NRL.com staked out the red carpet at the Dally Ms to ask a host of NRL stars who they'll be tipping in Sunday's Telstra Premiership Grand Final between the powerhouse Broncos and fairytale Cowboys.
Penrith captain and former Bronco Peter Wallace: "Broncos I think. They just probably played a bit better last week and I think that will help them this week. I've obviously got a soft spot and still mates with a few of the boys up there so I'll be going for them."
Raiders five-eighth Blake Austin: "The Cowboys I think have got it. You can't go past the JT fairytale. It'll cap off a great personal season for him and with the Cowboys never winning before I think we'd all like to see them win one. Brisbane are one of the glamour clubs in the competition so it'll be great to see the Cowboys get up."
Sharks hooker and former Bronco Michael Ennis: "I think if Hodges plays, Brisbane win. That's the difference. They're playing too good with him in the side, and it'll be a massive loss for them if he is suspended. It's disappointing and a hard one to say anything on considering the system we have."
Storm fullback Cameron Munster: "I can't see the Broncos getting beaten but at the same time I would love for Johnathan Thurston to win a premiership. I know they have been robbed a couple of years there but at the same time it would be nice to see him end the season on a good note. Don't get me wrong, the Broncos have been consistent all year and deserving favourites I think so we'll see what happens."
Wests Tigers centre Kevin Naiqama: "I'm going to tip the Cowboys. They're in their best form possible and they haven't played any better at any other point of the year. They had a real good win on the weekend and it would've given them a whole lot of confidence. I think it's definitely time for them to win a competition, especially with Johnathan Thurston, it just feels like the right thing for the year."
Knights veteran Clint Newton: "I'd like to be Switzerland on this and be unbiased but I think Wayne [Bennett's] been there and done it plenty of times before so he'll have his boys cherry ripe. Wayne has great composure and he's been there and done it so many times. He'll let them enjoy the week and not have them play the game in their head before they get out there. My heart would love to see JT and those guys win but my head is saying Broncos."
Dally M Fullback of the Year Roger Tuivasa-Sheck: "I'm looking to go with the Cowboys and Johnathan Thurston. John Asiata's one of my good mates and hopefully [Cowboys coach and former Roosters assistant coach] Paul Green gets it."
Bulldogs winger and former Cowboy Curtis Rona: "I think the Cowboys win. They have been hunting for a grand final win for the past 20 years and they have the team to do it. You can never doubt the Broncos but if JT is at his best they're going to be hard to shut down so I'll say North Queensland win by 10 points."
Wests Tigers fullback James Tedesco: "I'm going to say Broncos. I think their defence is too good. I think it'll be a cracker of a game but with JT in the Cowboys side you never know. For JT I hope they do get a win and he deserves it, he's the best player in the game."
Eels skipper Tim Mannah: "I want to say Cowboys but I feel like the Broncos will win. They're just a really well-balanced team and I think they'll get it."
Titans halfback Kane Elgey: "I think the Cowboys will get up. I think they deserve it. I went for the Broncos growing up and I still like them off the field unless obviously when I play them, but I reckon North Queensland will be too good."
Sea Eagles rookie Tom Trbojevic: "I'm not sure mate. I'll have to say Broncos but when JT's firing it's hard to tip against them. I'm just hoping for a good game."
