Penrith Panthers vs North Queensland Cowboys Preview & Prediction | 2025 NRL

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Penrith Panthers look primed for a return to form when they host the North Queensland Cowboys.

Start date/time: Friday 4th April, 2025: UK – 8:00am / Local – 6:00pm / US ET – 3:00am / US PT – 12:00am

How to watch on TV: UK – Sky Sports / Australia – Foxtel / US – Some matches are televised live on Fox Sports

How to watch online: UK – Sky Go & Watch NRL / Australia – Kayo Sports / US – Watch NRL, and if the match is televised in the USA it can also be streamed live on Fox Sports platforms

Penrith Panthers Team News

In welcome news for the Panthers, star playmaker Nathan Cleary returns from a concussion, replacing Trent Toelau. Cleary’s inclusion will no doubt add the direction and impetus that the Panthers require.

Scott Sorensen (concussion 1-2 weeks) and Brian To’o (hamstring 3-4 weeks) are both out of the 17 with Casey McLean and Matt Eisenhuth coming in. McLean in particular will be keen to cement a position in light of To’o being absent for the next month.

Panthers team: 1. Daine Laurie 2. Paul Alamoti 3. Izack Tago 4. Thomas Jenkins 5. Casey McLean 6. Jack Cole 7. Nathan Cleary 8. Moses Leota 9. Mitch Kenny 10. Lindsay Smith 11. Isaiah Papali’i 12. Liam Martin 13. Isaah Yeo 14. Brad Schneider 15. Matt Eisenhuth 16. Liam Henry 17. Luke Garner 18. Blaize Talagi 19. Mavrik Geyer 20. Luron Patea 21. Luke Sommerton 22. Jesse McLean

North Queensland Cowboys Team News

The Cowboys match day 17 remains unchanged.

Cowboys team: 1. Scott Drinkwater 2. Robert Derby 3. Jaxon Purdue 4. Viliami Vailea 5. Murray Taulagi 6. Tom Dearden 7. Jake Clifford 8. Jordan McLean 9. Reece Robson 10. Jason Taumalolo 11. John Bateman 12. Kai O’Donnell 13. Reuben Cotter 14. Sam McIntyre 15. Jeremiah Nanai 16. Griffin Neame 17. Coen Hess 18. Harrison Edwards 19. Zac Laybutt 20. Thomas Duffy 21. Karl Lawton 22. Thomas Mikaele

Penrith Panthers vs North Queensland Cowboys Prediction

Both the Panthers and the Cowboys sit in unchartered waters on the ladder, much lower than either team would be happy with, leaving both coaches frustrated with their first month of the season.

The Cowboys recorded their first victory last week against the Raiders but their form throughout has been inconsistent.

The first half for the Panthers last week against the Rabbitohs was certainly out of character for the four-time defending premiers and this week will determine if that was merely an aberration or a developing trend.

They are yet to prove that their new home ground of Commonwealth Bank Stadium is the fortress that the Panthers were familiar with at the foot of the mountains. Is this the week that the turnaround begins?

Expect the Panthers to return to something near their best with Cleary leading the way.

Penrith Panthers vs North Queensland Cowboys Tip: Penrith Panther 13+