Sacked Bulldog Reni Maitua will be cleared to join Cronulla after the NRL on Friday agreed to register his new contract.

Maitua's transfer to the Sharks had been under review as the former Test lock had launched legal proceedings against the Bulldogs for wrongful dismissal in the Industrial Relations Commission.

Maitua signed a one-year deal with Cronulla after he was sacked by the Bulldogs for repeated contract breaches in December last year.

It was reported that Maitua would also challenge the NRL contract in court, but his legal representatives have advised the NRL they are only taking action against his former club.

"The Sharks and Reni had already agreed to terms but the ability to register a contract had been hampered by proceedings the international lock had brought against his former club in the Industrial Relations Commission," said a statement from the NRL.

"While those proceedings remain in place, Maitua's legal representatives have provided assurances which have paved the way for the NRL to register the contract.

"Maitua is already free to play in trial matches and is expected to be formally registered with the Sharks next week."

Maitua won't play for Cronulla in Saturday's trial against the Gold Coast in Darwin, but is expected to make his Sharks debut when they travel to Cessnock to play Newcastle next week.

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