This was published 10 years ago
The X-factors of the NRL Grand Final
They are the stars who hold the fate of their club's premiership fortunes and as Brisbane and North Queensland prepare for the first ever all-Queensland Grand Final much will rest in their hands.
Will the likes of Johnathan Thurston and Matt Scott fire the Cowboys to their first ever NRL title? Or will players such as Ben Hunt and Corey Parker preserve Wayne Bennett's unbeaten run in the big dance and give the Broncos a seventh Premiership?
In a match sure to be full of brilliant attack, both sides will be looking to their X-Men to provide the spark...
Attribution: Not SuppliedWill the likes of Johnathan Thurston and Matt Scott fire the Cowboys to their first ever NRL title? Or will players such as Ben Hunt and Corey Parker preserve Wayne Bennett's unbeaten run in the big dance and give the Broncos a seventh Premiership?
In a match sure to be full of brilliant attack, both sides will be looking to their X-Men to provide the spark...
Johnathan Thurston
The NRL's best player, North Queensland captain Johnathan Thurston carries the Cowboys' Premiership hopes on his shoulders.His vision in attack, creativity with the ball, cool under pressure, direction around the park and relentless competitive drive is without peer.
Thurston's stats
The four-time Dally M winner has played 24 games this season, scored four tries, kicked 91 goals and five field goals for a total points haul of 203.Thurston has also been responsible for 33 try assists, made three line breaks and ran for 2299 metres.
Ben Hunt
Broncos halfback Ben Hunt has come of age in 2015 as the lynchpin of Brisbane's attack with his importance underlined by a match-winning display in the side's 31-12 preliminary final win over the Roosters.Calm under pressure and with a strong running game he has proven to be a match-winner all season.
Hunt's stats
Hunt has played 25 games, scored 12 tries and kicked four goals for a total haul of 56 points.He has also recorded 16 try assists, made 10 line breaks and ran for 1577 metres.
Matt Scott
Test prop Matt Scott is the leader of the Cowboys pack and has been in barnstorming form during the finals to propel the team into its second ever Grand Final.The veteran sets the platform, bending back the defence to give Thurston and Co. the space to weave their magic.
Scott's stats
Scott has played 24 games in 2015, scored three tries and made 689 tackles.He has made 273 hit-ups for 3337 metres and also made three line breaks and delivered 16 offloads.
Sam Thaiday
With his fearless charges and aggressive defence, Test backrower Sam Thaiday is the heartbeat of Brisbane's pack.Benched early in the season, the veteran has bounced back to lead from the front as he chases his second Premiership.
Thaiday's stats
Thaiday has played 22 games in 2015, scored two tries and made 682 tackles.He has made 210 hit-ups for 2350 metres as well as two line breaks and three offloads.
Michael Morgan
Strong-running five-eighth Michael Morgan gives the Cowboys vital strike on the right edge with his pace and power a consant threat to the defence.His value to the side is two-fold - as an out and out attacking weapon and also a vital partner to take the heat off Thurston.
