League: Key grand final matchups

John Skandalis (Tigers) v Paul Rauhihi (Cowboys)

The two leaders of their forward packs. No one makes more metres or gets away more offloads for the Cowboys than the giant Kiwi, who's been used predominantly as an offensive weapon in the back half of the season.

Rauhihi will again have the added burden of taking on the opposition without running mate Carl Webb (suspended), but Webb's absence hasn't really been a factor for the Cowboys thanks to his partner's strong play.

For so long the lone go-forward man in the Tigers pack, Skandalis has benefited from the emergence of the likes of Anthony Laffranchi and Bryce Gibbs.

His runs are now more about quality than quantity, with little men like Brett Hodgson and Benji Marshall able to wreak havoc on the back of his offloads.

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Brett Hodgson (Tigers) v Matt Bowen (Cowboys)

Both are listed at fullback, but neither is afraid to step into first or second receiver to help out their halves. Stopping Bowen is impossible, limiting his damage is hard work.

The diminutive but fleet-footed fullback has been superb during the finals series, scoring the opening try in the Cowboys' last two wins over Melbourne and Parramatta.

Together with Johnathan Thurston and Brett Firman, Bowen gives coach Graham Murray a third primary ball-handler which, combined with his dazzling footwork, makes him a dangerous proposition.

Hodgson has had a field day sniffing around for offloads from his forwards, with his lithe frame perfect for slipping through the tiniest of gaps. His goalkicking, which just lately has been a bit off the mark, could be crucial, with grand finals traditionally tight affairs.