Madimack Matchups - Sharks v Cowboys
A host of high-quality players will lock horns when the Sharks meet the Cowboys in a return bout at Townsville on Saturday night.
Cronulla will unleash debutant fullback Liam Ison in their quest to make it four straight wins over North Queensland after a 42-6 victory at home in Round 7.
Individual performances will carry extra weight with the best on ground, chosen by the winning coach, to receive the Paul Green Medal, named in honour of a great of both clubs. The late Green played 95 games for the Sharks, 35 for the Cowboys and coached the North Queensland club to their maiden NRL premiership in 2015.
Here are Sharks Media's Madimack Matchups to monitor this week.
The graphics below show season statistics.
Madimack Matchups - Round 21
Blayke Brailey v Reece Robson
A decade ago, Brailey and Robson were teammates in Cronulla's under-16 Harold Matthews Cup team. Aquinas Colts junior Brailey won the starting hooker position over Robson, who adapted as a hard-running interchange forward.
They've both well and truly kicked on from those days, now ranking as two of the most consistent dummy-halves in the NRL. Robson is coming off a thrilling State of Origin series win for NSW while Brailey has been touted as a rep player.
The rival number nines share a penchant for hard graft, each getting through a mountain of defensive work and providing slick service at the ruck.
Cameron McInnes v Reuben Cotter
McInnes and Cotter's careers have followed a similar path: after starting out as hookers, they transitioned to running forwards and achieved rep honours.
The uncompromising pair faced off in the series-opening Origin match in May, McInnes on debut in the NSW No.13 jersey and Cotter at prop for Queensland.
Renowned for their full-blooded commitment, McInnes and Cotter won't back down as they seek to inspire their teams at Queensland Country Bank Stadium.
Liam Ison v Scott Drinkwater
Sharks supporters will be eager to watch debutant Liam Ison as the talented 19-year-old steps into the shoes of suspended fullback Will Kennedy.
A lifelong Cronulla fan who hails from Penrith, Ison is a fabulous support player who possesses dangerous speed, sharp footwork and a willingness to get involved.
While Ison's youthful enthusiasm will no doubt lift the Sharks, Drinkwater also brings infectious energy to the table. A natural playmaker, the North Queensland custodian's vision and skill – which have netted him 18 try assists this season – will have the Cronulla defenders conscious of limiting his time and space.
