Twitter Talk: Players and fans have their say on rule changes

Players and fans have voiced their opinions on whether or not the new rule changes will make a difference to Super League.

Super League will introduce shot clocks, golden point and several other changes to the laws in 2019.

The changes have been made to introduce more speed and on-field drama for spectators and television viewers to enjoy.

The shot clocks will be installed this month at each of the 12 grounds that will regularly stage matches in Super League, as part of the process to reduce the number and length of stoppages in matches.

Teams will be penalised if they fail to beat the shot clock for scrums (35 seconds) or drop-outs (30 seconds), while sanctions will also be introduced to ensure that no more than 80 seconds of match time is used by each kick at goal.

With the number of interchanges available to each team reduced from 10 to eight, the demands on Super League players will become even greater – emphasising the attritional nature of the contest and rewarding the fittest.

In addition, in the last five minutes of each match, the clock will automatically be stopped following a penalty or a drop-goal that goes out of the field of play, or a conversion – or after a try, if a team chooses not to take the conversion attempt.

That process will be extended if the scores are level at full-time by the introduction of Golden Point extra time, providing two five-minute periods in which to determine a winner.

Clubs gave their support for a second referee for all Super League fixtures. However, when considered alongside the other changes, and timeframes available, the top-flight clubs agreed with the RFL to defer the introduction of the second referee – with trials to take place during 2019.

We asked you in our ‘have your say’ feature whether the new rules will make a difference to Super League this year…

Here is how you reacted on Twitter:

Imagine it being a draw at full time on the second Easter game and we now have less subs. There’s too many games as it is.

— Jodie Broughton (@JodieABroughton) January 8, 2019

Tinkering around the edges. Bigger issues to address e.g. proper governance and a European plan. Such matters will bring investors + funds

— Lionel Hurst (@LionelHurst4) January 8, 2019

Golden Point absolutely will not. There were only something like 4 Draws all last season. Pointless window dressing, papering over the cracks, hoping the whole thing won't collapse.

— G-Type (@Gav_Leaf) January 8, 2019

Golden point extra time is ridiculous. Say London/Salford etc etc get a draw at Wigan, Saints or Wire and lose? Can do them more harm than good. If they’d earned a draw they should get a point

— Mike Foster (@fozzy_ozzy) January 8, 2019

No…cas still wont ever win anything

— ⚜Karlos⚜ (@karltrinity1873) January 8, 2019

No. A good draw is great to watch. Two refs? I guess if means that we can alternate who we yell at, and it’ll give the other one a break.

— Ian McCall (@ianinhoWOLF) January 8, 2019

No the way teams are coached is what makes the game entertaining or not think the Steeden ball will make a difference to handling skills though.

— Jamescunni (@jamescunni) January 8, 2019

No

— John Melling (@jmellling1895) January 8, 2019

It is rather like polishing the front door knob whilst the rest of the property is aflame

— Lionel Hurst (@LionelHurst4) January 8, 2019