Madimack Matchups - Sharks v Rabbitohs
A jam-packed PointsBet Stadium crowd will inspire the Sharks as they aim to topple the Rabbitohs and charge back to top form on Saturday.
While opposing superstars Nicho Hynes and Latrell Mitchell are out injured, both sides contain more than enough individual firepower to light up the crucial clash.
Sharks Media has pinpointed three key head-to-head Madimack Matchups that could decide the result. The graphics below showcase season statistics.
Madimack Matchups - Round 22
Will Kennedy v Jye Gray
After sitting out last weekend due to suspension, Kennedy is back in Cronulla's No.1 jersey and ready to lock horns with rising South Sydney fullback Gray.
Kennedy's guile and composure will be critical as the Sharks look to steady the ship and kickstart their run to the finals with a strong win against the Rabbitohs.
Gray has impressed while deputising for Latrell Mitchell this season, showing a dangerous mix of speed and agility, but Kennedy has a clear edge in experience.
Teig Wilton v Jacob Host
A shoulder injury disrupted him mid-season, but Sharks backrower Wilton is hitting his stride again having returned to the starting line-up in Round 19.
Wilton produced 102 metres, three tackle breaks and 37 tackles against the Cowboys last week in a sign he's ready to fire at the business end of the year.
Rabbitohs forward Host similarly goes about his work with little fuss. He played for the first time since Round 21 last week, getting through 80 minutes in a loss to the Raiders while pumping out a commendable 27 tackles (no misses) and 112 metres.
Braydon Trindall v Cody Walker
Cast your mind back to February and it was Walker's withdrawal from the Indigenous All Stars game that gave Trindall a chance to represent his culture and claim the Preston Campbell Medal as man of the match, setting up his year.
Despite challenges along the way, Trindall has cemented himself as a consistent NRL performer this season, now assuming the responsibility of being Cronulla's chief playmaker with marquee man Nicho Hynes sidelined through injury.
The mercurial Walker is under an injury cloud with a calf issue, however the 34-year-old Souths star has been named at halfback in a direct duel with Trindall.
