Star Brisbane halfback Ben Hunt has wowed the NRL with his offensive skills this season.
But the Broncos playmaker is crediting his side's new-found attitude in defence with setting up their first shot at a premiership since 2006.
Chief destroyer Hunt again combined brilliantly with pivot Anthony Milford as the Broncos ran riot over Sydney Roosters last week, to book Sunday's NRL grand final with North Queensland.
Brisbane's fast starts have been crucial to their success, they have scored the first try in 20 of their 26 matches this year.
However, the Broncos believe it is their rock-solid defensive set-up, ushered in by returning coach Wayne Bennett that will prove the difference on Sunday.
"He obviously brought some handy players with him in Darius Boyd and Milf (Anthony Milford), but our change in attitude in defence has got us to where we are," Hunt said.
A Johnathan Thurston-led Cowboys led the league in line breaks (125) and tries scored (116) this regular season, not far ahead of Brisbane (108 line breaks, 109 tries).
But Hunt said Bennett had ensured their defence would prove the difference this year - and the stats back him up.
The Broncos missed the least tackles this season (543) well behind nearest rival Melbourne (562) and North Queensland's 589.
However, Brisbane hooker Andrew McCullough said Brisbane's true character this year was shown when they did miss a tackle.
"Everyone will miss a tackle or drop the ball, it's how you respond," he said.
"I think that is a big aspect we turned around this year."
Bennett's influence has helped six-time premiers Brisbane get on back on track to notch their first title since 2006 - the club's longest drought.
Bennett took over the reins from Anthony Griffin this season after seven years away following Brisbane's first round finals exit last year.
"That was the disappointing thing about last year (bowed out in finals first round)," McCullough said.
"We had quality teams on the back foot but ended up losing those games with 10 to 15 minutes to go.
"This year we closed out those tight games by backing our defence - that's worked for us this year."
Meanwhile, Dale Copley is on standby for retiring skipper and veteran centre Justin Hodges (judiciary) after being named on an extended bench on Tuesday.
Broncos: Darius Boyd, Corey Oates, Jack Reed, Justin Hodges (capt), Jordan Kahu, Anthony Milford, Ben Hunt, Sam Thaiday, Andrew McCullough, Adam Blair, Alex Glenn, Matt Gillett, Corey Parker. Interchange: Jarrod Wallace, Mitchell Dodds, Jo Ofahengaue, Kodi Nikorima, Dale Copley.
