Former North Queensland fullback Tim Brasher believes Cronulla have made a huge error by saying they will target current Cowboys No.1 Lachlan Coote.

In one of the top five performances of the year, the brilliant young lock lifted his game to unprecedented levels. Can he maintain the rage against Cronulla?

Cronulla have promised a fiery welcome for North Queensland's much-vaunted forward pack as they seek to finally erase the painful memory of last year's NRL finals exit.

Melbourne Storm and North Queensland Cowboys aren't opponents in this weekend's preliminary finals, but the two clubs' cold war is fast becoming very public.

• COMMENT

Well, North Queensland and Brisbane have done it again.

Johnathan Thurston set up Michael Morgan in extra time as these teams produced another mesmerising contest in their enduring rivalry.

Cronulla will be rested but the Cowboys will head to Sydney stacked with belief as they continue their quest for back-to-back premierships.

Sudden death football has taken on a whole new meaning for North Queensland veteran forward Ben Hannant ahead of Friday night's NRL must-win semi-final against Brisbane in Townsville.

Distance has proved no barrier for North Queensland and Brisbane as they get ready to produce another game for the ages in Friday night's knockout final in Townsville.

North Queensland forward Jason Taumalolo has been crowned the best player in the NRL by his peers just a week after he was charged and fined for egging vehicles.

Test star Jason Taumalolo has been left with egg on his face, fined by his NRL club, North Queensland, after admitting to misbehaviour.

Melbourne Storm coach Craig Bellamy is confident he will have both Dale Finucane and Nelson Asofa-Solomona available for his side's home preliminary final in two weeks time.

Melbourne Storm and North Queensland Cowboys battled it out in wet conditions on Saturday night with the Storm winning 16-10.

Paul Green wants referees to stop the Storm's wrestling and holding or let his side play the same way in tomorrow's qualifying final.

• UPDATED

North Queensland's NRL finals preparations have been dealt a blow, with superstar forward Jason Taumalolo among five Cowboys set to face court after an alleged egging spree in Townsville on Wednesday night.

Melbourne Storm fullback Cameron Munster says his side must pounce on North Queensland superstar Johnathan Thurston at every opportunity if they are to win their qualifying final at AAMI Park on Saturday night.

• ANALYSIS

Finals football is upon us. And the first week of the play-offs has thrown up some fascinating contests.

Jason Taumalolo will arguably be the most in-demand player among a stellar cast of free agents at the end of 2017. But there is one reason why he won't be in a hurry to re-sign with the Cowboys.

Melbourne Storm are confident their ability to win in the face of adversity will serve them well in the NRL finals.