Madimack Matchups - Sharks v Bulldogs
Looking to win their opening two matches for the first time since 2008, the Sharks play host to the Bulldogs on Friday night.
While the spotlight at a buzzing PointsBet Stadium will be firmly fixed on Cronulla co-captain Dale Finucane in his 250th NRL appearance, a number of gripping individual player battles will add further intrigue to the contest.
Here are Sharks Media's Madimack Player Matchups to monitor this week, with a comparison of key Round 1 statistics in the graphics below.
Round 2 - Madimack Matchups
Jesse Ramien v Stephen Crichton
With Crichton being Canterbury's marquee off-season signing, making such an impression that he's been installed as captain, Sharks centre Ramien has the crucial task of limiting the three-time premiership winner's impact.
Similarly, former Panthers star Crichton will have his hands full trying to contain the blockbusting Ramien on Cronulla's imposing right edge.
Both men bagged tries in Round 1 and will be hunting further points this week.
Briton Nikora v Viliame Kikau
Sharks backrower Briton Nikora is arguably the NRL's finest hole runner at present, routinely nailing the perfect angle to tear through a gap off a Nicho Hynes pass.
His Bulldogs counterpart Viliame Kikau, meanwhile, is a master of isolating the opposition halfback and steamrolling his way over the try-line.
Sparks could fly when Nikora, a Kiwi representative, and Kikau, a Fijian Test star who won two premierships with the Panthers, directly clash at Shark Park.
Will Kennedy v Blake Taaffe
After missing the end of last season with a hamstring injury, Kennedy slotted straight back into the No.1 jersey and helped engineer Cronulla's gutsy first-up win over the Warriors with some inspired defensive efforts.
Having received limited attacking opportunities in last week's 16-12 victory, the classy fullback will aim to put his usual polish on his team's backline shifts.
On the other side, the talented Taaffe is aiming to assert himself as the premier Bulldogs custodian after making the move from the Rabbitohs. With grand final experience already under his belt, the 24-year-old has all the tools to be a threat.
