Broncos v Cowboys preview

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As much as Broncos coach Wayne Bennett would like to believe Friday night's clash with the Cowboys is just another game, his side will be itching to make amends after the last time these two sides met.

Playing out one of the most entertaining Grand Finals in recent memory, Johnathan Thurston and his Cowboys snatched the game away from the Broncos in extra time, to take the premiership.

It's been a long wait for revenge for the Broncos, with no man filled with anticipation more than Ben Hunt. 

The Cowboys have named an unchanged side for the fourth round in a row - with coach Paul Green obviously unwilling to change a winning side. The Cowboys were clinical in their dismantling of the Roosters last start, finishing with a haul of 40 points, and keeping the Roosters to nil. The display was an encouraging sign for the North Queensland side, bouncing back from an underwhelming performance against the Eels in Round 2.

For the home side, the Broncos, Lachlan Maranta has been named to make his return from a broken wrist, lining up several weeks earlier than the initial prognosis. Jordan Kahu will move to the centres, into the spot vacated by the injured Jack Reed. Reed, who had surgery last Monday night to repair a damaged retina, should only miss one week, presenting the welcome problem of too many outside backs for Bennett to deal with next week.

The Broncos were pipped at the post by the Panthers last weekend, but really should not have found themselves in that position after leading 22-6 in the first half.

Traditionally considered the little brother to the Broncos, the Cowboys look to have finally shaken the tag, and will challenge the Brisbane side right 'till the final whistle.

Last meeting: Grand Final 2015 - Broncos 16 Cowboys 17

Who to watch: Although Ben Hunt hasn't been at his best so far this season, I expect him to lift against the impressive halves pairing of Johnathan Thurston and Michael Morgan. The Broncos half is likely to still be having nightmares after "dropping the Grand Final" for his side in 2015, however a strong performance in this game will go a long way towards putting those demons to rest, even if only in his own mind. His combination with the electric Milford will be important if the Broncos are to snatch victory, Milford's second phase play alone likely to cause headaches for the defence.

It's almost a cliche at this point, but Johnathan Thurston really has been in great form for the Cowboys. Leading the competition with five line break assists, and setting up tries almost at will, the Cowboys' general will be aiming to lead his side to victory.

The favourite: The Broncos will start as slight favourites, although expect big money on the Cowboys before kickoff.

My tip: Although the Broncos will be throwing everything at them, I expect the Cowboys to hold on and win by 2 in a seesawing affair.

1. Darius Boyd 2. Greg Eden 3. Jordan Kahu 4. James Roberts 5. Lachlan Maranta 6. Anthony Milford 7. Ben Hunt 8. Josh McGuire 9. Andrew McCullough 10. Adam Blair 11. Alex Glenn 12. Matt Gillett 13. Corey Parker
Interchange: 14. Jarrod Wallace 15. Sam Thaiday 16. Jo Ofanhengaue 17. Kodi Nikorima

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 14. Rory Kostjasyn 10. James Tamou 11. Gavin Cooper 12. Ethan Lowe 13. Jason Taumalolo
Interchange: 9. Jake Granville 15. John Asiata 16. Scott Bolton 17. Ben Hannant

Referees: Gerard Sutton, Matt Noyen; Sideline Officials: Michael Wise, Jeff Younis; Video Referees: Luke Patten, Steve Chiddy, Bernard Sutton;