Brisbane Broncos v North Queensland Cowboys: NRL Friday Preview

Since an epic 2015 grand final, Brisbane Broncos and North Queensland Cowboys have formed one of the great modern rivalries in the NRL and these two sides will renew hostilities when they meet at Suncorp Stadium on Friday night.

Both teams go into this encounter on the back of defeats in Round 2 and both the Broncos and the Cowboys will be determined to get back in the saddle at the first time of asking.

Brisbane Broncos v North Queensland Cowboys betting preview

Broncos must dust themselves off after Canberra disappointment

Winning their opening game of the 2025 NRL campaign in impressive fashion with a 50-14 win at the Sydney Roosters, the Broncos were brought back down to earth with a 32-22 defeat at the Canberra Raiders.

Conceding two early tries at GIO Stadium, the Broncos were always playing catch-up and only a couple of tries in the last 15 minutes for Brisbane made the scoreline more respectable.

Jesse Arthars certainly did his bit for the Broncos’ cause, scoring a hat-trick of tries in that Round 2 encounter in the capital.

Arthurs is 1.62 in the anytime tryscorer market to add to his tally against the Cowboys this week, while the New Zealander is 6.50 to bag the opening try of the game at Suncorp Stadium.

Defence an issue for Cowboys

If the Cowboys are to end their six-game losing streak against the Broncos this weekend then they will need to significantly improve their efforts off the ball.

The Cowboys have conceded 138 points in their past four games against Brisbane and North Queensland’s last performance against the Cronulla Sharks doesn’t suggest they have resolved their defensive issues.

Losing 36-12 at home to the Sharks, head coach Tod Payton will be hoping his side can rise to the occasion on Friday night.

Jason Taumalolo returning at prop will come as a significant boost for the Cowboys, who are 5.50 underdogs to come away from their Queensland rivals with the victory.

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Brisbane Broncos v North Queensland Cowboys odds

Brisbane Broncos - 1.16
Tie - 34.00
North Queensland Cowboys - 5.50

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This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.