Their halves partnership has been broken up by the arrival of Shaun Johnson but Sharks general Chad Townsend still expects to link often with Matt Moylan.
Townsend is adamant Moylan's return to fullback won't diminish his ball-playing contribution, revealing his Cronulla teammate will effectively become a second five-eighth in attack.
The pair's scrum-base alliance was a slow burn in 2018, though they developed undeniable chemistry when the finals rolled around to marshal the Sharks to the grand final qualifier.
And while Johnson will wear the Sharks No.6 this season instead of Moylan, Townsend says the trio will share the playmaking load.
"I think with that combination, [Moylan] will add a lot more to our attack [at fullback]," Townsend told Sporting News.
"The way I play and the way those two boys play is a lot different, so if we can get that mix together I think it'll be a real plus for our attack moving forward."
Moylan was sensational at the back in his lone trial hit-out in Cronulla's 30-6 win over Newcastle a fortnight ago, throwing the final pass for one try and setting up another with a kick.
Johnson was also slick and Townsend his usual reliable self as the Sharks' new spine fine-tuned their connection ahead of round one on Friday night, ironically versus the Knights again.
Despite steering Cronulla to a premiership in 2016, there is pressure on Townsend heading into the season with the emergence of young half Kyle Flanagan, who has made it clear he wants to start in the NRL.
Rather than let tension bubble between himself and Flanagan, Townsend has opted to pass on advice to the fellow local junior.
"I help him out where I can. He's a confident kid, just like all our young boys," Townsend said.
"There's an exciting new crop of players that are coming through and they've all got pretty level heads on them."
Although he doesn't seem to receive the plaudits deserved for his achievements, Townsend isn't fussed in the slightest.
For him, the credit doesn't matter as long as Cronulla are winning.
"I don't mind at all. I just try and turn up each day and train as hard as I can," he said.
"Each game I play, I just do my job to the best of my ability.
"It's cool that people think I'm underrated but I don't play the game for accolades; I play the game for my teammates and to be the best player I can."
Now approaching veteran status with 139 first grade matches to his name, Townsend is determined to show his leadership qualities in a Sharks team smattered with youth.
"I feel I've moved into that role, being here for quite a few years," Townsend said.
"I'm very confident with the way I play and what I need to do during games."