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Newcastle Knights v Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks Friday 6:00pm at McDonald Jones Stadium, New Lambton / Awabakal

Behind one of the league's most passionate supporter bases, can the Knights match their lofty expectations?

As an outsider looking in, it was certainly encouraging to see the Newcastle faithful out in droves despite their lowly results in recent years.

For many, on-field success is all that matters and they let their feet do the talking. For the people of the Hunter, however, it is about pride.

And the tight-knit community showed plenty of it and were rewarded last year. It wasn't a top-eight finish, sure, but eleventh place is no wooden spoon.

But after an off-season spending spree, which sees David Klemmer, Jesse Ramien and Kurt Mann among others call Newcastle home in 2019, coach Nathan Brown now has to contend with something the club has never considered in past years.

Expectations. And boy are they high. They are warranted though. This is no longer a rebuilding side.

Mitchell Pearce, despite missing 10 games last year, finished within a few points of claiming a shock Dally M medal. Kalyn Ponga is the name on everyone's lips. And their pack rates so highly that Jamie Buhrer missed out on a spot in their seventeen.

All this means nothing if they haven't fixed up their defence. Since 2015, the Knights have finished the last season in the bottom two when it comes to points leaked.

While the arrival of new players can arouse excitement, it may not cover up this fundamental flaw that has continually hindered Newcastle's chances of improvement.

What makes things even tougher for them is that they face Cronulla, a side renowned for their defensive grit and resilience.

They may be without Valentine Holmes, Wade Graham and Luke Lewis but the Sharks are as mentally tough as they come.

What will be interesting to see, however, is whether this was instilled by now departed coach Shane Flanagan. John Morris is certainly under pressure to succeed or risk being usurped by someone more experienced.

The arrival of Shaun Johnson means that Cronulla still maintain one of the best spines in the competition, with the former Warrior partnering the ever-consistent Chad Townsend in the halves.

Matt Moylan reverts back to fullback while young Jayden Brailey continues to impress at hooker.

Many have suggested that Cronulla's premiership window slammed shut with Holmes' departure but a Sharks side flying under the radar is as dangerous as you get.

Last meeting: Round 24 2018 - Sharks 38 Knights 12

Who to watch: Against his former club, look for Jesse Ramien to prove he is exactly what Newcastle has been missing in recent years. While boasting a more-than-capable three-quarter line, the Knights have been crying out for an explosive centre who can burst through holes and play off the back of Pearce and Ponga. And after scoring 10 tries in a breakout 2018, Ramien provides the Novocastrians with just that. He should be a certain starter for the entire season but may face some competition from injured back Tautau Moga.

Cronulla's backrow stocks appear thin without Lewis and Graham. Both were mainstays in the Sharks pack, hard workers with just the right amount of flair. They are replaced by Kurt Capewell and debutant Briton Nikora. Capewell has proven himself before in first grade as a solid performer, whose greatest asset is his versatility. Nikora, however, is untested in the top level and with Graham slated for a mid-season return, he will be vying against the already established Capewell to demand selection.

The favourite: Newcastle are slight favourites at home.

My tip: The Knights will certainly live up to their expectations but it may take time. Cronulla, despite a disruptive off-season, are still a classy outfit and their polish should see them home. Sharks by 10.

1. Connor Watson 2. Edrick Lee 3. Hymel Hunt 4. Jesse Ramien 5. Shaun Kenny-Dowall 6. Kalyn Ponga 7. Mitchell Pearce 8. David Klemmer 9. Danny Levi 10. James Gavet 11. Lachlan Fitzgibbon 12. Sione Mata'utia 13. Tim Glasby 14. Kurt Mann 15. Aidan Guerra 16. Mitchell Barnett 17. Daniel Saifiti

1. Matt Moylan 2. Sosaia Feki 3. Josh Dugan 4. Josh Morris 5. Sione Katoa 6. Shaun Johnson 7. Chad Townsend 8. Andrew Fifita 9. Jayden Brailey 10. Matt Prior 11. Briton Nikora 12. Kurt Capewell 13. Paul Gallen 14. Blayke Brailey 15. Jayson Bukuya 16. Aaron Woods 17. Jack Williams

Referees: Peter Gough, Phil Henderson; Sideline Officials: Rickey McFarlane, Drew Oultram; Video Referees: Bryan Norrie, Ashley Klein;