Key Match-ups: 2015 NRL Grand Final

Rick Edgerton returns for one last time to look at the 2015 decider - matching up each of the Broncos' and Cowboys' starting thirteen ahead of Sunday's Grand Final.

Fullback: DARIUS BOYD v LACHLAN COOTE

Big match experience doesn't get much bigger than Boyd's 17 Tests, 23 Origins and 17 Finals appearances, including two Grand Finals and a Clive Churchill Medal in 2010. The Broncos custodian has been in nice touch throughout this year's Final Series with a try and two line-break assists, but his try assist for Jack Reed on Friday night was particularly impressive, ball-playing on the front line rather than chiming onto the back of the Broncos back-line where he is usually most potent.

With two line-break assists, one try assist and one line-break throughout the Finals, Coote has again provided the Cowboys with added attacking options. The speed of his running game is providing headaches for defenders and he's still really threatening to break through off one of Thurston's inside balls. His limited big match experience of one Finals match hasn't seemed to faze him heading into this Finals campaign and if he can handle the pressure of his first visit to the big dance, he will again be a key player for the Cowboys.

WHO HAS THE EDGE? Two genuine ball-playing fullbacks who are both vital to their team's chances, but Boyd's big match experience is too good to ignore and he's also averaging 70 running metres more than Coote throughout the Finals.

Wing: JORDAN KAHU v ANTONIO WINTERSTEIN

Such is his speed and evasion, young Bronco's flyer Kahu has proven an asset to his team this year with his ability to find the line in tight spaces. Limited experience in big games with only three Finals matches under his belt. Will be working overtime on his goal-kicking practice during the week and could find himself in the position of facing a pressure attempt at goal when regular kicker Corey Parker is having a spell.

With ten Finals games and six Tests for his native Samoa, Winterstein has been around the traps a little longer than his rival and will be looking to use that experience to his advantage. One of the most underrated finishers in the game, the Cowboys winger is lethal when given room from close range with his strength enabling him to burst out of tackles and plant the ball down, something he's already achieved twice throughout this year's Finals.

WHO HAS THE EDGE? Winterstein's stronger physique should ensure he has an advantage if given the ball one on one with his opponent in this contest.

Wing: COREY OATES v KYLE FELDT

A strapping young winger, Oates is seen by many as a star back-rower of the future. Only has three Finals appearances under his belt, but has already notched a try and a line-break to his name. Does plenty of work to help out his forwards running for an average of 138 metres throughout the Finals. His size ensures he has the ability to break tackles at will and poses a threat to the try line, especially when he has a chance to wind up his big frame.

A real competitor, Feldt has proven a strong finisher for his team with some diving tries in the corner in his short career. Heads into the big dance with five previous Finals games under his belt with a try and two line-breaks to his name. Like his opposite, Feldt looks to get involved in his own end to help out his tiring forwards running for an average of 112 metres throughout the Finals.

WHO HAS THE EDGE? Both are strong and athletic wingers who are deceptively quick when they wind up, but Feldt seems to have a real competitive edge about him that could see him come out slightly on top.

Centre: JUSTIN HODGES v KANE LINNETT

So the fairy-tale ride lives on for Justin Hodges after escaping suspension at the judiciary on Tuesday night. His last game of professional Rugby League will be his fourth Grand Final meaning no one in the match has been on this stage more times. With 13 Tests and 24 Origins also behind him, the Broncos skipper will be leading from the front to guide some of his younger team mates through the big occasion. Averaging 142 metres throughout the Finals, the Broncos centre is still causing plenty of headaches for his opposition and the Cowboys will need to be on high alert whenever the wily old veteran ventures into dummy half.

Sneaking under the radar a bit as far as big game experience goes is Cowboys centre Linnett. Already with 12 Finals games including a Grand Final appearance for the Roosters in 2010, Linnett is one of the few Cowboys to lace his boots on the first Sunday in October. Running for 150 metres throughout the finals including two line-breaks, Linnett is doing plenty of the unnoticed work coming out of trouble for his team. His defence has again been on song in the pressure games, not missing a single tackle in the Finals so far.

WHO HAS THE EDGE? This really could be one of the decisive battles in this contest. If Linnett can keep Hodges quite for most of the night, it may just leave the Broncos short on some of their skipper's inspiration when they need it. In his last game and a chance to go out on top though, it's hard to see Hodges not having a major bearing on the match.

Centre: JACK REED v JUSTIN O'NEILL

Renowned for his strong defence, Reed was found out a couple of times by Blake Ferguson last week and will need to be back on his game in this one to repel the Thurston and Morgan lead right side attack. With four Tests for England and six Finals games, the Broncos centre will need to be communicating well with his younger team mates Oates and Milford on his side of the defensive line. A try and a line-break in this year's Finals has shown he is an underrated ball runner with his natural strength and good hole running always a threat.

Cowboys centre O'Neill has been in a real purple patch throughout the Finals. A beneficiary of having Thurston and Morgan inside him, O'Neill has racked up 116 metres per Finals game, along with seven tackle busts, one try assist, three tries and three line-breaks across the Cowboys three games. With eight Finals including a Premiership with Melbourne in 2012, his experience will be an added advantage. His hole running and reading of Thurston's short kicking game are improving every match, as was evidenced with his double against the Storm last week.

WHO HAS THE EDGE? O'Neill looks to have an advantage across the park here. Look for his hole running close to the line to be a real key. Even when he doesn't get through the line, he will still be stretching the Broncos defence which could set up more room on the ensuing plays.

Five-Eighth: ANTHONY MILFORD v MICHAEL MORGAN

The baby faced Milford has been flying in his first ever Finals campaign. With two tries, one line-break and a line-break assist, the Broncos pivot has provided plenty of attacking spark and is thriving under the tutelage of master coach Bennett. Particularly impressive has been his willingness to run the football amongst the pressure of Finals footy. Running an average of 116 metres across the two games, Milford has proven a constant threat, also breaking eight tackles and offloading on four occasions. Will have to be monitored closely by the Cowboys defence, otherwise the Broncos X-Factor will be the man to light up the big dance.

Since an admittedly average performance in his return from injury in the semi-final loss to the Broncos in week one of the play-offs, Morgan has quickly regained his best form in the two weeks after. Has again proven a valuable asset when attacking his opponent's line, crossing for doubles against the Sharks and Storm. Has gained valuable big match experience this year playing in his first Origin series and has seven Finals games under his belt to draw upon.

WHO HAS THE EDGE? Both are great ball-running pivots, but Morgan's size could prove invaluable. If the Cowboys can get Morgan one on one with Milford regularly, it could take some juice out of Milford's attacking tank.

Halfback: BEN HUNT v JOHNATHAN THURSTON

With three Tests and seven Finals matches under his belt, Hunt is showing no signs of letting up under the pressure of the big games but faces his biggest test yet in his first Grand Final against one of the greatest halfbacks to ever lace a boot. Another to be benefiting from the influence of Bennett at this time of year, the man the master coach himself has compared to one Allan Langer has had a breakout Finals series with two tries, two line-breaks, one line-break assist and two try assists to his name. One of the most important traits of all the great number sevens over the years has been their willingness to take the line on in the biggest games and Hunt has certainly ticked that box and will again be one of his team's biggest threats.

32 Tests, 33 Origins and 15 Finals matches including two previous visits to the big dance, Johnathan Thurston is the big match clutch player of the 2015 Grand Final. With his last Grand Final being ten years ago, Thurston is all too aware that time is running out to guide the Cowboys to their maiden Premiership trophy. With this in mind, JT has been a man on a mission throughout this Finals series with a try, nine line-break assists and nine try assists alongside his illustrious name. The always competitive Thurston has lifted to even another level and it would be a brave man to deny him taking the final step on Sunday evening.

WHO HAS THE EDGE? A Wally Lewis Medal, two Golden Boots and a now record four Dally M's, destiny awaits for Johnathan Thurston to cross the final frontier in his outstanding career. You just can't get enough on him for the Clive Churchill Medal.

Prop: SAM THAIDAY v MATT SCOTT

The heartbeat of the Broncos pack this year, Thaiday is well equipped in the big games with 28 Tests, 25 Origins and 18 Finals matches including the 2006 Grand Final under his belt. Averaging 108 metres and 26 tackles in the Finals, Thaiday has lead from the front as always, but it's the quality of his work that really stands out. What the stats don't tell you is how often one of those tackles is a desperate effort close to his line, or how many of his runs come when his team is under the pump and he adds a quick play the ball to his work. Thrives on the big occasions and will make it his mission to thwart the dominance of Matt Scott in this decider.

Another big match performer, Scott has 17 Tests, 19 Origins and 12 Finals appearances to draw upon heading into his first Grand Final. After being 18th man in the Cowboys 2005 Grand Final loss, it's easy to see why he's been on such a destructible mission throughout this year's Finals. Averaging 136 metres across the Cowboys three games, Scott has been the man to get his team on their initial roll. The vigour with which he is charging into them has also resulted in seven tackle busts and a memorable line-break against the Sharks two weeks ago. The big fella will no doubt be pumped up for this one and limiting his damage in the first 20 minutes will be a key factor for the Broncos in this contest.

WHO HAS THE EDGE? This really is the key battle in the 2015 Grand Final. The Broncos just have to find a way to take the sting out of Scott's runs early and Thaiday has proven on many occasions he loves these challenges. So hard to split, but the fact Scott is still chasing his first Premiership may just drive him that little bit harder.

Hooker: ANDREW McCULLOUGH v JAKE GRANVILLE

It's hard to imagine McCullough has notched up 172 top grade appearances. What's more remarkable is that he hasn't looked flustered in any one of them. Now with ten Finals games behind him, his biggest test awaits with his first outing in a Grand Final, but you really get the feeling this guy was born to play big match footy. A tackling machine, the Broncos rake has averaged 44 tackles a game in the Finals including a mammoth 55 against the Cowboys in their fast paced contest three weeks ago. A handy support player, he was also the man on the spot to score that classic throwback to the nineties try last week.

After a breakout season in which he made the Cowboys number nine jersey his own, Granville has been kept relatively quiet in his first ever Finals campaign. Averaging only 23 running metres per Finals game, all of a sudden he is a heavily marked man. On the tip sheets through the week would no doubt be for the markers to watch Granville like a hawk. Granville's vision shouldn't be underestimated though. His lack of metres could also just come down to him biding his time and waiting for his chance. In a Grand Final that many predict will be one for the ages, players from both teams will be feeling the pinch late in this contest. Don't be surprised if Jake the Snake is still the man to split them open in the dying stages.

WHO HAS THE EDGE? Whilst Granville has that bit of X-Factor about him with his potential running game, McCullough has the more accomplished all-round game. His kicking at crucial stages will again be a key, whilst a cool head under pressure is often the most valuable asset on the big stage of a Grand Final.

Front Row: ADAM BLAIR v JAMES TAMOU

With 29 Tests and 12 Finals matches including three Grand Finals, Blair provides plenty of big match experience up front for the Broncos. Personally, the fire within will be burning bright for Blair after having his only Premiership victory stripped from the record books due to the Melbourne Storm's salary cap breaches in 2009. Averaging 96 metres and 26 tackles across his two Finals games this year, it's the quality of his work that's really coming to the fore. With good footwork before the line and a handy offload, the Broncos bookend is also central to a lot of their back-line movements, being the man to straighten the attack in the middle before passing for his halves to do their thing, much the way James Graham and Sam Kasiano do for the Bulldogs.

On the back of fellow front-rower Matt Scott, Tamou has been in stellar form for the Cowboys throughout the Finals this year. Averaging 146 metres per Finals match, Tamou is the man taking his team over the advantage line after Scott applies the initial punch. His footwork before the line keeps the defence in two minds and his offloading ability makes him a real threat. With 11 Tests, 11 Origins and 9 previous Finals appearances, Tamou enters his first Grand Final with enough big match experience not to be overawed by the occasion.

WHO HAS THE EDGE? On the surface, Tamou looks to be going the better and is back in career best form. Like any good racehorse though, Adam Blair is peaking at the right time. If you're looking for a smoky for the Clive Churchill Medal, Blair could well be the man.

Second Row: ALEX GLENN V ETHAN LOWE

Broncos second-rower Glenn has been a real constant throughout his teams charge to the big dance. Averaging 121 metres and 22 tackles per Finals game, he's also contributed a line-break and line-break assist. Enters his first Grand Final with ten Tests for New Zealand and ten Finals matches to draw upon. A real solid runner of the football on his left edge, Glenn provides a constant threat for his team, especially when they get in the opposition's red zone.

Ethan Lowe enjoyed a bit more footy last week in a strong return to form after a quiet couple of weeks by his standards previously. Against the Storm he ran for nearly 70 metres more than either of his Finals matches in the weeks prior. With only four Finals matches to his name, he may have taken a little while to warm to the occasion, but he's been dangerous whenever he's touched the football with a try and line-break amongst his Finals work. A solid defender on his right edge, Lowe has chalked up 26 tackles per Finals game.

WHO HAS THE EDGE? Perhaps a little bit more confidant in his work, Alex Glenn will again be a threat for the Broncos and his ability to break tackles could be telling late in the contest.

Second Row: MATT GILLETT v GAVIN COOPER

With one Test, 12 Origins and seven Finals to his name, Gillett arrives at his first visit to the big dance with enough big game footy under his belt to make an impact. After a Finals series averaging only 76 metres per game, he'll be looking to lift his workload with the football in hand. A really good ball runner coming back against the grain, Gillett has been a marked man of late, which is probably a contributor to the amount of room Ben Hunt seems to be getting on his inside. A real workhorse off the ball, Gillett has averaged 39 tackles in the Finals.

Now with 11 Finals games under his belt, Cooper will lace his boots for his first Grand final in the top grade. Averaging 104 running metres and 27 tackles across the Finals, he's more than doing his bit, but it's his attacking prowess that really catches the eye. His much documented combination with partner in crime Thurston was again there for all to see last week with two line-breaks and two valuable tries the end result.

WHO HAS THE EDGE? Gillett has the big match experience, but the undoubted influence Thurston will have on this game makes Cooper a major threat and it wouldn't surprise anyone if the duo lay on the match winning play.

Lock: COREY PARKER v JASON TAUMOLOLO

It's rare in the modern day player to get quantity plus quality, but in Broncos lock forward Corey Parker, that's exactly what you get. With 150 metres and 28 tackles per Finals game this year, Parker has also added six tackle busts and a try assist to his work. A surprising stat is only three offloads, but that probable just highlights the clear mind he plays his footy with. When he is offloading it's very selective and nearly always instigates some up tempo support play from his team mates. 12 Tests 16 Origins and 27 Finals games including the 2006 Grand Final victory means he will no doubt be ready to again shine on Sunday evening.

Matt Scott…James Tamou…Jason Taumololo. That's the blueprint the Cowboys have based their super impressive Finals charge on. The Broncos will know it's coming but how on Earth will they stop it? Taumololo has been a wrecking ball throughout this Finals series with 154 average metres charging onto the back of his bookends. With such great footwork for a big man and amazing upper body strength, he's just so hard to bring to ground when he has a head of steam up. If any one player holds the key to unlocking this Grand Final, Taumololo is that man.

WHO HAS THE EDGE? Parker is a seasoned veteran and will go about his work in the manner he always does, but if the Cowboys get on that early roll, Taumololo will prove too strong physically to hold out.