The old stager against the young bull. The 33-year-old Corey Parker is in career best form as he plays in his first grade final since 2006. Jason Taumalolo has altered his game in recent weeks, with more emphasis on shorter stints with more impact. Parker's sublime late offload will again come into play for the likes of Ben Hunt and Anthony Milford while the Cowboys will rely on Taumalolo's go forward to lay the platform for his team.

2. Boyd v Coote

Strong season: Darius Boyd. Photo: Getty Images

Darius Boyd and Lachlan Coote have overcome injuries to take their place in Sunday's grand final. For Boyd, a snapped Achilles threatened to derail his comeback to Brisbane, with the fullback not playing his first game until round nine. Coote did play first grade until round three after having been forced to learn how to walk again after a serious knee injury last year. Both offer their halves relief with their ball playing ability.

3. Hunt v Thurston

He's the man: Johnathan Thurston. Photo: Brett Hemmings

The battle of the inform No.7s. Johnathan Thurston will drag his weary body for one last outing as he hopes to tick off the final box in his decorated career. Ben Hunt, whose form last year saw him make his Test debut, has improved this year. He won't get overawed in the premiership decider, while Thurston needs to battle the weight of expectation of a whole region which rests on his shoulders.

4. Scott v Thaiday

Long-term representative teammates for Queensland and Australia, the veterans will square off on the biggest stage. Sam Thaiday has had a second coming under coach Wayne Bennett after being dumped to the interchange bench in the early stages of the season. Matt Scott has battled neck and thumb injuries to produce his best football in the past month. His form surge has seen the Cowboys dominate their opposition. 

Slammin' Sam: Expect Sam Thaiday to have a big game.

5. Gillett v Cooper  

Attacking weapon: Gavin Cooper. Photo: Ian Hitchcock

Gavin Cooper will take his place on his favoured left edge with an aim of protecting Thurston. Matt Gillett's task on Brisbane's right side, will be to trouble Thurston in defence and ensure plenty of traffic comes his way. In defence, Gillett will need to be aware of being sucked in by Thurston which leaves Cooper – who is among the best hole runners in the competition – an easy passage through the Broncos' defensive line.

6. Milford v Morgan 

Slippery customer: Anthony Milford. Photo: Getty Images

There are plenty of similarities between both five-eighths. Last year they each set the competition alight with their performances at fullback. Switched to the full-time halves role this year, both players have continued to grow. Anthony Milford has become the most potent attacking player in the competition, while Michael Morgan's threat has made him another point of attack for the Cowboys, taking some much needed pressure away from Thurston.