The North Queensland Cowboys take on the South Sydney Rabbitohs in Round 12 of the 2026 NRL season, with both sides looking to build momentum heading into the Representative period. This preview covers the latest team news, key matchups and our prediction for the clash at Queensland Country Bank Stadium.
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Matchday Details
Sunday 24 May– 4:05 PM (AEST) – Queensland Country Bank Stadium
📺 Broadcast: Nine / Fox League / Kayo
Referee: Grant Atkins | Senior Review Official: Adam Gee
North Queensland Cowboys: 1. Scott Drinkwater 2. Robert Derby 3. Jaxon Purdue 4. Tom Chester 5. Zac Laybutt 6. Liam Sutton 7. Jake Clifford 8. Thomas Mikaele 9. Reed Mahoney 10. Matthew Lodge 11. Heilum Luki 12. Sam McIntyre 13. Jason Taumalolo 14. Viliami Vailea 15. Griffin Neame 16. Kai O’Donnell 17. Coen Hess 18. Xavier Kerrisk 19. Ethan King 20. Wiremu Greig 21. Ronald Philitoga 22. Mason Barber
South Sydney Rabbitohs 1. Jye Gray 2. Alex Johnston 3. Latrell Siegwalt 4. Tallis Duncan 5. Talanoa Penitani 6. Cody Walker 7. Ashton Ward 8. Tevita Tatola 9. Peter Mamouzelos 10. Sean Keppie 11. Euan Aitken 12. Keaon Koloamatangi 13. Adam Elliott 14. Matthew Dufty 15. Lachlan Hubner 16. Jamie Humphreys 17. Liam Le Blanc 18. Thomas Fletcher 19. Edward Kosi 20. Moala Graham-Taufa 21. Bronson Garlick 22. John Radel
Match Preview
It’s a top eight affair when the North Queensland Cowboys host the South Sydney Rabbitohs in the final game of Round 12, the first of the State of Origin-affected weekends of football.
The Cowboys come into the clash full of confidence, having dispatched the Sydney Roosters in a tightly contested 18-12 win at Magic Round, while the Rabbitohs will need to bounce back from a heavy 32-10 defeat at the hands of The Dolphins.
For the Cowboys, tackle-breaking winger Braidon Burns misses the match with a hamstring complaint, while Origin representative forward Rueben Cotter will miss the clash, having received a Maroons call-up. On the other side, the Rabbitohs have lost star outside backs Latrell Mitchell and Campbell Graham to injury, while captain Cameron Murray is away on Origin duty.
The battle of the barnstorming backrowers will be on full display when Heilum Luki and Keaon Koloamatangi go head-to-head. Both players have the raw power to skittle opposition defences on their way to the tryline and the late footwork to turn a lazy defensive effort into a real attacking opportunity in a heartbeat. Luki and Koloamatangi will be looking to put in some strong performances to show their respective Origin coaches that they deserve to be in the conversation for selection come Origin game 2.
Two skilful centres will be out to stamp their mark on this clash, with Latrell Siegwalt and Jaxon Purdue looking to set the game alight with their nimble footwork. Both players excel in open space and can quickly turn a half-chance into a try with their speed and agility, while also having the polish to create points for those around them. Expect the duo to play a significant role in keeping their side of the scoreboard ticking over.
South Sydney have had the wood over their opponents in recent clashes, winning six of their last 10 encounters.
Prediction
RLZ Tip: Cowboys by 8
Bold call: Jaxon Purdue to score the first try of the game.
Related
- NRL Round 11 Review
- NRL Round 12 Predictions
- NRL Round 12 Team Lists
- NRL Round 12 Hub
- NRL Injury List
- NRL Match Review Tracker
For full State of Origin coverage, see our series hub → /state-of-origin/2026-series/
