Chris Chester backs new interchange rules

As part of a raft of rule changes for the new season, clubs will be allowed to make eight substitutions instead of 10, a move designed to exacerbate the fatigue factor and open up games in the last 20 minutes.

Trinity have one of the biggest packs in Super League, with overseas front rowers David Fifita and Pauli Pauli both weighing in at over 18 stones, but Chester remains unconcerned.

"I'm a fan of the new rules," he said. "I think it's going to be very exciting. I think you'll see a lot more expansive play.

"It's going to have a big effect on a lot of teams regarding the interchange, with bigger blokes having to play bigger minutes.

"We've got big blokes but on Boxing Day Craig Kopczak played the first 40 minutes straight, Tinirau Arona 30-odd minutes, Craig Huby can play 60, Anthony England can play big minutes while both back rowers and (hookers) Tyler Randell and Kyle Wood can all play 80.

"We'll be able to carry one big bloke, whether we'll be able to carry Pauli Pauli, Keegan Hirst and David Fifita at the same time, we'll have to have a look at that as the season goes on.

"The interchanges don't worry me one little bit."

Hull captain Danny Houghton is a big fan of the shot clock, which is being introduced to prevent teams slowing play down at scrums and drop-outs, but has some reservations over the arrival of golden point, with matches restarting if the scores are level after 80 minutes.

"It will create a bit of buzz but we play a lot of games as it is and to include that isn't great for the player in terms of health," Houghton said.

"If it helps the game and makes more people watch it, then we've got to buy into it.

"I'm keen for the shot clock because I feel the game is more of a spectacle and a lot better to play in when the game is quick. It will stop teams slowing the game down."

The new rules have been copied from the NRL and it is no surprise that Australian Dave Furner, the new head coach of Leeds, is a fan.

"I watched the Grand Final last year and there were a lot of stoppages," he said.

"And eight interchanges puts the fatigue into play as well, I think the changes are good for the game.

"Super League has always been an exciting game to watch, why not make it better? We're going to see a faster speed of play."

Jon Wells, Castleford's rugby director, who is also a member of Sky Sports' commentary team, believes the shot clock could help attract new fans to rugby league.

"I think it's a real positive move," he said. "If I take my Cas hat off for a second and stick my Sky hat on, I think a faster, more breathless game with less down time is only going to be good for the sport.

"That will help the casual viewer who flicks between the sports channels and sees something that is all-action."