Biggest Winners – Titans

Lachlan Ilias

Ilias returns to the No.7 jersey after missing last week’s clash, replacing the injured Zane Harrison, whose season has ended with a hamstring injury. His experience should bring greater control to the Titans’ kicking game and help Jayden Campbell play a more natural running role.

Betting impact: Ilias’ return improves the Titans’ game management and creates more opportunities for Jayden Campbell, AJ Brimson and Keano Kini around the edges.

AJ Brimson

Brimson continues to settle into the centres and remains one of Gold Coast’s biggest attacking weapons. His ability to break tackles and create second-phase play will test a Cowboys backline coming off a difficult outing.

Betting impact: Brimson remains one of the Titans’ strongest anytime try scorer and line-break options.

Tino Fa’asuamaleaui

The Titans captain again leads the middle against a Cowboys pack determined to respond after conceding 82 points last week. His battle with Jason Taumalolo and Reuben Cotter could decide the contest.

Betting impact: If Tino dominates the ruck early, the Titans’ head-to-head and team total markets become considerably more attractive.

Biggest Losers – Titans

Zane Harrison

The rookie halfback has been ruled out for the remainder of the season with a hamstring injury, paving the way for Lachlan Ilias to return to the starting side.

Titans middle defence

Containing the Cowboys’ experienced middle rotation featuring Griffin Neame, Jason Taumalolo and Reuben Cotter will be critical after recent defensive struggles.

Titans discipline

The Cowboys will be desperate to respond following last week’s heavy defeat, meaning Gold Coast can’t afford to gift cheap field position through penalties or handling errors.

Biggest Winners – Cowboys

Griffin Neame

Neame returns from suspension and slots straight back into the starting front row, adding size and aggression to North Queensland’s pack. Tom Mikaele shifts back to the interchange as a result.

Betting impact: Neame’s return strengthens the Cowboys through the middle and improves their chances of generating momentum early in the contest.

Jake Clifford

Clifford continues at five-eighth with Tom Dearden still unavailable and will again shoulder plenty of responsibility alongside Jaxon Purdue. His kicking game becomes even more important in helping the Cowboys regain confidence.

Betting impact: Clifford shapes as a value option in try assist and kicking-related player markets.

Scott Drinkwater

Drinkwater remains North Queensland’s most dangerous attacking weapon and will be eager to respond after the Cowboys’ disappointing Round 22 performance. His support play and ability to chime into the backline make him a constant threat.

Betting impact: Drinkwater remains the Cowboys’ standout player market selection, particularly for anytime try scorer and player performance markets.

Biggest Losers – Cowboys

Jeremiah Nanai

Nanai has been ruled out with a hamstring injury, removing one of North Queensland’s most damaging edge forwards and a proven try-scoring threat.

Reed Mahoney

Mahoney remains unavailable as he continues to recover from concussion, meaning Soni Luke starts again at hooker.

Cowboys edge defence

Containing AJ Brimson, Jayden Campbell and Keano Kini shapes as one of the Cowboys’ biggest defensive challenges after conceding a record 82 points last week.

Early Betting Verdict

The biggest Team List Tuesday news is Lachlan Ilias returning for the Titans and Griffin Neame returning from suspension for North Queensland. The Cowboys, however, have been dealt another significant setback with Jeremiah Nanai unavailable, while Reed Mahoney also remains sidelined. After conceding 82 points in Round 22, North Queensland will be desperate to respond, but the Titans’ improved spine gives them an excellent opportunity to capitalise at home. From a betting perspective, the return of Ilias and the absence of Nanai are the two biggest selection impacts heading into Thursday night’s Queensland derby.