Wollongong United's quest for back-to-back Bert Bampton Cup crowns can take one giant leap towards becoming a reality when they meet Woonona in the semi-finals on Sunday.

Victory would book the Reds' spot in the decider for the second straight year after they outlasted Port Kembla in the final 12 months ago.

Their squad has undergone some changes since but many of their players will still remember last season's triumph fondly.

Johnny Martinoski is one of those players hoping to see his side lift the silverware again, but the striker also has a point to prove personally.

"When we won last year, I wasn't actually a part of it. I haven't been in a Cup final before," Martinoski said.

"As a team the boys really want to go back-to-back. It is a hard thing to do but that is what we want.

"There are a few boys still there from last year but there are a lot of new faces as well."

United will need to overcome a Sharks outfit who have a had good recent history in the Cup.

They made the decider in 2013 but ultimately fell at the final hurdle to Tarrawanna.

"We lost by a goal in that final. The Woonona club has been around 126 years so something like this, to get into a final, is very prestigious for us," Sharks committee member Ryan Banks said.

"We are looking to go in there all guns blazing and have a really good game on Sunday.

"They are strong all over the park. Strong upfront, in defence and out of the midfield. Our guys will have to be on their game and play it as if it is a final."

Fatigue will more than likely play its part for both teams as they contest Illawarra Premier League catch-up games just 24 hours before the knockout fixture.

United play Shell Cove, while the Sharks host Cringila Lions at Ocean Park.

The pair have met once already in the league this season, sharing the spoils in a 2-2 draw.

"After drawing that game we know it won't be an easy task to get to the final," Martinoski said.

"They are very good defensively and are compact, so it is hard to break them down."

In another catch-up game, Cove play again on Sunday against Port Kembla.