Des Hasler claims the NRL's policing of offsides has dropped and the 10 metres are becoming skinnier heading into the finals as set restarts hit an all-time low.
An average of just 6.8 set restarts have been called per game over the past four rounds, the lowest monthly rate since the rule was introduced last year.
The drop comes after restarts were at a high of 8.6 between rounds four and seven this year, and 9.3 shortly after the rule was introduced for ruck infringements only last year.
The change has done little to stop the avalanche of points with the average close to the season mark of 46 per game, however, the winning margins have reduced from 18 to 13 in that period.
Regardless, Hasler believes the NRL does need to be mindful of what impact it could have on the game's best attacking players against good defensive sides come finals.
"That's entirely their call (how it is officiated come finals), but I know it's something that (referees boss) Jared Maxwell and (head of football) Graham Annesley were looking at," the Manly coach said.
"I was talking to Jared Maxwell the other day, we're still getting a lot of blowouts but the 10 metres is probably the skinniest I've seen it for a long time.
"I know that the referees are aware of that.
"From when they first introduced the six-again rule I think the six-agains per game have dropped by a considerable margin, well over 50 per cent.
"It's an interesting one."
Hasler's comments come after Sydney Roosters supremo Nick Politis blasted the set restart rules this week, claiming the product of the game had dropped and teams would stop watching if blowouts continue.
Realistically Manly bank on an open game as much as any other team, with the likes of Tom Trbojevic at their best when the Sea Eagles are on the front foot.
Penrith and Melbourne are the other teams to have benefited most from the up-tempo style of play over the past two years.
The Sea Eagles will likely find themselves in the top four with those two sides, with Manly only needing to beat North Queensland on Saturday night to wrap up fourth spot.
Hasler confirmed the Roosters defeat of Canberra on Thursday night means he will not rest players against the Cowboys, given a loss would now see them finish in the bottom half of the eight.
