Former NRL greats back underdog Cowboys

Former NRL greats Petero Civoniceva and Nathan Hindmarsh have offered their grand final predictions while enjoying one of the biggest days of Sydney's Spring Racing Carnival at Randwick.

Both men echoed the sentiments of most punters and rugby league fans who gathered in the Oaks Lawn Marquee on Epsom Day.

"Melbourne will win the grand final but I would love the Cowboys to win it just for the style of footy they play," Hindmarsh told AAP.

"Being the underdog; everybody loves an underdog."

Former Brisbane Broncos and Queensland star Civoniceva agreed, saying most people had been captivated by what the Cowboys had been able to achieve.

"My heart says the Cowboys but my head says Melbourne Storm" Civoniceva said of Sunday's decider.

As for the races exciting the crowds leaning on the rails as the horses galloped by outside, Civoniceva and Hindmarsh said they were leaving the betting to their mates.

"I'm leaning on my friends to give me tips. I am not much of a horse expert," Civoniceva said.

Retiring footy players in the marquee included Matt Ballin from the Wests Tigers, Newcastle's Rory Kostjasyn, Parramatta's Jeff Robson and South Sydney's Bryson Goodwin among others mingling with about 570 guests.