Madimack Matchups - Sharks v Storm
Moments of individual brilliance could prove decisive when the Sharks tackle the Storm with a preliminary final berth on the line.
Cronulla will travel to AAMI Park to face the minor premiers on Saturday, buoyed by a win over Melbourne on their own turf in Round 10. Another thrilling contest looms as some of the NRL's most exciting established and rising stars lock horns.
Read on for the head-to-head Madimack Matchups to monitor in a huge qualifying final.
Braydon Trindall v Cameron Munster
Trindall's creative prowess continues to pay dividends, with the Sharks playmaker registering 12 try assists in his past seven outings including two last week.
The crafty five-eighth can score four-pointers as well as setting them up, crossing the stripe an impressive 10 times from 17 appearances in 2024.
While it's been an injury-interrupted season for Munster, the Storm pivot is a true game-breaker who lives for the big stage. Cronulla will be intent on containing the Queensland Origin star as Trindall looks to conjure up points for the visitors.
Daniel Atkinson v Tyran Wishart
A playmaking utility is a major asset in the modern game. Wishart, Melbourne's Mr Fix It, has been at the forefront of the movement while enjoying a breakout 2024 season. The Storm dynamo has bagged 12 tries in 23 appearances.
While he's risen to prominence as a fill-in halfback this year, winning games with his calm demeanour in the absence of Nicho Hynes and Braydon Trindall at different times, Cronulla's Atkinson has proven he can play almost anywhere.
As well as confidently steering the ship, Atkinson has packed down at hooker, lined up as a winger and centre and even mixed it with the big men as a lock.
Seizing every opportunity that has come his way, the 23-year-old has left coach Craig Fitzgibbon little choice but to find room for him in his full-strength 17.
Ronaldo Mulitalo v Xavier Coates
With 17 tries from 20 appearances, including seven from his past four, Mulitalo is two clear of fellow winger Sione Katoa as Cronulla's leading try-scorer this season.
The Kiwi star ranks equal fifth among all players, rarely squandering a chance to touch down with an innate ability to dive, contort or force his way over the line.
Storm flyer Coates has missed a chunk of footy with a hamstring injury but made a try-scoring return last week in a statement victory against his former club Brisbane. The PNG international boasts 10 four-pointers from 13 outings this year, arguably claiming the try of the season to beat the Warriors in Round 2.
