There could be fireworks in the Shire when Will Kennedy and Reece Walsh clash at the same ground where they came together in one of the wildest tackles of 2022.
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Kennedy had almost forgotten about the clothesline tackle on Walsh in Round 9 last year, for which he was sent off and copped a two-game ban for a grade three high tackle charge.
The 26-year-old was defending in the line when Walsh – who was at the Warriors at the time – put on a big left foot step which caught Kennedy off balance.
Will Kennedy was sent off last year for a high tackle on Reece Walsh. Picture: Cameron Spencer / Getty Images
He leapt off the ground and caught him with a tackle which wouldn’t have looked out of place in the WWE, with referee Todd Smith sending him off after just 17 minutes.
Kennedy’s second game back from suspension was against the Warriors, but this is the first time they’ll face off at PointsBet Stadium since that tackle, with Walsh set to back up after making his Maroons debut on Wednesday.
“I forgot about that,” Kennedy said.
“He just caught me off guard. I was trying to stop a try but my hand happened to get him in the head. I forgot all about that.
“It was more of a clothesline. It’s obviously not the right technique, so hopefully I just tackle him around the legs next time.
“I was in the sheds watching it because I wasn’t allowed on the field. It was good by the boys and that was one of our best wins of the season.
“I served my time and came back. It was an accident and he’s been on fire since then.”
Kennedy has hit new heights this season in attack. Picture: Mark Kolbe / Getty Images
The Sharks were down to 11 men at one stage in that game but remarkably kicked clear in one of the most famous wins of the year.
They’ve had plenty more of those in 2023, with Kennedy playing a key role in what’s been his best season so far in the NRL.
The livewire fullback has already scored 11 tries, including two hat-tricks, and is level with Origin stars Nathan Cleary and Ben Hunt with 10 assists.
His ability to sweep on both sides of the field has taken Cronulla’s attack to new heights this season, and his teammates want the footy world to start appreciating just how much he means to the Sharks.
The Sharks could finish the round in top spot if they beat the Broncos and results go their way. Picture: Kennedy Brendon Thorne / Getty Images
“I always think we’ve rated him highly here, so we don’t really pay attention to that underrated tag that other people put on him,” winger Ronaldo Mulitalo said.
“We know what he can produce, and it’s good to see him do it so consistently this year. He’s probably flown under the radar for a bit, so it’s good to see him get the recognition for it.
“He’s always been a player who has had it in him and has shown glimpses of what he can do, but the coaches have brought the best out of him this year.
“He’s more confident now and he’s flourishing in that role.”