Cronulla and St George Illawarra have been drawn in the same pool for February’s Auckland Nines.
The Sharks and Dragons will meet Canberra and the Gold Coast in Pool Piha.
Cronulla finished runner-up last year, losing the final to South Sydney.
The tournament could be Cronulla fans first look at a host of new signings including halves James Maloney and Chad Townsend.
NRL premiers North Queensland were drawn against Newcastle, Penrith and the Wests Tigers in Pool Rangitoto.
Pool Hunua appears to be the strongest with the hosts New Zealand Warriors drawn against Canterbury, Manly and NRL grand finalists Brisbane.
Last year’s nines champions South Sydney are joined in Pool Waiheke by the Sydney Roosters, Parramatta and Melbourne.
The third annual pre-season tournament will be held over the weekend of February 6 and 7.
Who will advance furthest at the Auckland Nines - Cronulla or St George Illawarra?
