PRICHARD: Broncos to beat the Cowboys in a classic NRL grand final

“He jumped in the tackle; I could do nothing about it”.

Broncos scored with the last play of the half, though.

A grade-one risky throw charge carries a 125-point base penalty.

They’ve locked NSW teams out of this year’s NRL grand final, now Queenslanders are getting serious about taking the decider north as well.

Bennett reportedly walked into Brisbane’s dressing room after the loss to the Roosters last month and told each of his players how proud he was of their performances.

Fittler responded: “But he still lands on his head so the match review wommittee are going to charge him, there’s no doubt about”. Presumably, Guerra will be asked to give evidence on behalf of Hodges. Usually, the tackle ends without a problem, but this time Guerra flipped over so it became an issue.

Bennett has a flawless six-from-six record in grand finals with the Broncos, and a common denominator in those triumphs has been a season-best display to qualify for the big one.

The opening 40 minutes was most probably the best we have seen this season.

Ms Jones says the Brisbane venue might have 30,000 fewer seats than Sydney’s ANZ Stadium, but they can be made up by using live sites and other attractions around the city.

“I know my mate Jonathon Thurston he hates the cold so hopefully it stays that way!”

The Broncos are a juggernaut and everything about them is better than any of the Sydney clubs. But the Broncos are very well served in that area as well, with Anthony Milford and Ben Hunt.

JT’s Grand Final shootout with Hunt will be even more enthralling – and vital.

Brisbane and Melbourne can strike a blow for the positives of the oft-debated week off, but they will need to overcome the ghosts of high-ranking preliminary final losers past and the disruption of a fortnight’s break – not to mention two outstanding opponents – to capitalise on their supposed advantage.