It's set to be match-ups galore in tomorrow night's Preliminary Final, so let's measure the toughest battles by the numbers so far in 2017.
FULLBACK BATTLE | MICHAEL GORDON V LACHLAN COOTE
While the fullback position has become one of the flashy areas of an NRL side, Michael Gordon and Lachlan Coote are two of the safer and more controlled fullbacks in the game.
By the numbers, Michael Gordon gets through a lot of running and has scored his share of points in 2017, while Lachlan Coote has been quieter on that front.
Though Coote isn't known as the Cowboys highest try scorer, he is definitely known to set them up.
21 | GAMES PLAYED | 19
7 | TRIES | 2
2522 | RUNNING METRES | 1348
5 | TRY ASSISTS | 8
HALFBACK BATTLE | MITCHELL PEARCE V MICHAEL MORGAN
Arguably the position where the game will be decided, this match-up is mouth watering for any fan of rugby league for a large variety of reasons.
Two State Of Origin representatives having spectacular seasons for their respective Clubs go head-to-head in a bid to play for a Grand Final, what else do you need to say?
22 | GAMES PLAYED | 25
274 | TOTAL KICKS | 251
15 | TRY ASSISTS | 20
21 | LINE BREAK ASSISTS | 12
7 | TRIES | 11
DUMMY-HALF BATTLE | JAKE FRIEND V JAKE GRANVILLE
The two Jakes face off in a battle of dummy-half specialists on Saturday night.
While their playing styles are quite different, they are equally as important to their teams with the skillset that they provide.
15 | PLAYED | 22
3 | TRIES | 4
721 | TACKLES | 692
893 | KICKING METRES | 270
SECOND ROW BATTLE | BOYD CORDNER V GAVIN COOPER
Both Captains will be wearing the number 11 on their back this week and no doubt looking to put their respective teams on the front foot.
Boyd Cordner has been sensational since making his return to the team in Melbourne in Round 23.
What kind of spark will he provide his team with in the Preliminary Final?
15 | PLAYED | 22
3 | TRIES | 4
721 | TACKLES | 692
893 | KICKING METRES | 270
LOCK BATTLE | ISAAC LIU V JASON TAUMALOLO
While the attention has been on the battle between Siosiua Taukeiaho and Taumalolo, the real battle will be between the two starting locks.
Isaac Liu has been one of the Roosters best in his last few starts, and appears to be getting better game-by-game.
Hopefully that trend continues this week as he faces his biggest match-up challenge so far this season.
21 | PLAYED | 24
2 | TRIES | 4
5 | LINE BREAKS | 9
481 | TACKLES | 672
