Tonight's showdown between the Tigers and Sharks will be full of salivating storylines, from Robbie Farah v Michael Ennis and Aaron Woods v Andrew Fifita, to Cronulla's brick-wall defence up against the black and gold's scintillating attack
But the evening's main event will undoubtedly be between James Tedesco and Ben Barba – two of the competition's in-form fullbacks who have both been garnering plenty of State of Origin support.
Barba was back to his brilliant best in Monday night's win over the Storm, his game highlighted by a 50-metre solo effort that saw him slice straight through the heart of the defence, which Tigers backrower Chris Lawrence said his side can't let happen again.
"That sort of space and go-forward is created by the forwards, so we have to try to nullify the space that Ben Barba's in by limiting their forwards and trying to stop them up the middle," Lawrence said.
"But in saying that, he's such a dangerous player and they've got plenty of dangerous outside backs, so if they get a sniff then I'm sure they'll make their presence known as well."
While it won't be an easy task trying to shut down Barba, the Tigers know they have their own star fullback to call upon should they need some inspiration.
James Tedesco has been one of the game's best in 2016, scoring an NRL-high five tries, making a competition-best 29 tackle breaks, and saving three tries as well.
Originally published as 'Tedesco v Barba a dream match-up', NRL.com
