Even Wayne Bennett can't wait for Friday night's latest instalment of Brisbane's NRL rivalry with North Queensland at Suncorp Stadium.
But the Broncos' coach can't get too excited about the threat posed by the Cowboys' reigning Dally M Medallist Jason Taumalolo.
Bennett said he did not find the barnstorming North Queensland back-rower unique, admitting his focus had been on the other JT - playmaker Johnathan Thurston.
Taumalolo was inspirational in North Queensland's season-opening extra-time win over Canberra, racking up a remarkable 289 metres.
It is believed to be the most ground covered by a NRL forward since 2011.
And it was almost a repeat of Taumalolo's wrecking-ball display against Bennett's Broncos in last year's 26-20 extra-time semi-final, where he ran for 265 metres.
Yet, 30-year coach Bennett reckoned he had seen Taumalolo's equivalent before during his long Broncos tenure.
"He (Taumalolo) has some wonderful qualities but I am sure Gorden Tallis in his era was a pretty damaging footballer," Bennett said.
"And back when Gene Miles was in the second row later in his career, he was a pretty damaging footballer.
"There has always been someone.
"It is hard to say he is unique in that regard."
Bennett reckoned he already knew how to stop Taumalolo.
"Tackle him - it always works," Bennett laughed.
The past five derbies have been decided by six points or less.
Three have ended in extra-time - including North Queensland's unforgettable 2015 grand-final win inspired by Thurston.
Bennett said co-captain Thurston was the only JT he was worried about ahead of what promised to be another blockbuster derby.
"Thurston does all the smart things in the game so that's the key - he is the bloke who makes it happen for them," Bennett said.
"He is up there with them all (greats); his record suggests that.
"I haven't thought too much about the Cowboys, to be honest with you, (but) when you have quality like Johnathan Thurston, you are always going to be in the game."
An excited Bennett admitted he looked forward to what the next derby on Friday night would bring.
"You can't really predict what happens out there," he said.
"It will be quick. I think everyone knows that.
"I think they will have to go to a different level to what we are normally at."
Cowboys coach Paul Green was not surprised the derbies had been so close in the past two years.
"There's a great rivalry there but there is also mutual respect," he said.
"That's what makes their games so good.
"They are played in the right spirit, a good brand of footy - it's no coincidence that they have been close games over the years."
FAST FACTS: BRISBANE v NORTH QUEENSLAND:
* Their past five games have been won by six points or less including three ending in extra-time
* Brisbane have won their past five games against North Queensland at Suncorp Stadium
* North Queensland last won in Brisbane in 2012
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