NRL Match Preview: Rabbitohs vs Queensland Cowboys RD12, 2026
The South Sydney Rabbitohs will travel to Townsville to take on the North Queensland Cowboys at Queensland Country Bank Stadium on Sunday, with kick-off set for 4:05pm (AEST).
It is a crucial round 12 contest between two sides separated by just two ladder positions. The Rabbitohs currently sit fifth on the ladder with six wins and four losses from 10 matches, while the Cowboys occupy seventh position with seven wins and four losses from 11 games.
South Sydney will be looking to bounce back after going down 10-32 to the Dolphins in round 11. Prior to that result, the Red and Green had won three of their previous four matches, including a commanding 48-6 victory over Melbourne in round eight and a 36-12 defeat of Cronulla-Sutherland in round 10.
The Cowboys won their most recent encounter with the Rabbitohs, claiming a 24-16 victory in round six of 2025 at Optus Stadium. South Sydney will be keen to square the ledger this time around in what shapes as a tight contest between two evenly matched sides.
One of the headline stories this week is the return of Alex Johnston to the wing. Matthew Dufty is also on the verge of a significant personal milestone. Named on the interchange bench in jersey 14, Dufty will bring up his 100th career NRL appearance if he takes the field on Sunday. Talanoa Penitani has been named on the right wing in jersey number five and is set to make his NRL debut this weekend. The Souths Juniors product from the Matraville Tigers has impressed throughout the Rabbitohs pathways system with his strong form and earns his opportunity in the top grade.
Team Changes
Rabbitohs Head Coach Wayne Bennett has named a side with several changes from the team that faced the Dolphins in round 11. Alex Johnston returns to the left wing in jersey two, while Peter Mamouzelos comes into the starting side at hooker in the number nine jersey. Talanoa Penitani has been named on the right wing in jersey five, replacing Ed Kosi.
Latrell Mitchell, Cameron Murray, Campbell Graham and Jayden Sullivan are all out of the side this week. Jamie Humphreys has been named on the interchange bench in jersey 16, providing a utility option from the pine.
For the North Queensland Cowboys, co-captain Jason Taumalolo returns to the starting side at lock after being named among the ins. Kai O'Donnell has been added to the interchange bench in jersey 16, while Viliami Vailea takes the 14 jersey. Reuben Cotter and Braidon Burns are the notable omissions from the Cowboys lineup.
Match Details and Where To Watch
Fixture: South Sydney Rabbitohs vs North Queensland Cowboys
Date: Sunday 24 May
Kick-off: 4:05pm (AEST)
Venue: Queensland Country Bank Stadium, Townsville
