A history of thrilling encounters has made it a must-watch rivalry in the NRL, now a series of player switches has added an extra layer to the Queensland derby between Brisbane and North Queensland.
The two teams have played a memorable series of matches in recent seasons including two matches last year with the Broncos winning one by four points and the Cowboys winning the other by the same margin.
Friday's meeting between the 2015 grand finalists will also see the return of a trio of former Broncos to Suncorp Stadium in Cowboys' colours.
Queensland forward Josh McGuire, New Zealand international Jordan Kahu and young outside back Tom Opacic will all be facing the Broncos for the first time since quitting Red Hill for Townsville in the off-season.
The Broncos are also set to have a familiar face to Cowboys fans in their lineup with Shaun Fensom poised to make his first appearance for his new club with Matt Lodge and Payne Haas both unavailable for the hosts.
Veteran Broncos hooker Andrew McCullough is hopeful renowned niggler McGuire distracts himself with attempting to get under his ex-teammate's skin when the two friends meet.
"He's got a bit of a job there to do so if he gets caught up in that, that'll take away from what they're trying to do so that'll be good if he does that," McCullough said.
"He's quite a character and he's very competitive so no doubt he'll throw something out there on Friday night."
A less combative player but one with no less to prove against the Broncos is Kahu.
The 28-year-old left Brisbane for an opportunity to cement himself as a starting fullback with the Cowboys following Ben Barba's sacking by the North Queensland club earlier this year.
Fellow New Zealand international Kodi Nikorima said his friend's move had been a disappointing, if understandable, one.
"That's probably the one I'm looking forward to the most is my mate Jordan Kahu," Nikorima said.
"I'm pretty close with Jordan. I was pretty devastated to see him leave.
"I'm happy he gets to get that opportunity up north but this week there's no mates on the field."
