Newcastle hooker Isaac De Gois has agreed on a three-year deal to rejoin NRL rivals Cronulla from 2012.

De Gois has been linked to the Sharks since it was confirmed St George Illawarra coach Wayne Bennett would move to the Knights next season.

It is understood De Gois agreed to the deal two weeks ago, after earlier being told he was not wanted at Newcastle beyond this season.

The talented 26-year-old played one of his best games for the Knights on Sunday to win the man of the match award in the 18-10 win over Sydney Roosters at Ausgrid Stadium.

He is well known to Cronulla coach Shane Flanagan and the Sharks' staff after playing at the club in 2007-08.

The Sharks' recruitment drive has gathered momentum in recent weeks, with De Gois to join Bryce Gibbs, Andrew Fifita (Wests Tigers) and Jeff Robson (Parramatta) at the club next year. Sam Tagataese has already moved to Cronulla after shifting mid-season from Gold Coast.

De Gois would not comment on his future but said, with several players set to move on when the Bennett era begins, the sixth-placed Knights are determined to make the most of 2011.

"Every year, every team you play with, it's not always going to be the same blokes next year, so it's always good to try to make your year one to remember," he told AAP.

"There's some really good blokes here and not everyone's going to be here next year and it's just good to try and play for your mate."

De Gois' confirmed departure will only heighten speculation club legend Danny Buderus is on his way back from Super League.

The Knights also expect an answer soon from utility back Wes Naiqama, who captained the side on Sunday, while the Dragons are also hopeful of luring him back to the club he played for between 2005-07.

"It's a slow process. I'm not under pressure from the club to make any rushed decisions so it's something that will get nutted out hopefully in the next week," Naiqama said.

Meanwhile, the Knights have hit back at reports the privatisation by multi-millionaire Nathan Tinkler's Hunter Sports Group might not proceed in time to avoid another members' vote.

"The Hunter Sports Group today confirmed the takeover of the Newcastle Knights was proceeding and would be completed in the near future," a club statement read.

"Several issues outside the control of the Hunter Sports Group have been experienced with the transfer of contracts and the many legal issues that have had to be fulfilled in this major transformation for the club.

"A meeting between the current Knights board and senior management from the Hunter Sports Group has been organised to take place in the next few days to ensure all responsibilities, cash injections and cashflows will be met in the countdown to June 30th.

"The Hunter Sports Group wish to reiterate the sale will definitely proceed."

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