Madimack Matchups - Sharks v Raiders

Four weeks on from their last meeting, the Sharks will again tackle the Raiders on Sunday – this time in the nation's capital.

Cronulla overcame an 18-point deficit in their 36-22 victory against Canberra in Round 4 – leading into a bye – to spark their current three-game winning streak.

Having faced off so recently, the teams will be well prepared coming into a return clash at GIO Stadium, setting up some intriguing head-to-head duels.

Here are Sharks Media's Madimack Matchups to monitor for Round 8, with the below graphics showcasing the featured players' season statistics.

Madimack Matchups - Round 8

Ronaldo Mulitalo v Xavier Savage

Sharks flyer Mulitalo is the competition's form winger, having scored a season-high eight tries in six games including three consecutive doubles.

He crossed twice against the Raiders earlier this season and has since gone to another level, with coach Craig Fitzgibbon praising his passion and maturity.

The exciting Savage has been a shining light for Canberra out wide. He sliced through the Cronulla defence for one of his five tries this campaign.

While Mulitalo and Savage will reside on the opposing left flanks and may not lock horns directly, whoever makes the most of their attacking opportunities could break the game open and prove the difference for their team.

Will Kennedy v Chevy Stewart

Cronulla fullback Kennedy enjoyed one of his finest performances against the Cowboys last weekend, claiming the Paul Green Medal as man of the match.

The humble custodian scored the opening try, set up another and broke a whopping eight tackles as the Sharks charged to a 42-6 victory.

He'll now go up against third-gamer Stewart, a gifted 18-year-old who came through the Sharks development system and led the club's under-17 Harold Matthews team to the 2022 grand final before moving to Canberra.

Stewart was strong on debut against the Titans but was then tested under the high ball in a defeat to the Broncos. But having seen his immense talent as he climbed the junior grades, the Sharks won't be taking the youngster lightly.

Blayke Brailey v Danny Levi

These rival hookers have been in try-scoring form in 2024. 

Sharks rake Brailey has touched down in two of his past three outings, with his Raiders counterpart Levi notching up an impressive four tries from eight starts.

Both number nines etched their names on the scoresheet in the first Sharks-Raiders encounter this year. They'll again have an important role to play on Sunday in helping to control the ruck and marshalling their attacks.