Madimack Matchups - Sharks v Wests Tigers

Coming off a strong win at home, the Sharks will hit the road for their Round 3 clash with Wests Tigers at Leichhardt Oval.

While Benji Marshall's team were beaten by the Raiders last weekend after a bye in Round 1, Cronulla will be wary on Saturday night given the star power across the Tigers' line-up and the challenge of facing a passionate inner-west crowd.

As the Sharks look to maintain their unblemished record and win their opening three matches for the first time since 2002, individual battles could prove decisive.

Read on for Sharks Media's latest Madimack Matchups to monitor, including graphics featuring key season stats for the players in the spotlight.

Round 3 - Madimack Matchups

Blayke Brailey v Api Koroisau

Brailey shadowed Koroisau in NSW camp ahead of Origin I last year, but the Sharks hooker will strive to be the one teaching lessons this week.

As the reigning Sharks Player of the Year, Brailey's defensive workload, crisp service and sleight of hand around the ruck are crucial to his team's success.

Wests Tigers captain Koroisau doubles as their most dangerous player, with his running game and vision from dummy-half making him a constant threat.

At 25, Brailey is coming into his prime and can deliver an early statement in his bid to become an Origin player by getting the better of his star counterpart.

Jack Williams v John Bateman

Named to start in the second row due to Briton Nikora's suspension, the formidable Williams is set to lock horns with fiery Englishman Bateman.

Williams has been impressive off the bench as a middle forward but now faces the task of shutting down his agile and skillful counterpart on an edge.

Replacing Nikora, one of the NRL's best hole runners, is far from a simple challenge, but Williams is known for his reliability and won't let anyone down with his effort.

Toby Rudolf v David Klemmer

After easing his way into the season off the bench after rehabbing a turf-toe injury over the summer, Rudolf returned to Cronulla's run-on side in Round 2.

In looking to set the tone at Leichhardt, the line-bending front-rower will butt heads with experienced Wests Tigers firebrand David Klemmer.

A 14-time NSW representative, Klemmer is renowned for never taking a backward step and will assume responsibility for generating early go-forward. If Rudolf and his mates in the Sharks pack can nullify his impact, the visitors will be well placed.