Huxley, who won NSL championships with the Wolves in 2000 and 2001, predicts Sutherland and Wollongong will meet again in the decider on Sunday, September 7 at CUA Stadium.

The major semi-final winner will be the first side into the grand final.

"I think it will be us and them in the grand final," Huxley said.

"Obviously Wollongong has quality, being where they are in the competition."

Despite the compliment, Huxley bristled at Wollongong coach John Turner's suggestion that the Wolves would be the first team into the decider.

"That's John Turner isn't it? We'll see on Sunday," Huxley said.

"They can do all the talking and we'll sort it out on the field."

Huxley didn't see Wollongong's come-from-behind, 3-2 win over Sydney Olympic at WIN Stadium last Friday, but acknowledged the team's fighting qualities.

"They came from behind again didn't they? They've got some fight in them," he said.

Huxley would know. The 31-year-old produced an 18m piledriver that put the Sharks ahead in their premiership-deciding clash with the Wolves nearly three weeks ago.

Wollongong battled back for a draw, but Sutherland secured the premiership thanks to a better goal difference.

"Any goal is a good goal and I don't score them often," Huxley said of his strike. "If I get another like that one on Sunday, I'll be happy."

The round 22 match against Wollongong was Sutherland's latest against a rival NSW Premier League side, although they faced A-League club Central Coast last Saturday week and Illawarra Premier League outfit Picton last Thursday.

Huxley isn't wild about the three-week gap between fixtures.

"One week off would have been perfect, but two or three is a bit much," he said. "Wollongong are a good team and if they turn up, they'll be a big threat."

Huxley is keen to mix it up in a real derby - Wollongong FC's Michael Hawrysiuk and Danial Cummins, as well as Turner, had stints at the Sharks, while Huxley and Sutherland team-mate George Souris played for the Wolves.

Fellow Sharks Brad Boardman (Picton and Dandaloo), David Reid (Picton) and Phil Zabaks (Port Kembla) all played with Illawarra clubs.