Cronulla coach Ricky Stuart claims a top four finish is vital if the Sharks are to make any impact in this year's NRL finals.

The Sharks were already September certainties before Saturday night's remarkable 13-12 win over local rivals St George Illawarra, and admitted their focus was now firmly set on securing a home final.

They remain three points ahead of fifth-placed Brisbane, who beat Canberra 34-6 on Sunday, while a top two spot and guaranteed second bite of the cherry also remains in their sights with Cronulla level on 30 competition points with Melbourne and the Sydney Roosters.

"We want a home semi, we want a top four spot," Stuart said.

"We will be playing semi-final football but we want to make sure we give ourselves the best shot at it by being in the top four."

The Sharks hold their destiny in their own hands, and with a friendly draw over the last five rounds, a top two spot isn't out of the question.

They host South Sydney next week before taking on the New Zealand Warriors, the Roosters, Wests Tigers and cellar dwellers North Queensland in the last round.

Stuart said the Sharks would only concern themselves with their own plight, claiming he wouldn't look too far ahead at possible finals calculations.

"We were in that position last year when we were worried about what team was going to win or lose or what points they were on," Stuart said.

"If we keep thinking about that next week and worrying about our own footy and just make sure we're slowly improving in areas of our game and winning those games that just keep punching us up the table a bit, that's the most comfortable position you can be in."

The Sharks welcomed back Greg Bird on Saturday night, the NSW pivot looking a touch off the pace after five weeks on the sidelines with a knee injury.

The loss put paid to the Dragons' top four ambitions, and they now face a battle to hold on to a spot in the top eight when they take on Wests Tigers in Wollongong on Friday night.

The Dragons are in sixth on 24 competition points, one ahead of Penrith, but there are now four teams just a win further back including the Tigers.

Their plight was made all the more difficult with Justin Poore (knee) and Brett Morris (AC joint) picking up injuries which should keep them out of the game with the Tigers.

Skipper Mark Gasnier (quad) and prop Jason Ryles (thigh) are also no certainties to return to action after missing the loss to the Sharks.

Brought to you by AAP © 2024 AAP