-man bench.
KEY MATCH-UP: Reece Walsh was incredible against Penrith and it’s clear any chance the Broncos have of reaching the playoffs rests on his shoulders. Scott Drinkwater has been a regular match-winner for the Cowboys in 2026 and should thrive from Dearden’s return.
HISTORY: The Cowboys snapped a six-match losing streak against the Broncos with a thrilling 35-31 victory at Suncorp Stadium in Round 6
KEY STAT: The Broncos have scored 26-plus points in their last eight matches against the Cowboys.
VERDICT: It was only one game, but there was so much to like about the Broncos’ – and Walsh’s – performance against the NRL’s benchmark team last week.
It was tough with moments of sheer brilliance, while displaying the sort of intent and desperation that has been missing all year…and the qualities that carried them to the 2025 title.
The Cowboys remain inscrutable week-to-week, beating the best sides around then losing heavily to teams coming off 60-point hidings. These two points are so vital to both teams, but the Broncos are some more proven in games they have to win.
It’s all worth noting seven of the last 10 derbies produced 50-plus points.
Tip: Back the Broncos to Win @ $1.70
SGM: BRONCOS BY 1-12 POINTS / OVER 48.5 TOTAL POINTS / DEINE MARINER ANYTIME TRYSCORER / SCOTT DRINKWATER ANYTIME TRYSCORER @ $19.52
North Queensland Cowboys vs Brisbane Broncos Odds & Popular Betting Markets
Here’s a quick look at the current odds and popular betting markets for the North Queensland Cowboys vs Brisbane Broncos matchup.
*odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change
| Team | Odds | |
|---|---|---|
| Brisbane Broncos (-2.5) | 1.96 | Bet Now |
| North Queensland Cowboys (2.5) | 1.85 | Bet Now |
NRL odds correct as of 22/07/2026 and subject to change. Event scheduled to start at 25/07/2026 7:35pm AEST.
NRL odds correct as of 22/07/2026 and subject to change. Event scheduled to start at 25/07/2026 7:35pm AEST.