And coach Ben Linde is expecting an "ambush" when the Sharks come to town.

Illawarra will launch their 2020 campaign with an SG Ball, Tarsha Gale Cup and Harold Mathews triple header against the Sharks at Collegians Sports Complex. The Steelers are defending champions in SG Ball and Tarsha Gale Cup.

Linde said he always expected a tough challenge from Cronulla, especially in their season opener.

"We got them up there last year and I'm pretty sure they'll be thinking the same thing this year," he said.

"They'll come down here and try to ambush us. That's all we've thought about during pre-season is the Sharks, as soon as we knew we had them. So game on."

It's a new-look squad from the Steelers outfit that claimed the trophy last May with a 34-23 win over Manly.

Only six players return in 2020: Talatau Amone, Josh Coric, Trent Griffiths, Jackson Shereb, Tyrell Sloan and Cooper Tunbridge.

"It's a different dynamic this year with a different group which is exciting," Linde said. "There are kids in there who are starting at the SG Ball level. The energy and enthusiasm they've been showing is great.

"The six guys who played last year have been outstanding. And we've got some younger kids who have come through like Jacob Webster who has made every post a winner. He played Harold Matthews last year. Trey Barlow is another one.

"I'm confident that we'll be very competitive."

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Daniel Lacey's Tarsha Gale Cup side are also looking to secure back-to-back title wins. The Steelers etched their name on the trophy with a 24-12 win over Newcastle.

Lacey said his side's 2020 pre-season had been good but he wasn't sure what to expect against the Sharks.

"Basically it's football Christmas with round one, you don't know what you're going to get. You just turn up and see what's going to happen," the coach said.

"We've seen a little bit of video from the trials, but it is always a battle in the Tarsha Gale with the Sharks. We really want to win but we also want to start the season strong.

"We're bringing back 10 players from last year's premiership winning team which is strong. Obviously we did lose some players but you gain some new ones too who come through our under-16s system as well.

"From last year's squad, we have a few NSW players. Teagan Berry is one that stands out and another is NSW halfback Tiana Graham. We're looking good and strong at the moment."

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