North Queensland Cowboys beat South Sydney Rabbitohs on Sunday

The North Queensland Cowboys secured a vital win against the South Sydney Rabbitohs on Sunday, May 24, 2026. This victory is crucial for their goal of reaching the NRL's top eight.
By Newsroom | Sports, Rugby League |

North Queensland clinched a significant victory over South Sydney on Sunday, a result that propels them closer to the NRL's top eight. The match, part of Round 12 fixtures, saw the Cowboys demonstrate a composed performance, a trait that coach Payten lauded as 'patient'.

The Cowboys' triumph over the Rabbitohs, with the exact scoreline absent from summaries, represents a vital step in their season. This win positions them more favorably as the league approaches its mid-point, highlighting their ambition for a strong finals showing.

NRL Highlights: Cowboys v Rabbitohs - Round 12 - 1

The fixture was also marked by a poignant display of community spirit. Supporters of the North Queensland team organized a raffle during the game, with proceeds designated to support Jai Arrow, following a difficult personal diagnosis. This gesture underscores a broader narrative of solidarity extending beyond the field of play.

NRL Highlights: Cowboys v Rabbitohs - Round 12 - 2

Meanwhile, the broader NRL landscape saw other notable contests. On Friday night, Manly managed to withstand a spirited challenge from the Gold Coast Titans. Separately, Canterbury secured a much-needed win against Melbourne, though the match was marred by a suspected broken arm sustained by Jacob Preston.

Read More: RR playoff chances depend on Mumbai Indians match on May 24, 2026

NRL Highlights: Cowboys v Rabbitohs - Round 12 - 3

South Sydney's coach, Bennett, expressed his dissatisfaction with his team's discipline during the game, suggesting a lapse in focus contributed to their performance. This critique from the veteran coach points to internal pressures and potential areas for improvement within the Rabbitohs camp.

NRL Highlights: Cowboys v Rabbitohs - Round 12 - 4

Elsewhere, speculation continues regarding potential team selections for upcoming fixtures. There is commentary from figures like Andrew Johns, who posits that coach Laurie Daley might consider late alterations for an upcoming series opener. Furthermore, Matt Burton's performance on Friday night has been interpreted as a clear statement to Daley, following Burton's omission from the State of Origin squad.

Background: Round 12 Action

The weekend's NRL schedule, spanning from Thursday, May 21st to Sunday, May 24th, 2026, featured a series of matches across various venues.

DateTimeHome TeamAway TeamVenue
May 21, 20267:50 PMCanberraDolphinsGIO Stadium
May 22, 20268:00 PMCanterbury-BankstownMelbourneAccor Stadium
May 23, 20265:30 PMSt George IllawarraNZ WarriorsJubilee Stadium
May 23, 20267:35 PMManlyGold Coast Titans4 Pines Park
May 24, 20264:05 PMNorth QueenslandSouth SydneyQCB Stadium

These results contribute to the ongoing narrative of the National Rugby League season, with teams vying for position and individual players making their case for higher honors.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How did the North Queensland Cowboys do against South Sydney Rabbitohs on Sunday, May 24, 2026?
The North Queensland Cowboys won against the South Sydney Rabbitohs. This was a Round 12 match and the win helps the Cowboys get closer to being in the top eight teams.
Q: What was special about the North Queensland Cowboys vs South Sydney Rabbitohs game?
Supporters for the North Queensland Cowboys held a raffle during the game to help Jai Arrow with personal health issues. This showed community support.
Q: What happened in other NRL games on the weekend of May 23-24, 2026?
On Friday night, Manly beat the Gold Coast Titans. On Saturday, Canterbury beat Melbourne, but Jacob Preston may have broken his arm. On Sunday, North Queensland beat South Sydney.
Q: What did the South Sydney coach say about their game?
The South Sydney coach, Bennett, was not happy with his team's discipline. He thinks they lost focus during the game against the Cowboys.
Q: What is being said about upcoming NRL selections?
Some people, like Andrew Johns, think coach Laurie Daley might change players for a big game. Matt Burton played well on Friday and might be chosen for a series opener after not being picked before.