The Bathurst talent got his first taste of NRL finals last year - a 32-20 elimination final loss to the Raiders - and since then the 24-year-old has worked hard on his game.

It has shown as he's earned praise from players past and present, many pundits touting him as the most improved player in the NRL, and it has also helped the Sharks be in contention for a finals spot.

They currently sit in eighth, but it is for and against differential that has them positioned there with both the Gold Titans and Canberra Raiders on the same competition points.

It means the Sharks will be doing all they can to win their remaining two games, firstly against Brisbane, then Melbourne.

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Kennedy's combination with halfback Braydon Trindall impressed last Saturday in a big win over West Tigers and the number seven hopes they click once more against the Broncos.

"Willy is a superstar, he's got good foot work, good with the ball, he's a great player to have on your team," Trindall said.

"We're grateful to have Willy at the back there."

Kennedy's work alongside his fellow backs in helping Cronulla get out of their own territory will be important too.

It is not just his kick returns, but that the former number nine has also made yards out of dummy half early in sets.

"We love our back five, we think it's a real strength of ours, we feel like that's an important part of our game no matter who we play, no matter where we play," coach Josh Hannay said.

"Those guys really get our sets going from the back field."

The Sharks and Broncos match will kick off at 5.30pm at Suncorp on Saturday.

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