Madimack Matchups - Sharks v Cowboys

The Sharks will write the latest chapter in their storied finals history against the Cowboys at Allianz Stadium on Friday night.

The do-or-die match shapes as yet another thrilling playoffs encounter between the sides, with Cronulla famously knocking off North Queensland in the 2016 preliminary final at the old Sydney Football Stadium en route to a premiership.

A field goal was all that separated the teams in their most recent finals clashes in 2017 and 2022, the Cowboys breaking the Sharks' hearts on those occasions.

With everything on the line and a tight battle predicted, flashes of individual skill may be the telling factor as Allianz turns into Sydney's Shark Tank.

Read on for this week's Madimack Matchups.

Madimack Matchups – Semi-Final

Kayal Iro v Valentine Holmes

Likened to Holmes for his strikingly similar looks, Sharks gun Iro has proven he's also worthy of comparison to the Cowboys star for his tremendous skill at centre.

Seemingly unflappable, Iro has kept up the intensity throughout a stellar rookie campaign underpinned by an average of 164 metres per game and six tries in total.

Holmes, a 2016 premiership winner at Cronulla, is approaching his last ride as a Cowboy before joining the Dragons. Having sunk his former club with a match-winning finals field goal in 2022, the Sharks will be out for revenge.

Briton Nikora v Jeremiah Nanai

Nikora continued his try-scoring purple patch in Cronulla's loss to the Storm last week, touching down for the sixth time in his past six matches.

The New Zealand international looms as one of his team's main attacking weapons, with his explosive hole-running ability making him a constant threat.

Rival back-rower Nanai is cut from a similar cloth, mixing athletic prowess with aggression. The edge forward will be central to North Queensland's game plan.

Sione Katoa v Murray Taulagi

Katoa and Taulagi are among the league's most productive wingers, relishing the tough carries from the backfield as well as the acrobatic dives to score tries.

Sharks flyer Katoa battled on with a hip pointer injury against the Storm, showcasing the toughness he possesses alongside his attacking flair.

Queensland finisher Taulagi needs one four-pointer to bring up 50 NRL tries. With eight from his past seven outings, the Sharks will be keen to limit his space.