It's come down to a sudden death clash between the attacking flare of the New England Ferrets, and the star-studded lineup of the Carnarvon Cowboys. Both sides are coming off upset losses, but only one will make it through this time.
Ferrets' coach Rowland Kelly has finally come into some form, whilst Carnarvon caretaker coach Roger Bossert (Sydney Oilers), has injected some real attacking flare into the usually stagnant Cowboys' line.
FULLBACKS
David Peachy vs. David Riolo
One of the best fullbacks in the world up against the man who has turned the Cowboys into real contenders. His defence against Brisbane single-handedly saved his side the match. Should be a good battle, as one is an attacking machine, and the other is a defensive powerhouse.
WINGERS
Albert Torrens and Martin Offiah vs. Wendell Sailor and Nathan Blacklock
The Cowboys have it all in their classy wing combination. A huge winger and a fleet of foot playmaker. Whilst Offiah can hold his own at any level, Torrens is untried in finals football, and it'll be interesting to see how he marks up against Sailor.
CENTRES
Matt Cooper and Shane Elford vs. Mark Gasnier and Ryan Girdler
Again, the Ferrets are outclassed in this battle. An Australian represenative and a future great are up against two youngsters. Elford is now the senior member of the pair, in the absence of powerhouse Shane Rigon.
FIVE EIGHTH
Ben Ikin vs. Danny Williams
The Cowboys find themselves with a new 5/8th, with Harris back in lock, and Elias dropped from the side entirely. Ikin has proved himself at every level this seaoson, but Williams has been a miraculous find for the Cowboys. Should be a close battle between two promising young talents.
HALFBACKS
Adrian Lam vs. Jason Taylor
Both are quality halfbacks, who have had quiet years. Lam is a playmaker, whilst Taylor's goal-kicking has saved the Cowboys on several ocassions. Taylor was rushed back into the side despite the ominous form of young Stefano Saghini, and will need to fire to keep his spot.
PROPS
Kevin Iro and Andrew Hart vs. Darren Maroon and Ian Rubin
A nice even battle here. Iro has arguably been the best forwards of the finals, whilst Hart's record speaks for itself. Maroon has been a real find for the Cowboys, and as always, Rubin will be ready to deliver. If the battle needs to be won in the forwards, it'll be a stalemate.
HOOKERS
Ben Walker vs. John Cross
Here is a deadset no contest. Cross is a good defender, but there is no way he can be a weapon from hooker. Walker's kicking game and raw talent should tide him over.
2nd ROW
Bryan Fletcher and Chris Joynt vs. Ben Kennedy and Ian Hindmarsh
Four of the most talented second rowers in the league, but Kennedy's poor form may be a problem for his side. Fletcher makes his long awaited return from an injury, and Joynt will welcome the ball playing forward's presence. Hindmarsh is a defensive beast, but should provide some flare in attack as well. Another dead heat.
LOCK
Andy Farrel vs. Iestyn Harris
Europe's finest will get a chance to prove it hear, as the English lock battles the Welsh one. Harris has been in great form all year, whilst Farrel has been in a running battle with Smith for the lock spot. Both are brilliant talents, but Farrel has a tendency to disappear in big games, and it may come back to haunt his side.
NEW ENGLAND BENCH
Paul Smith: The hottest free agent in the ASRL, Smith has come back from injury and hit form that saw Farrel playing off the bench for two games. Should make an immediate impact.
Darrel Trindall: A hot utility halfback, should come on and tear the tired Carnarvon forwards apart.
Peter Jorgensen: Took Lee Harland's bench position, and will need to be firing tonight to keep it. Very fast and dangerous winger/fullback.
Wairangi Koopu: The name everyone loves to say, Koopu is a dangerous forward who will fill in nicely when Fletcher or Joynt tire.
CARNARVON BENCH
Stefano Saghini: Was brilliant against Brisbane and Hobart, and was unlucky to lose his spot on the starting lineup. The battle between him and Trindall will be interesting.
Paul Rauhihi: Another hot player off contract, Rauhihi has been linked with Port Moresby and Victoria for next year. The best bench forward in the contest.
Andrew King: Rushed into the line at the expense of Ben Elias, King is a fleet of foot winger who could make or break the game for the Cowboys.
Mike Forshaw: Another defensive forward, and it's clear that Carnarvon are relying on defence to tide them over.
JUDGEMENT
At home I'd have to back New England, especially since they've got their full strength side on the park for the first time in weeks. Should be a great game regardless.
Written by Chris-Walker Bush
