Rugby, Australian Football: Roosters to meet their maker

WHEN Graham Murray steps off the North Queensland bus and into the bowels of Telstra Stadium tomorrow afternoon, he will feel a little bit like Dr Frankenstein coming home to face the monster he created.

Across the corridor in the opposite change room, the Sydney Roosters will aim to spoil the Cowboys fairytale while shooting for a third consecutive grand final.

Of the 17 Roosters named to play on Tuesday, six received their start at the club when Murray was at the helm in 2000-02.

There is one-man wrecking ball Adrian Morley, who Murray lured to Australia after watching the giant Englishman dismantle the opposition during their time together at Leeds.

Ironman Craig Fitzgibbon joined the club from the Dragons, where he was a bench player, and has evolved into one of the most durable second-rowers in the game.

Fullback Anthony Minichiello and hooker Craig Wing, both Test players, were signed during Murray's tenure - as were Queensland Origin forwards Michael Crocker and Chris Flannery.