Penrith Panthers vs North Queensland Cowboys Prediction, Preview, Team News and More: NRL Round 17, 2024

The Penrith Panthers welcome the North Queensland Cowboys to the BlueBet Stadium on Sunday (June 30) in the NRL Round 17, as they look to close the gap on leaders Melbourne Storm. The Panthers are always the favorites when they play at home and it'll be no different in this clash.

The defending champions have only lost once at the BlueBet Stadium this season, and their unbeaten record at the ground dates back to last season. They will be aiming for a third consecutive win after defeating Manly and Newcastle, before a bye week last week.

North Queensland are also coming off a bye and enter this clash with impressive form, having won four of their past five games. The Cowboys saw off the Canberra Raiders in their last outing, which should give them the confidence to face second-placed Penrith.

Despite their form, the Cowboys are big underdogs in this matchup. The two teams will have their State of Origin stars back in action, which could hugely decide the game. However, the Panthers are expected to come out tops.

---

Penrith Panthers vs North Queensland Cowboys Form Guide

Penrith Panthers Form Guide (LWLWW): The Penrith Panthers are second in the NRL ladder.

North Queensland Cowboys Form Guide (WWWLW): The North Queensland Cowboys are ninth in the NRL standings.

---

Penrith Panthers vs North Queensland Cowboys Team News

Penrith Panthers

Injured: Jesse McLean (Head knock), Nathan Cleary (Hamstring), Luke Garner (Hamstring)

Suspended: None

North Queensland Cowboys

Injured: Semi Valemei (Ankle), Zac Laybutt (Knee), Jamayne Taunoa-Brown (Achilles), Jeremiah Nanai (Rested), Coen Hess (Knee)

Suspended: None

---

Penrith Panthers vs North Queensland Cowboys Predicted Lineups

Penrith Panthers

Backs: Danie Laurie, Izack Tago, Jack Cole, Brad Schneider, Casey McLean, Paul Alamoti, Sunia Turuva

Forwards: Isaah Yeo, Scott Sorensen, Mitch Kenny, Moses Leota, Liam Henry, James Fisher-Harris

Interchange: Luron Patea, Lindsay Smith, Trent Toelau, Matthew Eisenhuth

Reserves: Luke Sommerton, Mavrik Geyer

North Queensland Cowboys

Backs: Kyle Feldt, Viliami Vailea, Braidon Burns, Jake Clifford, Chad Towsend, Scott Drinkwater, Jaxon Purdue

Forwards: Sam McIntyre, Heilum Luki, Harrison Edwards, Jordan McLean, Kulikefu Finefeuiaki, Jason Taumalolo

Interchange: Tom Chester, Jake Granville, Thomas Mikaele, Griffin Neame

Reserves: Jamal Shibasaki, Thomas Duffy

---

Penrith Panthers vs North Queensland Cowboys Prediction

Prediction: Penrith to win by 12 points