Cronulla and Manly fans can argue about who really lives in God’s Country, the Roosters and Rabbitohs have waged a 100-year war for Sydney’s hearts and minds and the Broncos have a monopoly on Australia’s only true league-mad city but - when it comes to fan commitment - none can hold a candle to the North Queensland faithful. 

Who else would average home crowds of 21,000 in a wooden spoon year like they did in 1995? Who else would continue to turn up in droves as their side picked up two more wooden spoons and finished no higher than 11th in the ensuing eight seasons?

Former Cowboy Nathan Fien – who  was this year named one of the Cowboys top 20 players of their first 20 years – remembers the hard slog after debuting in 2000. It’s what made the Cowboys fairy tale run to the prelim final in 2004 under the late Graham Murray all the more memorable.

‘‘It was really really tough in those early years,’’ Fien said.

‘‘There were a lot of local boys from around North Queensland in there mixed in with people from all over the place. 

“Greeny [Paul Green] and guys like Noel Goldthorpe and Tim Brasher were there so there were some real quality players. 

“For whatever reason we just didn’t reach our potential but in 2004 it really started to turn around. 

“All the local guys started to get 50-100 games under their belt and guys like Matty Bowen, Ty Williams and Josh Hannay were coming on the scene.

“It wasn’t to be that year but I get butterflies thinking about it now. We had police escorts for us to get to airport for that prelim against the Roosters because the streets were packed.

‘‘It was just unbelievable the amount of people that were out and about so I can just imagine what Townsville’s like at the moment.’’

Fien would later go on to win the 2010 premiership under current Broncos coach Wayne Bennett but there will be no doubt about where the Mt Isa product’s loyalties will lie on Sunday. 

“I was a Cowboy when I started so I’ve definitely got my feet in the Cowboys camp,” Fien said.

“I think it would be a wonderful thing for North Queensland to finally win one.

‘‘They were there 10 years ago and couldn’t get across the line but I think this is the team to do it.

“They’ve missed out in the past few years with a few rough calls so maybe this year the stars could align.’’