When the sun sets on Johnathan Thurston's career, it seems inevitable the North Queensland, Maroons and Kangaroos superstar will be given Immortal status.

The absence of captain Simon Mannering, who was ruled out due to ongoing health issues, is the latest of a series of withdrawals from the Kiwis.

It's official - victory celebrations can be as much a hazard to a star player's health as the opposition. Ask Australians Johnathan Thurston and Bernard Foley.

Brisbane coach Wayne Bennett has called for the reintroduction of grand final replays to replace the golden point period.

The Cowboys made an art this year of running down teams from behind.

Over 15,000 screaming Cowboys fans were at 1300Smiles Stadium this afternoon to welcome home their NRL premiership heroes.

Brisbane coach Wayne Bennett has called for the reintroduction of NRL grand final replays to replace the golden point period.

The stars and stinkers of the NRL grand final, won 17-16 by the Cowboys over the Broncos.

Instead of pointing the finger at Ben Hunt, retiring Broncos captain Justin Hodges has thrown his support behind the shattered halfback.

Johnathan Thurston confirmed his place among the game's elite after kicking the Cowboys to their maiden premiership

Jason Taumalolo looks the most likely prospect to end a 41-year wait for Kiwis in tonight's NRL grand final.

Nine Network has dumped rugby league great Andrew Johns from tonight's NRL grand final broadcast after an incident at a Queensland airport.

More than 50 Kiwis have featured on the final day of the NRL season in the past six years.

Tonight's NRL grand final comes down to a battle between Wayne Bennett and Johnathan Thurston.

Rugby league legend Andrew Johns has apologised to a woman who accused him of making advances before passing out drunk at an airport.

New Zealand Rugby League won't take further action following ugly incidents which marred a teen trans-Tasman league match on Thursday.

Sam Tomkins insists he's ready to play at halfback for England if he is selected there against New Zealand.

The cowboys star thanks his coach for lifting his form, but feels his best work is to come tomorrow.

David Skipwith looks at the key players in Sunday's NRL grand final between the Brisbane Broncos and North Queensland Cowboys.

We check out the highs and lows of Kevin Locke, whose once-exciting league career has just taken another dive.

Brian McClennan looks back on the Kiwis' 2005 Tri Nations win, where the team stunned Australia in the final.