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NRL 2015 Grand Final Preview: Broncos v Cowboys
Brisbane Broncos v North Queensland Cowboys
ANZ Stadium - Sunday 7:15pm 
After 200 games, the 2015 NRL season reaches its climax as Brisbane and North Queensland battle it out for rugby league supremacy.
Having been soundly beaten in their opening match against South Sydney back in March, the Broncos have completed a remarkable turnaround to make their first premiership decider since 2006. Dismantling competition heavyweights the Sydney Roosters 31-12 last week, Brisbane will be full of confidence as they look to claim their seventh title and maintain Wayne Bennett's perfect record in Grand Finals. With captain Justin Hodges escaping suspension on Tuesday night, the Broncos skipper will be looking to replicate the effort of former teammate Shane Webcke and end his career with a win. Brisbane will field the same 17-man squad that accounted for the Cowboys and Roosters during the finals series, with Dale Copley named as 18th man.
After losing their opening three matches including a hefty 44-22 loss to their Grand Final opponents, the Cowboys will be out to complete a rugby league fairytale on Sunday and claim their first premiership title. A decade on from their only other Grand Final appearance against Wests Tigers, the Cowboys will be buoyed by a large supporter base from Townsville and surrounding areas, as well as the bandwagon support of NSW fans. Coach Paul Green has named the same side that successfully defeated Melbourne last week, with Rory Kostjasyn, set to play his 100th NRL match, preferred ahead of Ray Thompson on the bench. Sunday's match will have extra significance for Ben Hannant, Jake Granville and Antonio Winterstein as they take on their former club in the decider.
2015 Meetings:
Finals Wk 1 - Brisbane Broncos 16 North Queensland Cowboys 12 (Suncorp Stadium)
Round 10 - North Queensland Cowboys 31 Brisbane Broncos 20 (1300Smiles Stadium)
Round 2 - Brisbane Broncos 44 North Queensland Cowboys 22 (Suncorp Stadium)
Who to watch: Having gone from one of the games premier forwards, to being declared one of the worst signings in rugby league history; Sunday night will cap a remarkable comeback for Adam Blair. Establishing himself as a key member of Melbourne's illegitimate dynasty, the Kiwi forward came under immense pressure during his time at Wests Tigers. Since linking up with the Broncos in 2015, Blair has found a new lease in his football, working in unison with the Brisbane forward pack whilst retaining his stellar ball skills. As one of the few Brisbane players with Grand Final experience, Blair will play a major role in the outcome of the match and may find himself in contention for the Clive Churchill Medal with a big game.
After missing the entire 2014 season with a knee injury, Sunday will provide Lachlan Coote with the perfect way to end his comeback season. Touted as one of the best local talents at the Panthers a few years ago, the fullback has been a major player for the Cowboys during their resurgence this season. While he may not possess the blinding speed of former Cowboy Matt Bowen, Coote's ability with the ball has proved invaluable in aiding halves Michael Morgan and Johnathan Thurston. Facing off against fellow comeback fullback Darius Boyd, Coote will be looking to keep his composure under the high ball and in defence, as well as showing off his fearless running game to help North Queensland claim their maiden NRL title.
The favourite: With Justin Hodges escaping suspension for a dangerous throw, the Broncos are expected to send the club captain off with a Premiership in his final game.
My tip: For so many years the Cowboys have failed to live up to expectations; after so many near chances and controversial calls Sunday night will mark a historic moment for the club as they claim their first Grand Final win. Cowboys by 10.
1. Darius Boyd 2. Corey Oates 3. Jack Reed 4. Justin Hodges 5. Jordan Kahu 6. Anthony Milford 7. Ben Hunt 8. Sam Thaiday 9. Andrew McCullough 10. Adam Blair 11. Alex Glenn 12. Matt Gillett 13. Corey Parker
Interchange: 14. Jarrod Wallace 15. Mitchell Dodds 16. Jo Ofanhengaue 17. Kodi Nikorima 18. Dale Copley
1. Lachlan Coote 2. Kyle Feldt 3. Justin O'Neill 4. Kane Linnett 5. Antonio Winterstein 6. Michael Morgan 7. Johnathan Thurston 8. Matthew Scott 9. Jake Granville 10. James Tamou 11. Gavin Cooper 12. Ethan Lowe 13. Jason Taumalolo
Interchange: 14. Rory Kostjasyn 15. John Asiata 16. Scott Bolton 17. Ben Hannant 19. Ray Thompson
Referees: Gerard Sutton, Ben Cummins; Sideline Officials: Brett Suttor, Steve Carrall; Video Referees: Bernard Sutton, Luke Patten;