PREVIEW: 2016 Intrust Super Championship - Burleigh v Illawarra

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The respective premiers from both Queensland and New South Wales do battle this Sunday for the Intrust Super Championship.

It is the curtain raiser for the NRL grand final - and for a lot of these young players will be their biggest game in their careers so far. The Bears won the QRL Intrust Super Cup with a 26-16 defeat of Redcliffe last week, whilst Illawarra won a thrilling game against the Mounties 21-20 to lift the Intrust Super Premiership's NSW Cup.

Both Grand Finals were 1 v 2 battles, with both Burleigh and Illawarra overcoming the respective minor premiers in tense contests to claim their res

This is a game that is sure to have its fair share of hard hits and exciting moments. Historically, however, the QRL outfit has had the edge, winning both of these contests since the concept began in 2014 (Northern Pride and Ipswich Jets).

Who to watch: For Burleigh, keep a close eye on their outside back Sami Sauiluma. A former Cronulla and Canberra representative, he has been in good form for the Bears and will be a handful for the Illawarra defence with his strong running style that compliments his hard hitting defence.

Cutters' ISP Grand Final hero Drew Hutchinson will be out to have another stellar game. The Bears will need to be on watch for Hutchinson taking on the line with his silky ball skills and strong short kicking game. And if it comes down to a field goal shootout - get on the Cutters!

The favourite: Illawarra hold slight favouritism here.

My tip: Hard to call this game as both these teams are evenly matched, but the tough game last week for the Cutters might take it out of them. Bears by 10.

1. Kurtis Rowe 2. Waka Wanahi 3. Sami Sauiluma 4. Connor Broadhurst 5. Olly Regan 6. Cameron Cullen 7. Jamal Fogarty 8. Luke Page 9. Pat Politoni 22. Nathaniel Peteru 14. Parahi Wilson 12. Hayden Schwass 13. Lachlan Burr
Interchange: 10. Paterika Vaivai 15. Jeff Lynch 17. Louis Fanene 20. Josh Ailaomai

1. Adam Quinlan 2. Kurt Mann 3. Taane Milne 4. Levi Dodd 5. Kalifa Faifai Loa 6. Shaun Nona 7. Drew Hutchison 8. Shannon Wakeman 9. Josh McCrone 10. Jacob Host 15. Damian Sironen 12. Christopher Lewis 13. Siliva Havili
Interchange: 14. Sam Coster 11. Tyrone McCarthy 16. Jay Gallagher 19. Sam Clune

Referees: Peter Gough, Jon Stone; Sideline Officials: Rohan Best, Nick Morel; Video Referees: Ashley Klein, Ben Galea