Sydney Roosters vs North Queensland Cowboys: Match Preview and Prediction (2025 NRL Regular Season)
Paraphrased – Approx. 800 words
The Sydney Roosters will welcome the North Queensland Cowboys to Allianz Stadium this Sunday for what promises to be a decisive NRL clash with serious implications for both clubs’ playoff chances.
Match Details
Kickoff: Sunday, June 22, 2025, at 7:05 am (BST)
TV Broadcast: Sky Sports (UK), Foxtel (Australia), Fox Sports (US, selective coverage)
Live Streaming: Sky Go and Watch NRL (UK), Kayo Sports (Australia), Watch NRL and Fox Sports digital platforms (US, if televised)
Both the Roosters and Cowboys are in the thick of the race for the NRL finals, and a win this weekend could play a critical role in determining their postseason fates.
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Team News: Sydney Roosters
The Roosters have opted to name all four of their State of Origin representatives in their 17-man squad. James Tedesco, Lindsay Collins, Angus Crichton, and Spencer Leniu are all expected to back up following their midweek Origin commitments. This is a significant boost for coach Trent Robinson, who needs his stars firing as the team sits just inside the top eight.
However, the squad has taken a hit with the absence of hard-nosed forward Victor Radley, who will miss the game due to concussion protocols. His omission could affect the side’s toughness in the middle of the park.
Sydney Roosters Line-up:
1. James Tedesco
2. Daniel Tupou
3. Billy Smith
4. Robert Toia
5. Mark Nawaqanitawase
6. Sandon Smith
7. Hugo Savala
8. Lindsay Collins
9. Connor Watson
10. Naufahu Whyte
11. Angus Crichton
12. Siua Wong
13. Salesi Foketi
14. Benaiah Ioelu
15. Zach Dockar-Clay
16. Blake Steep
17. Spencer Leniu
18. Ethan King
19. Taylor Losalu
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Team News: North Queensland Cowboys
The Cowboys are in a similar situation regarding their Origin players. Tom Dearden, Reece Robson, Jeremiah Nanai, and Reuben Cotter have all been named in the squad despite having played in the midweek clash. Their availability will be crucial, particularly in a game of this magnitude.
The major blow for North Queensland comes in the form of Jason Taumalolo’s absence due to a calf strain. The influential forward’s power and experience will be sorely missed, particularly as the Cowboys aim to recover from a demoralizing loss in Round 15. On the upside, centre Viliami Vailea and back-rower John Bateman return from suspension and are expected to inject some physicality and edge into the side.
North Queensland Cowboys Line-up:
1. Scott Drinkwater
2. Robert Derby
3. Zac Laybutt
4. Braidon Burns
5. Murray Taulagi
6. Jaxon Purdue
7. Tom Dearden
8. Jordan McLean
9. Karl Lawton
10. Coen Hess
11. John Bateman
12. Jeremiah Nanai
13. Sam McIntyre
14. Harrison Edwards
15. Griffin Neame
16. Thomas Mikaele
17. Kai O’Donnell
18. Jake Clifford
19. Thomas Duffy
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Form and Key Matchups
The Roosters currently occupy 8th place on the ladder and have been riding a rollercoaster of inconsistency. They have alternated between wins and losses in their last five outings. Their most recent result was a scrappy 12-8 win over the Newcastle Knights in Round 15—far from convincing but crucial nonetheless.
Mark Nawaqanitawase has emerged as a standout performer this season. Making the transition from rugby union, the winger has found his stride in rugby league, notching nine tries in his last ten matches. His pace and power have added an extra dimension to the Roosters’ backline.
The Cowboys, meanwhile, have been struggling. Currently in 10th place, they were embarrassed by the Dolphins last round in a 58-4 thrashing. It was their heaviest defeat of the year and raised serious questions about their defensive resolve and mental toughness.
Despite the current form, Reece Robson will look to continue his strong individual record against the Roosters. The hooker has crossed for four tries in six appearances against his former club, and he remains one of the most reliable performers in North Queensland’s lineup.
Historically, the Roosters have had the upper hand in this rivalry, winning 27 out of 41 encounters. However, recent clashes have favored the Cowboys, who have won their last two meetings against the Sydney outfit—including a narrow 18-16 victory in Round 13 of the 2024 season.
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What to Expect
This match is shaping up to be a crucial test of resolve for the Cowboys. They must rebound from last week’s heavy defeat with a much more disciplined and determined showing. Their edge forwards will need to stand up in the absence of Taumalolo, and the Origin quartet must bring leadership and energy to keep their finals hopes alive.
For the Roosters, this is a golden opportunity to consolidate their place in the top eight. With several experienced players returning, they’ll look to play a fast-paced, physical game. The backline firepower of Tedesco, Tupou, and Nawaqanitawase, combined with the aggression of Leniu and Collins up front, gives them a strong platform to control the match.
The biggest danger for Sydney is complacency. Facing a team low on confidence can be a trap if they underestimate their opponents.
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Prediction
Given the contrasting form and team stability, the Roosters enter this fixture as strong favourites. Wit
h most of their key players available and playing at home, they should have too much class and structure for a battered Cowboys side.
Tip: Sydney Roosters to win by 13 points or more.
