Expectation of a strong season is growing in Sutherland Shire as Carney and fellow new recruits Bryce Gibbs, Ben Ross, Isaac De Gois and Andrew Fifta bring about a sense of hope among Cronulla faithful.

Last year's figure of 3200 seated members was surpassed weeks ago and a spike in new members occurred this week following the club's trial win against Manly last Friday.

The club's general manager of commercial Peter Beaumont said membership had increased significantly since the drive was launched towards the end of last year.

"Membership has been going very well," Beaumont said. "This week has been a continuation of that with a slight increase."

The Sharks will hold a unique "open house" on February 25 in a bid to attract more new members before the season begins on Thursday, March 1.

The concept will allow potential members to walk around Toyota Stadium and pick their seats.

"We are always looking for new ideas," Beaumont said.

"The NRL suggested this to us.

"We will open the gates and people can come down and have a look around and see if there is a seat they want."

Seats already sold will be marked accordingly.

"The membership program has improved dramatically in recent years," Beaumont said.

"A lot of time has been put into developing and improving the program."

Cronulla will field a combined squad of fringe NRL and under-20 players in a NSW Cup trial against North Sydney on Saturday. Full-time NRL squad members Tyrone Peachey, Sosaia Feki and Tyrone Viiga will play alongside rookies Rodney Coates and Luke Pickerd. The match at Redfern Oval kicks off at 6pm.

Squad: Luke Pickerd, Nesi Mataitonga, Sosaia Feki, Callum Tatahua, Daniel Moroko, Sam Duggan, Penani Manumalealii, Rodney Coates, Michael Lichaa, Tyrone Viiga, James Hasson, Haydn Peacock, Tyrone Peachey, Jake Walsh, Tokerau Raru, Joel Tubbs, Sione Massima.

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