Madimack Matchups - Sharks v Dolphins
Several big guns will go head-to-head when the Sharks and Dolphins meet in Thursday night's Battle of the Fins at PointsBet Stadium.
Individual brilliance could have a telling impact on the outcome of the much-anticipated second-versus-fourth clash to kick off Beanie for Brain Cancer Round.
In this week's Madimack Matchups article, Sharks Media has highlighted three crucial man-on-man tussles to monitor. The graphics below showcase season stats.
Madimack Matchups - Round 15
Nicho Hynes v Isaiya Katoa
Having trained freely this week after overcoming a lingering calf complaint, marquee playmaker Hynes will play for the Sharks for the first time since Round 12.
Coming off his second Origin match for NSW, Hynes will be eager to continue his sparkling club form as he reconnects with Braydon Trindall in the halves.
While only in his second NRL season at age 20, rival halfback Katoa has impressed astute judges with his composure and football nous. With an old head on young shoulders, he is a key reason for the Dolphins sitting in the top four.
Will Kennedy v Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow
Always solid, Kennedy has shown his class on both sides of the ball in recent weeks. After carrying the Steeden for more than 200 metres against the Eels in Round 13, the No.1 backed it up with 147m in Saturday's win over the Broncos while also producing a try-saving tackle and assisting an important four-pointer.
Fellow Indigenous star Tabuai-Fidow was at the peak of his powers for Queensland in the opening Origin match last week, bagging a hat-trick after being moved to fullback early in the contest. The Sharks will be wary of his electric pace and agility, with the 'Hammer' having scored eight tries from seven NRL starts in 2024.
Toby Rudolf v Felise Kaufusi
It's the 'Dolf' against the Dolphins, the club where the prop won the 2018 Queensland Cup title and ultimately convinced the Sharks to offer him a contract.
The one-time Redcliffe star returned to Cronulla's starting line-up against Brisbane and punched out a strong 91 metres in 27 minutes across two stints.
His Dolphins counterpart Kaufusi brings experience and firepower to the Dolphins' front row. The 32-year-old ex-Storm hitman doesn't take any prisoners.
