Former NRL coach Matt Elliott takes a look at the Brisbane Broncos and North Queensland Cowboys ahead of the 2015 NRL Telstra Premiership Grand Final, breaking down their attacking and defensive formations.
Elliott looks at how Melbourne Storm isolated Johnathan Thurston in defence in their Preliminary Final clash by tiring out his inside defender Gavin Cooper. It led to a try to Cooper Cronk as he brushed past Thurston with a step and the Broncos will look to exploit the Cowboys' left-side defence on Sunday night through Anthony Milford and Ben Hunt.
In attack, Thurston will go deep into the line with ball runners short and out the back, forcing the Broncos defence to make decisions. It's all about isolating one defender so the big North Queensland forwards can break clear or the pace of Lachlan Coote and Michael Morgan can shoot through.
For the Broncos, it is about keeping their shape, once they make a break or an offload, they are very quick to move into formation to exploit the broken defensive line. They'll make you pay dearly if your line is not set, as they did to the Roosters several times over. They'll also use Ben Hunt and Anthony Milford to link up and create opportunities on either side of the ruck. They are not afraid to use the ball or to switch the point of attack.
Strap yourselves in, this should be a highly skilful and extremely fast Grand Final. It has all the ingredients to be a classic.
