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.