Madimack Matchups - Sharks v Storm

It'll be a top-of-the-table clash to savour on Saturday night as the Sharks enter the eye of the Storm at Melbourne's AAMI Park.

While the Storm are missing some key players including fullback Ryan Papenhuyzen, halfback Jahrome Hughes and winger Xavier Coates, the men in purple always prove difficult to defeat on their home patch.

Both teams are looking to make it six wins on the trot, with the first-placed Sharks keen to continue the momentum after a gritty local derby win over the Dragons.

With ample class across the park on each side, here are Sharks Media's individual Madimack Matchups to monitor this round. 

The graphics below show season stats for the players in focus.

Madimack Matchups - Round 10

Will Kennedy v Sua Fa'alogo

Sharks fullback Kennedy is a model of consistency, going about his business without fuss and adding all-important polish to his team's attack.

The reliable 27-year-old's composure has been crucial in Cronulla's winning run.

For the Storm, the electric Fa'alogo has replaced Papenhuyzen in the No.1 jersey after the latter's unfortunate run of injuries continued with an ankle fracture.

Fa'alogo has only played three NRL games but already boasts three tries, including one after starting on the wing against the Titans last week. He showcased his potential when starring for Samoa at the Pacific Champions last October.

Royce Hunt v Nelson Asofa-Solomona

Named to take the field in the NRL for the first time since Round 1, the destructive Hunt is poised to bring impact off the interchange for Cronulla.

Hunt has worked his way back through reserve grade impressively after straining his calf while warming up on the sideline against Wests Tigers in Round 3.

Asofa-Solomona will also aim to wreak havoc when injected into the fray by Melbourne coach Craig Bellamy. The 115kg powerhouse has notched up nine tackle busts in his three games this year including six against Souths in Round 6.

Teig Wilton v Eli Katoa

Wilton has been a rock for the Sharks on the left edge, playing 80 minutes in all but one game this season and averaging a huge 34.5 tackles per outing.

The second-rower has been just as strong with ball in hand, averaging 110 metres per game and combining smoothly with centre Kayal Iro in recent weeks.

Katoa is a force for the Storm with a knack for powering over defending and scoring tries, having registered three from eight appearances in 2024.

With Katoa on Melbourne's right side, he will directly lock horns with Wilton.