The North Queensland Cowboys host the Penrith Panthers on Saturday. It's the latest round. Kick‑off is at 7:30 p.m. at Queensland Country Bank Stadium, marking a heated showdown. Veteran prop Sisa Taumalolo will become the first Cowboy to play 300 NRL games. A few State of Origin players are rejoining with their clubs after the series. Both sides seek to move up the ladder early in the season.
Panthers coach Ivan Cleary says he foresees a close fight. He will turn to his key playmakers to test the Cowboys’ defence. A win would lift Penrith into the top half of the ladder. A victory would give North Queensland a boost to its early‑season momentum.