Madimack Matchups - Sharks v Panthers
It's the rising star against the experienced campaigner as in-form Sharks five-eighth Braydon Trindall aims to outpoint wily Panthers counterpart Jarome Luai in Saturday night's preliminary final.
The headlining playmaking duel is one of several mouth-watering Madimack Matchups at Accor Stadium, with Cronulla to throw everything at the three-time defending premiers after a Trindall-inspired victory over the Cowboys last week.
Madimack Matchups - Preliminary Final
Braydon Trindall v Jarome Luai
On the biggest stage of his career, Trindall delivered his finest performance.
The 25-year-old pivot was responsible for two tries and had a hand in two others to engineer a 28-16 semi-final win over North Queensland, prompting high praise from the great Andrew Johns who rated the display close to a perfect 10.
However, he'll need to be elite again to get one over NSW Origin gun Luai, who is seeking to depart Penrith with a fourth-straight premiership.
Luai scored a try in his side's qualifying final win over the Roosters and, in tandem with Nathan Cleary, has the experience and class to pose a constant threat.
Blayke Brailey v Mitch Kenny
Brailey's laidback demeanour belies his tenacity and durability.
The Sharks hooker has played a remarkable 102 consecutive NRL games and counting. He racked up 69 tackles in the first week of the finals against the Storm, followed by 46 against the Cowboys – all while handling the ball 148 times.
Kenny is cut from the same cloth – a no-nonsense, hard-working yet extremely skilful dummy-half. The crafty Brailey has the edge in attacking stats, though, boasting more try assists (8 vs 5) and average run metres (46 vs 26).
Briton Nikora v Liam Martin
In what might be an early preview of October's Pacific Championships, New Zealand Test back-rower Nikora will face off against Australian incumbent Martin.
The game-breaking forwards are masters of their craft. Both are leading proponents of how to run a lethal line while packing a heavy punch in defence.
The international weapons will look to own their respective right edges.
