In the aftermath of the State of Origin opener, the Sharks head north eager to slip back into winning ways against the Broncos.
The effect of Origin has resulted in each team's biggest star being sidelined, with Cronulla halfback Nicho Hynes kept on ice and Brisbane and Queensland fullback Reece Walsh ruled out after being concussed early against NSW.
As expected of a blockbuster second-versus-fifth clash, fans are set to savour a plethora of head-to-head battles on Saturday night at Suncorp Stadium.
Sharks Media has focused on three such duels for this week's Madimack Matchups article – the graphics below showcase season statistics.
Madimack Matchups - Round 14
Siosifa Talakai v Jordan Riki
Returning to the starting line-up for the first time since Round 4, Talakai will fill the hole created by injured second-rower Teig Wilton on Cronulla's left edge.
Used off the bench for most of the year, Talakai has produced substantial impact despite only playing more than 30 minutes four times in the past eight weeks.
Now set for a bigger role, Talakai is poised to take on impressive Broncos forward Riki, who is averaging a tick under 35 tackles per match in 2024.
Daniel Atkinson v Ezra Mam
Atkinson has been steady and reliable since coming into the halves six weeks ago, with an ability to know when to play second fiddle and when to take control.
The rookie playmaker showed off his running game against the Eels last week, stepping and shrugging his way over the line for his first NRL try.
Mam, meanwhile, will bring up the 50th match of a career that has already included a grand final hat-trick. With Walsh sidelined and Brisbane's other Origin players not certain to back up, Mam is likely to be their main man.
Ronaldo Mulitalo v Deine Mariner
Playing his 100th NRL game, Mulitalo's passion and attacking nous will be crucial as the Sharks seek to win at Suncorp Stadium for the second time in a month.
Already boasting 74 career four-pointers, including nine this season, the 24-year-old Kiwi looks a strong chance to celebrate his milestone match by touching down.
Broncos young gun Mariner is also proving to be an elite finisher, having crossed the stripe 10 times in 2024 to sit equal second on the top try-scorers list.
