The North Queensland Toyota Cowboys host the Penrith Panthers at Queensland Country Bank Stadium on Saturday night.
1. HOMESTAND
Todd Payten’s men are set for an extended stint at home after a torrid travel schedule to start the year, which included five of their first eight games on the road along with an away trial in Melbourne. Following the Panthers clash, the Cowboys host Manly next Saturday before a bye and finally a battle with the Tigers in Round 13.
2. HELLO AGAIN
The Cowboys and Panthers have already met once in 2025, which resulted in a thrilling 22-18 victory to North Queensland in Round 5 behind a Murray Taulagi double. The Cowboys are one of the few teams in the NRL with a respectable record against the four-time reigning premiers, winning four of the previous six clashes stretching back to the 2022 season.
3. BIG TOM
Prop Tom Mikaele has been called on for his first NRL appearance of the 2025 season following the suspension of Reuben Cotter. The 27-year-old has been a standout in the Queensland Cup for the Mackay Cutters this season averaging 140 running metres across five appearances.
4. STATS UPDATE
Jaxon Purdue and Murray Taulagi have risen into a tie for fifth in the NRL with seven tries. Taulagi also ranks second in the NRL with 11 line-breaks. Scott Drinkwater sits third with nine try assists and second with 14 linebreak assists.
