Former Brisbane Broncos head coach Anthony Griffin believes his former team is in better shape for the future, rating them higher than Johnathan Thurston’s North Queensland Cowboys.

Writing for Fairfax, Griffin said Thurston’s age was becoming a worry for the Townsville club.

“The Cowboys have a strong squad” Griffin writes.

“Their props Matt Scott and James Tamou get their team forward, Jason Taumalolo and Michael Morgan bring the X factor, and Thurston can win them tight games against good sides as he has done in their come-from-behind wins against Melbourne and Souths.

“He can’t do it forever though.

“For the Cowboys, the situation gets a little more urgent every year now because JT is absolutely vital to their chances. The Broncos on the other hand are building. If they get in range Hodges, Parker and Thaiday can play leading roles.

“Both clubs made the playoffs last year only to fall short of the main prize.

“From what they have shown in their recent victories they are hungry enough to get another opportunity.”