Parramatta great Mick Cronin admits the NRL’s crackdown on slow play has been refreshing, even if it contributes to the Eels’ finals demise on Saturday.

South Sydney’s 46-20 demolition of Newcastle on Sunday was not only the club’s highest finals score in their 112-year history and also capped the biggest opening finals week points aggregate in the NRL era.

Speedier play is to thank for that, with the NRL’s six-again rule allowing dominant sides to roll through tired defences and pile on the points.

No outfit has done it better than Wayne Bennett’s Souths in recent weeks, their 349 points since round 12 is the most the club has amassed over a 10-week period.

Conversely only Brisbane (14 points) have mustered less than the Eels’ average of 16 per game since round 12.

Compounding things for Eels coach Brad Arthur is last week’s season-ending injury to winger Maika Sivo, while Blake Ferguson has also been ruled out of Saturday’s match with a knee injury.

It’s why the Rabbitohs will enter Saturday’ semi-final as warm favourites at Bankwest Stadium despite finishing the season three spots lower on the ladder in sixth.

“Wayne’s side, they’re very attractive to watch, but hopefully not too attractive on Saturday,” former Eels centre and coach Cronin told AAP.

“The half and five-eighth (Cody Walker and Josh Reynolds) float around, the hooker’s (Damien Cook) lightning quick.

“I’m a fan of anything that improves the speed of the game and I think people are sick and tired of the wrestling.

“But I think everybody’s probably saying the same thing; we’ve got to improve our defence otherwise we’re in trouble.”

The Eels have been among the NRL’s top sides all season but, chasing their first title since 1986, Cronin refused to sink the boot in as they face the prospect of a straight-sets finals exit.

“I know as a player I was probably hard to watch too, so I know what they’re going through and I don’t think any side has tried any harder than them,” the former Test centre said.

“Technically they just seem to be getting found out … but the forwards have to set the tone and with a good start, some confidence and things happen.

“But judging on form you’ve got to be a bit worried.”