Madimack Matchups - Sharks v Knights

A sibling rivalry headlines this week's Madimack Matchups as the Sharks host the Knights to cap off a triple-header at PointsBet Stadium.

The Sunday afternoon blockbuster pits Cronulla star Blayke Brailey against older brother Jayden, who played 69 games for the Sharks before moving to Newcastle.

It'll be one of several big-name battles in the Shire, with both teams coming off impressive victories and fighting for top-four and top-eight berths respectively.

Madimack Matchups - Round 24

Blayke Brailey v Jayden Brailey

It seems an age ago, but Blayke Brailey came into first grade as brother Jayden's dummy-half understudy at the Sharks in 2019. He secured the starting role the following year while Jayden headed to the Knights, where he's endured a luckless run with injuries in recent seasons before regaining his rhythm in 2024.

Blayke will wear the number seven for the second week running, but if his last-start performance against the Titans is anything to go by, he'll play hooker in attack. Jayden, meanwhile, will be tasked with directing Newcastle at the ruck.

The tight-knit siblings always relish the occasion of facing one another and will no doubt be eager to secure family bragging rights along with two competition points.

Jesse Ramien v Dane Gagai

The opposing right centres pose a lethal attacking threat, with Sharks gun Ramien topping the competition for offloads (41) and Knights veteran Gagai ranking equal fourth among all players for tackle breaks (108).

They've both crossed the line five times this season and been in sparkling form. Ramien was on the cusp of making his State of Origin debut for the Blues, while 33-year-old Gagai earned his first Maroons call-up since 2022 last month.

Given their X-factor, don't look away when Ramien or Gagai have the ball.

Briton Nikora v Tyson Frizell

Somewhat of a quiet achiever this season, Cronulla back-rower Nikora has bagged four tries in his past seven games including one against the Titans last week.

Rival representative edge forward Frizell has also been in try-scoring form, touching down in three of his past four outings. Despite being on opposite sides of the field, both men boast explosive power, know how to run a strong line and are evenly matched in key statistics. They will be pivotal to their sides' chances.