Changes brought in for 2019 Super League season

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Super League will feature shot clocks, Golden Point extra time and a number of other changes to the laws and playing conditions in 2019 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 the Betfred Super League, as a visible and pivotal part of the process of reducing the number and length of stoppages in matches and ensuring more action with the ball in play.

The new rules are explained in full today (January 1) on Super League's digital channels, and will be introduced to players and spectators in selected pre-season fixtures.

And in less than a month, on Thursday January 31, the 2018 Grand Final winners Wigan Warriors will launch their defence of the Betfred Super League title at fierce local rivals St Helens as part of a blockbuster opening round which includes further televised matches between Hull KR and Hull FC (Friday February 1) and Warrington Wolves versus Leeds Rhinos (Saturday February 2).

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 up by each kick at goal.

FULL RULE CHANGE DETAILS HERE

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, rewarding the fittest and most mobile players, and providing additional attacking opportunities for the most skilful.

In addition, in the last five minutes of each fixture, 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.

The 12 Betfred Super League clubs proposed these law changes after extensive consultation with players, coaches, fans, commercial partners and the NRL, during and following the 2018 season.

Given the likely increased pressure on all match officials as a result of the quickening pace of the game, clubs gave their support for a second referee for all Super League fixtures. However, when considered alongside the other changes, and timeframes available, the Super League clubs agreed with the RFL to defer the introduction of the second referee - with trials to take place during 2019.

Super League chief executive Robert Elstone said: "There's been a lot of talk about the changes we're making for 2019, and New Year's Day feels like the right time to confirm them, and to outline them in full.

"The changes to our rules and laws are there to highlight what's different and special about Super League. Our competition will get faster, more intense and more dramatic.  They will provide our players with an even better platform to show fans their outstanding athleticism, courage and skill.

"There's a growing frustration across sport with time-wasting, gamesmanship and a lack of transparency and integrity in time-keeping. We listened to our supporters and commentators, and the changes are focused on emphasising our sport's key attributes of intensity, relentlessness and integrity.

"There's so much to look forward to for Super League fans in 2019. We will be entertained by some great new players arriving from the NRL. These players will be tested, week-in, week-out by the ever-growing and ever-more talented crop of young homegrown players, many of whom debuted with such promise and confidence in 2018.

"We'll see the very best of the NRL in the World Club Challenge between Wigan Warriors and Sydney Roosters, followed by Super League taking over a great city and a great stadium with the Dacia Magic Weekend at Anfield.

"By June, Wigan fans will have been able to watch their team at Old Trafford, Anfield and the Camp Nou - what a journey, and what a prospect, to see the Catalans Dragons entertaining our 2018 champions at the home of Lionel Messi.

"We hope supporters will welcome the rule changes we're announcing today as part of those New Beginnings - and cannot wait to get the season started."