Forget the battle of the halves, this looms as the most exciting match-up. Arguably the two best props in the world will go head to head with their performance potentially match-deciding. Bromwich has been considered by many as the player who has taken Scott's mantle as the best prop in the game. Scott showed there is still life in the 30-year-old after one of the best performances by any forward this season with a barnstorming display against Cronulla. That impact has put the Storm's big men on notice.

2 Cameron Munster v Lachlan Coote

Neither of these players started the season in first grade. Coote couldn't crack the Cowboys side in round one, while Munster was playing second fiddle behind Billy Slater until his mid-season injury. Coote has shown why he was once regarded as the most exciting young player in the game, with his first injury-free season since 20012. The Storm have adjusted to the differing style of Slater's – with Munster a more robust player while Slater's threat was acceleration from the back of sweeping plays.

3 Will Chambers v Kane Linnett 

In his last-start performance, Chambers had the mega task of containing Roosters flyer Michael Jennings. Except for one slip-up, Chambers largely restricted Jennings' impact. The task will be up to Linnett to try to curtail Chambers' space when the two collide. Linnett has been ever-reliable for the Cowboys but he will need to ensure he is again up to the task. Chambers will fancy himself with a bit of room.

4    Cooper Cronk v Johnathan Thurston

These two have combined to cause NSW and international teams plenty of grief during their time as halves partners for Queensland and Australia respectively. Now they stand in each others way of a grand final spot. Thurston has been in career-best form, while Cronk has found an extra gear in the absence of Slater. Thurston's running game against Cronk's control. Both will rely on their forward packs.

5    Ryan Hinchcliffe v Jason Taumalolo

You can't get two more contrasting players. Taumalolo has the X-Factor and is relishing his return to the middle of the field. The dangerous ball runner was at his damaging best against the Sharks. The Storm will again rely – like they have done for so long – on Hinchcliffe's defensive workrate. Hinchcliffe is one loss away from ending his NRL career, and will have no bigger task than limiting Taumalolo's impact in the middle of the field.

6    Cameron Smith v Jake Granville

The master against the apprentice. Granville is one game away from playing in an NRL grand final in his first full season of first grade. Smith has done it all in his 300-plus game career. The Storm veteran will control the ruck – offensively and defensively – which will set the tone of the match. If he can limit Granville's quick play the balls, and the impact of the likes of Coote and Thurston, the Storm will go a long way to returning to the grand final.