Melbourne half Cooper Cronk is at his diplomatic ahead of the Storm’s blockbuster Thursday night showdown with the Brisbane Broncos at Suncorp Stadium.

“Both clubs have been pretty successful and played off in the 2006 grand final,” he said.

“Craig Bellamy has come from there, a lot of guys have grown up in Brisbane and played for the Melbourne Storm so there is a rivalry but it’s based on respect.

“The Broncos are a very good football team and that’s why they’re in the top two.

“History will show they are normally classic encounters and Thursday will probably be exactly the same.

“It’s going to be a great game to kick off the last round of the season and I’m looking forward to a big game at Suncorp.”

The Broncos still have a slim chance of claiming the minor premiership.