Ahead of the two semi-finals this weekend, Zero Tackle has previewed both match-ups and has made a prediction for each game.

North Queensland Cowboys v Brisbane Broncos

Friday night, winner faces Cronulla Sharks next Friday night

TOWNSVILLE, AUSTRALIA - MAY 20: Matthew Scott of the Cowboys is tackled by Josh McGuire and Corey Parker of the Broncos during the round 11 NRL match between the North Queensland Cowboys and the Brisbane Bronocs at 1300SMILES Stadium on May 20, 2016 in Townsville, Australia. (Photo by Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images)
TOWNSVILLE, AUSTRALIA - MAY 20: Matthew Scott of the Cowboys is tackled by Josh McGuire and Corey Parker of the Broncos during the round 11 NRL match between the North Queensland Cowboys and the Brisbane Broncos at 1300SMILES Stadium on May 20, 2016, in Townsville, Australia. (Photo by Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images)

One of the greatest rivalries in modern rugby league will resume on Friday night when the Cowboys and Broncos face off for a spot in the preliminary final.

The last three matches between these two sides have all been decided by just one point, with the 2015 NRL Grand Final going down as one of the best deciders in history.

An enthralling 80 minutes culminated in the first golden point Grand Final in history, as Johnathan Thurston's field goal gave the Cowboys their first flag.

Anthony Milford exacted revenge in Round 4 this season with a field goal in extra time, while Thurston's field goal five minutes from time was all that could separate the two sides in Round 11.

This will be the fifth time these two sides will have met in the past 12 months following Brisbane's triumph in last season's qualifying final, although the Broncos will be up against it this time around.

Despite taking a six-game winning streak into this match the Broncos, the Cowboys will fancy themselves at home having lost only once in Townsville all season.

North Queensland will be hungry to avenge last weekend's loss to Melbourne, and while there's no doubting this game will be a fantastic one, the Cowboys should get the win in the end.

Prediction: North Queensland 23-16 Brisbane

Canberra Raiders v Penrith Panthers

Saturday night, winner faces Melbourne Storm next Saturday night

BATHURST, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 30: Tyrone Peachey of the Panthers passes as he is tackled during the round nine NRL match between the Penrith Panthers and the Canberra Raiders at Carrington Park on April 30, 2016 in Bathurst, Australia. (Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)
BATHURST, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 30: Tyrone Peachey of the Panthers passes as he is tackled during the round nine NRL match between the Penrith Panthers and the Canberra Raiders at Carrington Park on April 30, 2016, in Bathurst, Australia. (Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)

After winning 10 matches in a row as they entered the finals series in second position, the Raiders are a genuine chance to exit the finals in straight sets.

The loss added insult to injury for Canberra, as Raiders hooker Josh Hodgson limped off early in the second half after sustaining ankle ligament damage.

Canberra coach Ricky Stuart named injured five-eighth Blake Austin and Hodgson for Saturday night's game against the Panthers, although Austin is said to be a 50/50 chance of playing while Hodgson is only a slim chance.

Penrith comes into this game as one of the form teams of the finals series, after winning their sixth game in a row after beating the Bulldogs and sending Canterbury packing last weekend.

Matt Moylan is leading the way for Penrith and had a massive say in the elimination final last week, and with the Raiders potentially losing one of their key playmakers, the impact Moylan can have may be one that Canberra can't compete with.

Penrith will definitely take it to Canberra and fans shouldn't be surprised if the Panthers take the chocolates, although Canberra at home should have just enough. Just, enough.

Prediction: Canberra 20-18 Penrith

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