NRL Grand Final Preview

After one of the most even competitions on record, the Wests Tigers and North Queensland Cowboys will face off for the biggest prize in Rugby League, the NRL premiership, this Sunday night at Telstra Stadium in Sydney.

Both sides have progressed through to the premiership decider, to the bewilderment of supporters and pundits alike, but after a season full of shock results, should we be so surprised?

The Wests Tigers have heard it all season - they lack experience, the forward pack is too small and while they are a team for the future, 'now' is too soon. But the joint-venture outfit are playing inspired football, attacking with no fear, and enter the Grand Final as clear favourite.

North Queensland were the 'Wests Tigers' of last season, qualifying for their first finals series and exciting the league with their fairytale charge to the preliminary final. But for these two 'Cinderella' teams, the big dance has arrived – and at the full-time siren, only one will become the belle of the ball.

The big match is live on Channel Nine (NSW/QLD) - Check local guides for other areas. Replayed on Fox Sports.

Sunday Night, October   2
Wests Tigers vs North Queensland
Telstra Stadium, Sydney - 7:10pm.

The Wests Tigers have racked up the points during the finals series, including 36 unanswered points in the second half of the their first final against, you guessed it, the Cowboys. A repeat performance would be unlikely on Grand Final day but as long as the skipper, Scott Prince directs traffic and allows boom five-eighth Benji Marshall and fullback Brett Hodgson room to attack, the Tigers will be tough to stop.

The Grand Final berth is unchartered waters for both these clubs but at least North Queensland can draw on the experience, and the hurt, of narrowly missing out on a spot in last season's decider. Dally M winner Johnathan Thurston holds the key to the Cowboys' hopes, though fullback Matt Bowen cannot be given any room to move. Despite the absence of firebrand forward Carl Webb, the Cowboys' forwards looks more than capable of mixing it with the Tigers' pack.

Key Match-ups:
Brett Hodgson vs Matt Bowen
Benji Marshall vs Johnathan Thurston
Scott Prince vs Brett Firman
John Skandalis vs Paul Rauhihi
Dene Halatau vs Travis Norton
Robbie Farah vs Aaron Payne

Tip: On so many occasions this season, the improbable has become reality. Normally, you would think that a team beaten 50-6 would have no hope of turning the tables only three weeks later. Only in season 2005 could such a dramatic form reversal be possible.

COWBOYS by 10 points.   CLIVE CHURCHILL MEDAL: Luke O'Donnell (Cowboys)

TIGERS: Brett Hodgson, Daniel Fitzhenry, Shane Elford, Paul Whatuira, Pat Richards, Benji Marshall, Scott Prince (c), Anthony Laffranchi, Robbie Farah, John Skandalis, Ben Galea, Mark O'Neill, Dene Halatau. Interchange: Liam Fulton, Chris Heighington, Bryce Gibbs, Todd Payten, John Wilson, Bronson Harrison (two to be omitted).

COWBOYS: Matt Bowen, Ty Williams, Josh Hannay, Paul Bowman, Matt Sing, Johnathan Thurston, Brett Firman, Paul Rauhihi, Aaron Payne, Shane Tronc, Steve Southern, Luke O'Donnell, Travis Norton (c). Interchange: Rod Jensen, David Faiumu, Justin Smith, Mitchell Sargent.

Referee: Tim Mander.

Sporting Bet: Tigers - $1.72, Cowboys - $2.20

SportsAustralia.com Grand Final Tipsters

Mark Barrowcliff – NRL Coordinator:
For me it is impossible to go past the Tigers. They have been the standout side over the last three or four months playing an up tempo brand of Rugby League that has completely befuddled most teams in the competition.

North Queensland did play their best football of the season last weekend against Parramatta, but in their last two meetings with the Tigers they have been comprehensively beaten (28-16 and 50-6) and in my opinion I can not see them turning that around on Sunday night.

Tigers to win the grand final 25-12 with Scott Prince picking up the Clive Churchill medal courtesy of his sensational kicking game and great sleight of hand with the ball.

Adam McBride – Chief Editor:
Wests Tigers by 8 - Home town support will get the Tigers over the line. Churchill Medal: Pat Richards if he plays, or Scott Prince.

Daniel Pettigrew – Rugby League Reporter:
I think the Cowboys might spring an upset on Sunday Night. With players like Matt Bowen, Ty Williams and Johnathan Thurston on the field, they could do anything. It'll be a close game but I think Cowboys will win by about 6-8 points.

John Leung – Rugby League Reporter:
North Queensland has been lucky to have gotten this far. After being run over by the Tigers, they snuck by the sleeping Melbourne and Parramatta ... third time is definitely not the charm here, especially with the atrocious amount of mistakes that the Cowboys make ... it's so atrocious that it ought to be a war crime! Tigers by 15.

Joel Arnott – Staff Reporter:
Tigers by 16 points. The Tigers thumped the Cowboys in the first week of the finals and will outclass their opponents with ease.

James Willoughby – Staff Reporter:
I am going for the Cowboys because usually in NRL Grand Finals the underdog wins. Matt Sing is a gun. Cowboys 22-18 - Sing two tries and the Churchill Medal.

Note: All kick-off times Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST) unless stated.

•  Have a view on this story? Send us your feedback!