After spending most of the year near the top of the ladder, the Cowboys missed out on a top four berth in the finals. However, they earned themselves the perfect consolation prize – a final against the Broncos at Dairy Farmers Stadium.
For a long time, the ‘big brother’ Broncos have showed their dominance over the Cowboys. The Cowboys couldn’t win a game against the Broncos for their first ten years in the competition.
In 2004, the Cowboys finally won their first match against the Broncos 10-0, in just their second ever finals appearance.
Now, history can repeat itself, with the Cowboys riding the momentum of four straight wins and showcasing greater consistency, potent attack and improved defence.
On the other hand, the Broncos have stumbled into the finals winning one of the past seven, just scraping past Penrith in the final round. However, it is unwise to write off the Broncos come finals time, as they step up another level.
Currently, the Cowboys are 2-0 over the Broncos in one year for the first time ever.
If they play like they have been in the back end of 2012, it is possible they go 3-0 and eliminate the Broncos from the finals.
The game has potential to be a classic. It’s high stakes rugby league, with tonight’s game will the last of the year for one of the teams.
In front of a capacity Dairy Farmers Stadium, this will be a intense Queensland derby.
It has been billed as the Queensland grand final. May the best team prevail.
Crosscoder
Roar Guru
Cowboys= flair and dash Broncos have the talent,but mistake riddled. The try set up by Bowen from within his own qtr,for Tate to finish off worth the price of admission.In fact both Bowen and thurston worth the price of admission.
NF
Guest
Awesome result tonight 3-0 Cowboys. I'm wondering how oikee feels about this? Manly will be tough next week despite the suspensions/injuries they got hopefully there supporters actually show up this time compared to last year's disgraceful Manly crowd.
Clyde
Guest
I couldn't agree more. Andrew Gee needs to be sacked as Football Mangaer. So many halves have slipped through the Broncos fingers it's ridiculous. Also Gee is completely useless with signing free agents, preferring to focus on 'juniors' who clearly aren't up to NRL standard.
Queensland's Game Is Rugby League
Guest
Jacob Fauid is his name.
Queensland's Game Is Rugby League
Guest
There's a really good five-eighth playing for Wynnum Manly. He's a very skillful ball player, sums things up very well and is quick on his feet. Broncos should have him as Lockyer's long-term replacement, but they won't do it as they're stupid. Oh well, Broncos' loss is Wynnum Manly's gain.
Gaz
Guest
Broncs got flogged, their administration need to learn there is more important things then the bottom line. They need to learn that their supporters are equally as important as their shareholders. Paul White needs to put his hand in his pocket and get some players to help Hodges and while he is at it Griffin also needs a tactician. Two bad mistakes this year, making Thaiday captain and letting Teo go. Unless they get their act together in the off season I will no longer be a ticket holder and I won't be on my own.
NF
Guest
I hand it to the Roar Editors they did a great job tidying up my article as I typically write them on the spot. I tend to have an idea and just put it down to writing so thanks editors.
nEd
Guest
The broncos will be dazed and confused with it not being Friday night. Go Cows. I'm particularly excited to listening to Nines Broncos commentator team if the Cowboys win. Can the King say anything positive about a team other than the broncos. Will Gravel voice even bother with what happens in the cowboys dressing room at half time. Me and my mates will be drinking irresponsibly everytime the nines Broncos commentary team says a refs decision is a bit tough against the broncos or call a cowboys pass as forward.
Clyde
Guest
I hope you're right that the games a classic but my bet is it's a real grinder similar to the 2004 clash. Both teams will be focusing on completion rates and limiting errors. Broncos will use high corner kicks (Ben Ikin mentioned this on Fox) to try and pin the Cowboys in their 20 and hope for an error. Their main attacking thrust will be their edge ball runners Teo, Glenn, Thaiday and Hodges. Cowboys will focus on getting the Broncos defensive line retreating with their Kangaroos front-row setting the platform, then getting Thurston and Bowen attacking the edges with options. Cowboys to do it comfortably in the end.
oikee
Guest
The Cows must win tonight or they are finished anyhow. I know one thing, this game is huge, would have sold out Suncorp, up in North Queensland the atmosphere will be eletric. Good luck, and looking forward to this titanic battle. Its now or never for the Cows, time to meet your maker. You men or mice. :)
Bronco4Life
Guest
Let's go Broncos, everyone's talkin bout thurston n Bowen which is fair enough but I'm really worried about James segyaro he could b the difference, Brisbane need to shut him down and not let him run from dummy half... Gonna be tough, hopefully whichever team wins tonight goes onto win the comp otherwise the doggies deserve to win it
steve b
Roar Guru
After living and working in cerntral QLD for ten years although not living their now i still support the Cowboys exept when they play Parra ,,i hope they stick it to the Bronco's it would be great to see them in the grand final ..However you never ever write of the Bronco's they seem to grow another leg in finals footy , this should be a beauty ..