The Knights plan to have two hit-outs at Tomaree Sporting Complex on Friday, February 3, fielding their National Youth Competition (under-20s) squad against the Sharks’ first-graders then their NSW Cup squad against the NRL representative team.

The Tomaree trials have been an annual event for the past few seasons but were in some doubt this week when it appeared the Sharks, formed to replace the defunct Northern Blues, might be unable to take their place in the 10-team Real NRL competition.

But Sharks and NRL officials were hopeful on Tuesday night that an 11th-hour rescue package would ensure the club’s survival.

The Sharks expect to know by next week whether the proposed benefactor is committed to funding their 2012 campaign. If that proves the case, the gate takings and canteen sales from the February 3 trials will further enhance their finances.

‘‘We’d like to think the locals would come out and watch the Knights run around and also to get behind the Sharks,’’ Port Stephens president Wayne Humphrey said yesterday.

‘‘We pay for the use of the ground, through the Tomaree Sports Council, but then we get the gate and canteen sales, so it is a fund-raising opportunity for us. We’re very pleased that the Knights have seen fit to give us that opportunity.’’

Knights chief executive Matt Gidley said Nelson Bay was as ‘‘a critical area in our nursery’’ that the Newcastle competition could not afford to lose.

‘‘We’ve been in discussions with the Newcastle Rugby League and we’ve made it known we’re happy to lend some assistance wherever we can,’’ Gidley said.

Knights coach Wayne Bennett said the NSW Cup trial, to be played over four 20-minute quarters, would give fringe first-graders such as Zane Tetevano, Tyrone Roberts, Kevin Naiqama, Siuatonga Likiliki and Marvin Filipo a chance to impress.

“I understand this game has been on the calendar for some time and we are happy we can support the Port Stephens Sharks in this way,” Bennett said.

“We will have some terrific young talent playing in the game who have been training hard during the pre-season.

“This game gives them the opportunity to put their case forward for game time with the NRL squad, especially in our first NRL trial just a week later in Port Macquarie against Penrith.”