The match is expected to take place on March 2.

Such was the success of last season's pre-season match against the Parramatta Eels, when a bumper crowd of 6526 attended, that it seems a formality that the game will get the go-ahead.

Certainly the Sharks see it that way.

They have told their local newspaper - Fairfax Media's St George and Sutherland Shire Leader - that while the venue can't yet be confirmed, a formal announcement was expected by the end of the month.

And in their minds, they're heading to Maitland.

If so, it will give local fans the opportunity to see such big names as Valentine Holmes, Andrew Fifita, Paul Gallen and Matt Moylan in action.

It would also be an early chance to get a look at former State of Origin centre Josh Morris in his new colours at Cronulla.

The Knights too have bolstered in the off season, signing Edrick Lee and Jesse Ramien - ironically both from Cronulla.   

They will be hoping their season didn’t turn out as Parramatta’s did last season.

The Eels, who were regarded as pre-season premiership heavyweights, comfortably beat the Knights 26-6 in their pre-season clash at Maitland, but they then went on to claim the wooden spoon.

Maitland Sports Ground underwent an $8.6 million redevelopment which included a 1100-seat grandstand, change rooms, amenities and a fresh playing surface. 

Knights coach Nathan Brown said after the match that Maitland was a great surface and one of the best country grounds around.

Ironically, Cronulla will return to the Hunter Valley for their 2019 NRL season opener when they face the Knights in Newcastle on March 15