South Sydney enforcer Michael Crocker says his side need to discover a winning formula soon or endure another season of frustration.

Despite being bankrolled by Hollywood superstar Russell Crowe and bringing world class players like Greg Inglis to the club, Souths, who have made the finals just once in 22 years, find themselves languishing in 12th spot on the ladder.

Although long-term injuries to key forwards Roy Asotasi, Sam Burgess and a five-game ban for Dave Taylor are mitigating factors in their mediocre season, Crocker insists it should not be used as an excuse.

"I still think we have under-achieved regardless of the injuries we've had," the former Queensland star said.

"The biggest frustration is that we have been in the position to win games and haven't which is the same position we were in last year.

"This year we have got better and come away from some games with the points but we have to start doing it consistently now for the rest of the year."

Souths are just two points outside the top eight, sitting behind a cluster of teams with 18 points to their name and Crocker admits time is running out for the Rabbitohs if they want to end their barren run of finals appearances.

"It is a rhythm thing I believe, we are creating opportunities to score, but not getting the points," he said.

"The display against Brisbane was the best of the year defensively and in the other games since our attack has been great but we have defended poorly.

"It is a matter of turning up with the right attitude and getting the job done, we just have make things muscle memory as it's getting towards the end of the season."

Saturday's clash with bitter rivals Sydney Roosters at ANZ Stadium represents an opportunity to close the gap on the teams above them, and also has the double whammy of putting an end to the Roosters season, less than a year after their grand final appearance.

Crocker admits he has been surprised by the poor form of the club he served from 2001-2005.

"I don't know too much about what is going on over there, whether it is form, or whether or not it was that they got comfortable last year," he said.

"They started to turn it around at the weekend and they are still only two wins out of the eight and with a bit of momentum they will be a threat coming in to the finals especially with the talent they have in their side.

"Our fans would love to see us knock them out, but we are looking at it as just a chance to edge away from one of the teams that are behind us and get closer to making the finals."

Brought to you by AAP © 2024 AAP