In 2005 – following our first win against the Broncos in that memorable semi final the previous year – it was decided that we would commence the NRL season at Suncorp Stadium with this game.

For the Cowboys, it was a coming of age – it confirmed we were a credible force in the competition and that the NRL had faith in us that we could participate in a game that could attract 50,000 people, and we were now involved in an annual event that captured the hearts and minds of Queensland.

This will be the sixth game since the concept was put together. Due to the Centenary celebrations in 2008, the game was played in round three – the 100th birthday of the game in Queensland – apart from that the other four games have been played in round one.

The Broncos lead the race 3-2, with an overall points tally of 104-95 in their favour. I prefer to look at just the round one games leaving 2008 aside – if we do that, the ledger is at 2-2 with the Cowboys leading on points 93-68.

In 2005, '07 and '09 field goals played a crucial part in the game. Darren Lockyer kicked a field goal to give the Broncos a seven-point buffer late in the game in the '05 clash, a try on fulltime followed giving the home side a 29-16 win in a game that hung in the balance.

In '07, Matthew Bowen scored a wonderful try to break a 16-all deadlock with less than 10 minutes on the clock before sealing a 23-16 victory with a field goal not long after.

Who can forget last year when Peter Wallace, under tremendous pressure, piloted through a field goal with minutes remaining to secure a 19-18 win for the Broncos?!

I expect this game to be no different. Both clubs have great respect for each other, we enjoy the lead up and expectation around the game and our players love to be involved.

Over the past few years, the NRL have tried to ensure that the competition has as many marquee games as possible and there is no doubt the success of this game has shown the way and reinforced the strength of the game in Queensland.

We are proud to be involved in this great event for the state, we are proud of the interest it generates in our club, we are proud of the anticipation it brings to our many loyal supporters and we are proud of the young men who will run on to the field on Friday night representing the Cowboys and our wonderful region.

Sit back and enjoy – I have a feeling this one will be another mighty clash!