NRL to reduce number of interchanges next season

Australia's NRL is to reduce the number of interchanges from 10 to eight as part of a raft of rule changes for next season.

The NRL has also announced plans to introduce a shot clock for drop-outs and scrums to reduce stoppages following a review conducted by experts headed by Dr Kevin Norton, a professor of exercise science in the School of Health Sciences at the University of South Australia.

NRL head of football Todd Greenberg said the review was conducted in collaboration with the Rugby Football League, which will make its own recommendation to Super League clubs.

Greenberg said the changes would be the most significant to the game in decades and that, pending further analysis during the 2016 season, interchanges could be reduced further in the future.

Under the new rule, four players will remain on the bench but Greenberg claims research indicated the game would be safer for players under the eight interchange system, with the prospect of "collision injuries" reduced.

"We think these changes are a significant first step because they will reward endurance and fitness and open up the game," Greenberg said.

"As a result of these changes, there will be a greater emphasis on skill to complement power and size.

"We have conducted significant research into the evolution of, and current trends in, the game - how the players are getting bigger, faster and stronger, but more importantly what they will look like 10 years from now.

"We believe that, unless we take action now, the game will become more structured, defensive and predictable in years to come.

"We want the best football being played by the best footballers, and all our research points to these changes having a significant impact on the quality of games that our supporters deserve every week."

Greenberg said while the timings of the shot clock were not confirmed, they would make the game more continuous and minimise time wasting and stoppages.