Madimack 'Power Players' – Round 3

In hot and humid conditions in the nation's capital, the Sharks fell short to the Raiders in round three. Despite the result there were some performances worth noting.

Here’s the Sharks ‘Madimack Power Players’ from the match.

Braydon Trindall

Coming into the side in round one with Nicho Hynes under an injury cloud, there were question marks on how Trindall would perform in the absence of the reigning Dally M Medallist. Over the opening three rounds he has silenced the critics.

The young Sharks halfback has been a shining light over the opening rounds of the season, and round three was no different. Calm and composed, ‘Tricky’ controlled the game well in another sharp performance, laying on two try assists and two line break assists to go with his own 73 run metres and 452 kick metres.

Where he fits into the side when Nicho returns is anyone’s guess, but he’s certainly put his name in the ring for selection in the 17-man squad moving forward.

Will Kennedy

Off to a hot start in 2023 is fullback Will Kennedy.

After securing his first NRL hat-trick in round two, Kennedy was back on the board for the Sharks early in Canberra, scoring his fourth try of the season with a supporting run to Ronaldo Mulitalo’s line break, icing off the finish.

The two would combine again before half time with a deft and inch-perfect grubber from Kennedy receiving the perfect bounce for Mulitalo to score.

A stat line reading 146 metres with a try, try assist and three tackle breaks was another important performance from Kennedy. His silky skills on show to start 2023 will have Sharks’ fans looking for his big metres and big plays to continue over the coming rounds.

Briton Nikora

One of the Sharks most consistent forwards to start the season has been Briton Nikora.

The hard lines and strong defence that have become a staple of Nikora’s game were once again on show in the nation’s capital on Sunday.

Nikora added another try to his 2023 tally, running a beautiful line off a Trindall short ball with the four-pointer getting the Sharks to within striking distance with just over six minutes to go in the match.

The most impressive play from the back rower however came in defence. A jarring hit on Raiders halfback Jamal Fogarty knocking the ball loose and stopping a Canberra attacking raid in its tracks.

The imposing start for Nikora comes off the back of a superb World Cup campaign for the Kiwi’s and a notable showing in the 2023 All-Stars clash.

With 40 tackles, 106 metres, line break and try against the Raiders, it’s certainly shaping up to be a big year for Brit.

Teig Wilton

On the opposite edge for the Shark’s is Teig Wilton, who has also started the year off with a bang.

Fresh off an impressive pre-season, Teig was handed the starting spot ahead of veteran Wade Graham and has cemented himself in the lineup over the opening rounds.

Over the last two season’s Wilton has struck up an exciting attacking combination with five-eighth Matt Moylan, with the two showcasing their skills in the pre-season challenge and opening rounds.

In Canberra on Sunday evening, although there was no try to add to his count, the Shark’s backrower was as consistent as always with two tackle breaks, 176 metres, 62 post-contact metres and 41 tackles to his name.

A strong start to the year that we hope continues for Teig.

Next up the Sharks head to Kogarah on Sunday night to face the Dragons in a round four local derby clash, hoping to get themselves back into the winners circle.

Stay tuned for more Madimack ' Power Players' moving forward, and check out Madimack and the products and services they provide at https://www.madimack.com.au/sustainable-energy-solutions