A shot clock for scrums and goal-line dropouts is set to be trialed
in the U20 competition "ahead of its possible introduction" into the
National Rugby League next season, according to Brad Walter of THE AGE. NRL Head of Football Todd Greenberg believes
that "reducing the interchange, a shot clock and the introduction of a
central command centre for video referees will speed up the game and
make it more entertaining for fans." Having completed a 12-match
trial of the video referee bunker ahead of a recommendation to the ARLC
board, Greenberg said that "the NRL would now trial the shot clock in the
National Youth Competition." Greenberg said, "We are hoping to be testing the shot
clock midway through this year. You will see
that in the Holden Cup. That technology is being rolled out now so you
will see that this year." He
said that "the three measures were designed to open the game up and place
greater emphasis on attacking play by increasing fatigue among the
players." Greenberg: "We know what the fans want through research and talking
to them. They want to see line breaks, they want to
see spontanious play, they want us to make sure the game continues to
flow" (THE AGE, 6/9).
