North Queensland Cowboys v Brisbane Broncos

Fixtures like this one from Dairy Farmers Stadium on Friday night are exactly the reason the NRL introduced a rep weekend and why players are asking for more money to play representative matches. Thurston, Matt Scott, Tamou and the others backing up from Origin in Sydney on Wednesday night barely have a moment to scratch themselves before preparing for what should be a highlight of the season in this Queensland Derby.

Rather, it will be a coach