Brisbane Broncos v North Queensland Cowboys is a rivalry worth celebrating

IT’S arguably the biggest rivalry in Queensland sport and, as Friday’s Round 3 encounter approaches, we take a look at the Broncos-Cowboys story so far. #BroncosLIVE

Justin Hodges & Johnathan Thurston unite to fight racism in footy, Sofitel hotel, Brisbane. Photographer: Liam Kidston.

IT’S like two brothers fighting it out to prove who is better.

The Queensland-sibling rivalry between the North Queensland Cowboys and the Brisbane Broncos goes way back to the late 1990s.

For the first few years, the Cowboys weren’t able to beat the Brisbane team.

Michael Ennis gets to grips with the Cowboys back in 2008. Picture: Peter Wallis

The turning point came during the 2004 finals series, when the Cowboys muscled their way to win 10-0 over the Broncos in Townsville.

It was the first time the Cowboys had kept Brisbane scoreless.

Since then, it has always been a sibling rivalry at its best.

One of the most memorable matches between the two was Round 2, 2012, when some Matt Bowen magic in the dying minutes at Suncorp Stadium saw the Cowboys win by two points.

Matt Bowen celebrates as he scores the match-winning try in the final seconds of the match at Suncorp Stadium in 2012. Picture: Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images

The Broncos were able to return the favour the following year in Round 6, when Josh Hoffman scored in the last 10 minutes to secure a 12-10 win.

Since the beginning, there has always been a strong rivalry between the two Queensland teams, and Friday night’s clash is set to be no different.

Tune in to #BroncosLIVE this Friday from 1pm for live coverage, stats and analysis at couriermail.com.au.