There’s more than just appearances that Canterbury front-rowers Aiden Tolman and James Graham share as they attempt to power the Bulldogs to NRL premiership glory against Melbourne on Sunday.

Together, the snowy-haired pair are the undeniable engine behind the blue and white machine.

While fellow prop Sam Kasiano snares all the headlines with his unique combination of brute strength and deft ball-playing skills – Tolman and Graham are happy just doing the hard yards up the middle.

Tolman’s contribution was always expected, while English Test stalwart Graham has exceeded expectations with the speed of his adjustment to the NRL after a decorated career in Super League.

His average of 126.7 metres off the bench is fifth best for front rowers in the NRL in 2012, Tolman just a shade off in eighth with an average of 125.5.

And while Tolman credits coach Des Hasler for improvements he’s made in his game, he also knows he owes a lot to his lookalike in the engine room.

“I’m learning a lot off the other guys – James Graham, he’s done so much in the game and his leadership’s been great for me,” Tolman said.

“We play fairly similar games … he never gives up in any situation, – his work ethic on the field is tremendous.

“But that is his job – we need all the players to do their jobs.”

Tolman – who played alongside several of the Storm players he will go up against in Sunday’s grand final in the 2009 decider – said he couldn’t pinpoint the moment he realised the Bulldogs were title contenders.

He knew the squad was well prepared after a tough pre-season under Hasler, and said momentum just built with each win.

“Not much was expected from outside the club … we started really well and you play every game to win it,” Tolman said.

“If you’re doing that you’re not really looking at the big goal at the end – you’re just worried about each week and that’s how we’ve got to where we are.

“Now we’ve got a chance to win a premiership.”