Biggest Winners – Cowboys

Soni Luke

With Reed Mahoney sidelined through concussion, Soni Luke has been handed the starting dummy-half role. His speed around the ruck and willingness to run gives North Queensland a different look through the middle.

Betting impact: Luke’s inclusion could create quicker play-the-balls, boosting the Cowboys’ attacking opportunities around the ruck.

Scott Drinkwater

Drinkwater continues to be the Cowboys’ most dangerous attacking weapon and will again be relied upon to spark the attack. Against an aggressive Roosters defensive line, his support play and ball-running will be crucial.

Betting impact: Drinkwater remains North Queensland’s best player market option, particularly in anytime try scorer and player performance markets.

Tom Dearden

After missing time through injury, Dearden returns to partner Jaxon Purdue in the halves, restoring North Queensland’s preferred playmaking combination. His running game adds another dimension to the Cowboys’ attack.

Betting impact: Dearden’s return significantly improves the Cowboys’ attacking upside and strengthens their head-to-head chances.

Biggest Losers – Cowboys

Reed Mahoney

Mahoney’s concussion forces a change at hooker, removing one of the Cowboys’ most experienced organisers through the middle.

Cowboys middle defence

Containing the Roosters’ powerful pack led by Spencer Leniu, Naufahu Whyte and Victor Radley will be a major challenge for 80 minutes.

Cowboys bench

The changes to the interchange make forward minutes harder to predict, reducing confidence around several player prop markets.

Biggest Winners – Roosters

James Tedesco

Tedesco continues to lead the Roosters from the back and comes into the clash in outstanding form. His support play and ability to create overlaps make him the focal point of Sydney’s attack.

Betting impact: Tedesco is one of the strongest player market selections of the round, particularly for anytime try scorer, try assists and player performance markets.

Sam Walker

Walker has settled back into the Roosters’ halves and looks well placed to control the game with his kicking and passing against a Cowboys side still adjusting after recent changes in the spine.

Betting impact: Walker shapes as one of the best try assist and line break assist options of the weekend.

Reece Robson

Facing his former club, Robson will be eager to make an impact through the middle. His service from dummy-half and defensive work are key to the Roosters’ ability to build momentum.

Betting impact: Robson’s presence strengthens the Roosters’ spine and enhances their attacking rhythm around the ruck.

Biggest Losers – Roosters

Daniel Tupou

The veteran winger has been ruled out for several weeks through injury, forcing another reshuffle in the Roosters’ backline.

Roosters outside backs

With changes on the wing, the new combinations may take time to develop against an improving Cowboys defence.

Roosters middle rotation

North Queensland’s powerful forward pack will test the Roosters physically, particularly through the opening exchanges.

Early Betting Verdict

The biggest team list news is Tom Dearden’s return for North Queensland, while the Roosters will be without experienced winger Daniel Tupou. Despite that, Sydney arrives with one of the competition’s most settled and in-form line-ups, led by James Tedesco and Sam Walker. From a betting perspective, Roosters head-to-head, James Tedesco player markets and the Roosters’ attacking spine remain the strongest betting angles, while Dearden’s return gives the Cowboys a far better chance of matching Sydney than in recent weeks.

NRL HUB IS HERE: Click here view all player & team stats, betting insights, tips & odds. Scroll down to find the hub below the recent stats.