Jake Granville could be the colt that Brisbane regret they let get away.

The livewire North Queensland rake left Brisbane ahead of 2015 to set up camp in Townsville, despite the Broncos having an option on his contract, and he has been a key player in the Cowboys’ charge to the NRL grand final.

The 26-year old says Brisbane helped make him the player he is today, but he can give the Broncos plenty of reasons to rue the decision to let him go in Sunday’s decider.

Granville found himself stuck behind first-choice hooker Andrew McCullough at Red Hill and played just 10 games in the past two seasons. He has played every match for the Cowboys in 2015.

Granville joined the Cowboys in order to link with coach Paul Green, who he played under in the Queensland Cup with Wynnum Manly. The duo enjoyed back-to-back premierships in 2011 and 2012. But even he admits his rise had been rapid this year.

“It is a bit surreal, it hasn’t sunk in yet. I am wrapt for all the boys but there is no stepping back now, there is one week to go,” Granville said.

“It was a good move (to the Cowboys), obviously I got my first crack in the NRL at Brisbane and I’m grateful for that.

“They are a quality side, they are going to be tough. But it has been our main goal this year, not just to make it but to win it and I am excited about what lies ahead.”

Granville said superstar Johnathan Thurston has been a major help in his emergence as one of the NRL’s most dangerous No.9s this season.

“JT has just taught me how to be composed more than anything, not to be frazzled if things are going wrong,” Granville said.

Much like Queensland, Granville’s circle of friends and family will be split in their allegiances this week as he is dating the sister of Broncos halfback Ben Hunt.

“I’m not too sure who she is supporting, we will see, it is a win the either way,” he said.