Madimack 'Power Players' - Round 12

There were plenty of solid performers for the Sharks as they moved to a share of top spot on the NRL ladder with a 26-6 win over the Knights in Coffs Harbour on Saturday afternoon.

We take a look at the Madimack 'Power Players' from the clash below.

WILL KENNEDY

What a game from fullback Will Kennedy during NRL Indigenous round.

The Sharks struck first in the seventh minute when Kennedy sliced through the Knights' left side defence to grab his 11th try of the season. Another beautiful 'show-and-go' that's becoming a regular occurrence for Kennedy! 

He caused more havoc for the Knights in the second half, finishing off a nice backline play with some slick hands to send Ronaldo Mulitalo over the stripe.

Kennedy was dynamic for the Sharks finishing with 181 run metres, 10 tackle breaks, a try and a try assist.

CONNOR TRACEY

Connor Tracey is just two games into his 2023 season, and has two appearances in the Madimack 'Power Players' feature.

Backing up his strong showing against the Sea Eagles last week with another attacking raid on the Newcastle Knights, Tracey finished with 163 run metres, six tackle breaks, a line break and a try to his name.

Tracey put the pedal to the medal about 20 metres out from the line, getting to the outside of Dane Gagai with an in-and-away that left the experienced centre scrambling, he palmed him off and scooted clear to cross the line.

Tracey could have had a try assist on his stat line as well when Hynes finished off some brilliant lead-up work, only for an obstruction call in the lead-up to ruin the long-range attack.

In just two games Connor has clocked up 334 run metres, averaging 167 run metres per game. Some impressive play that could make it hard to keep him out of the 17 moving forward.

MATT MOYLAN

Sharks fans may have noticed Matt Moylan running more over the last few weeks, and as we all know, that's when he's at his attacking best.

Against the Knights Moylan proved a handful for the Newcastle defence, keeping them on the back foot not knowing if he'd be taking it up himself or sending it out the back to his speedy outside men.

Moylan notched up 142 run metres with two tackle breaks on the afternoon, finishing the day with two line break assists and two try assists to his name.

Busy in defence Moylan also banged in 24 tackles, helping his side to keep the visiting Knights to just 6-points.

ROYCE HUNT

Another solid performance against the Knights for Sharks big man Royce Hunt.

After scoring a try in last week's game against the Sea Eagles, Hunt was at his damaging best once more for the full house in Coffs Harbour.

There were plenty of flashy moments from the speedy Sharks outside backs, but it was Hunt who brought the house down late in the second half when he powered over the try line carrying a number of would-be defenders with him.

Hunt finished the game with 17 tackles in his 37 minute stint, adding to his 118 run metres, 45 of those post-contact, six tackle breaks and try.

With two of the bigger bodies in Oregon Kaufusi and Braden Hamlin-Uele returning after injury lay-off, Hunt stood tall to stake his claim on a spot in the 17 each week moving forward.