An emotional David Peachey says Cronulla needs to find some form in a hurry or else the Sharks would not advance past the opening week of the NRL finals.

Peachey said the Sharks had to face reality following their 26-22 loss to Souths at Toyota Park, where a crowd of 17,111 farewelled the veteran fullback in his final home match.

South Sydney's victory ensured Newcastle would collect its first wooden spoon, even if the Knights defeat St George Illawarra on Sunday at Kogarah.

The Sharks can look forward to an elimination final on Saturday night against likely opponents the Dragons at Wollongong.

"We've got no form going into the finals," said Peachey, who will play in the English Super League next year.

"We've got to turn that around within a week otherwise we're straight out the backdoor and that's a reality.

"We haven't played well over the past two weeks. We have to change a few things and work on a few areas."

Peachey admitted to "mixed emotions" on a night when he and the retiring Jason Stevens were given a stirring post-match presentation as a tribute to their years of service to the club.

The Rabbitohs had their own motivation to win, with skipper Ashley Harrison (Sydney Roosters) and Scott Logan (Wigan) playing their final games for the red and green.

"Tonight I just felt there were times when we showed a little more desperation than the other side," said Souths coach Shaun McRae.

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