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Brisbane Broncos v North Queensland Cowboys Friday 8:05pm at Suncorp Stadium, Milton / Yuggera-Turrbal

Friday night footy returns to Suncorp Stadium with a blockbuster Queensland Derby as the Brisbane Broncos host the North Queensland Cowboys in Round 3 of the 2025 NRL season.

With both teams desperate to bounce back from disappointing losses, the rivalry adds another chapter to its fiery history under the lights in front of a packed crowd.

The Broncos will be looking to respond after a tough 32-22 loss to the Canberra Raiders last week. A sluggish start saw them fall behind early, and while Jesse Arthars' hat trick gave them hope, they couldn't claw their way back. Despite moments of brilliance from Selwyn Cobbo, who was denied a crucial try by millimetres and a dominant forward pack, errors and defensive lapses cost them dearly. Reece Walsh had a rare off night, making four errors and missing four tackles, something he'll be eager to fix in front of the home crowd.

One bright spot for Brisbane is their recent dominance over their northern rivals. They've won their last four games against the Cowboys by an average of 19.5 points and will be confident of extending that streak. Kotoni Staggs is named in the reserves, and if he's fit to return, he'll add strike power to the backline, likely at the expense of Gehamat Shibasaki. Coach Kevin Walters will demand a defensive improvement, knowing the Cowboys' attack has struggled, but a wounded opponent is always dangerous.

For the Cowboys, it has been a nightmare start to 2025. A heavy Round 1 defeat to Manly was followed by a 36-12 demolition at the hands of Cronulla, where they failed to register a single linebreak. With 138 points conceded in their last four meetings with Brisbane, defence is once again the biggest concern for Todd Payten's men. Their left edge has been ruthlessly targeted in both games so far, and if they can't fix those issues, the Broncos' lethal outside backs will run riot.

There is some good news for North Queensland, with Jason Taumalolo returning to bolster the forward pack and Jeremiah Nanai recalled after a stint in Queensland Cup. The other big change is in the halves, where Jake Clifford returns in the No.7 jersey, replacing Thomas Duffy. Clifford's job will be to spark an attack that has looked rudderless so far while Robert Derby replaces the injured Braidon Burns on the wing. The Cowboys have won four of their last five games at Suncorp, but they'll need a dramatic turnaround to avoid a third straight loss.

Last meeting: Round 23 2024 - Cowboys 18 Broncos 42

Who to watch: Jesse Arthars has been in red-hot form for Brisbane, scoring five tries in his last three games, including a hat trick last week. With the Cowboys' defensive struggles, he could be in for another big night out wide.

Jake Clifford's return is a huge talking point for North Queensland. Can he bring stability and direction to an attack that has failed to fire? If the Cowboys are any chance, they'll need him to step up and take control.

Favourite: The Broncos are clear favourites for this one, and understandably so. Despite their Round 2 loss, they're playing at home, where they've had the upper hand over the Cowboys in recent years.

My tip: The Cowboys have been leaking points, and against a Broncos side that loves to attack, that spells trouble. Expect Brisbane to take control early and put their rivals under the pump. Broncos by 16.

1. Reece Walsh 2. Selwyn Cobbo 3. Deine Mariner 4. Gehamat Shibasaki 5. Jesse Arthars 6. Ben Hunt 7. Adam Reynolds 8. Patrick Carrigan 9. Cory Paix 10. Payne Haas 11. Jack Gosiewski 12. Jordan Riki 13. Kobe Hetherington 14. Billy Walters 15. Corey Jensen 16. Xavier Willison 17. Brendan Piakura 18. Tyson Smoothy 19. Kotoni Staggs 20. Martin Taupau 21. Jaiyden Hunt 22. Jock Madden

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. Thomas Duffy 20. Thomas Mikaele 21. Karl Lawton 22. Jaxson Paulo

Referees: Todd Smith; Sideline Officials: Chris Sutton, Belinda Sharpe; Video Referees: Matt Noyen;