STEVE Price says the rule changes Super League have adopted are “really positive” for the game.

Golden-point extra time, shot clocks for conversions, penalties, scrums and drop-outs and a reduction in interchanges from 10 to eight are all among the new rules that will be introduced for the 2019 season.

The “free play” rule has also scrapped, while an NRL-style two-referee system will be trialled with a view to rolling it out in Super League in 2020.

READ > The new Super League rules explained

Price insists rugby league is built on “smaller bodies picking on bigger bodies” and hopes the new rules will bring about a more entertaining product for fans.

He also hopes it will help the sport in negotiations for a new television deal once the current arrangement with Sky Sports expires in 2021.

“The rule changes are really positive for Super League,” he said.

“It’s good that the powers above have listened to players, coaches and fans to come up with the best decision going forward.

“We needed to speed the game up. The spectators want to see entertaining, free-flowing games.

“Some games last year went for 15 or 20 minutes longer per half than what they should have.

“It’s a really good outcome for the game. Hopefully it attracts more fans and helps us push for a better deal when the current Sky deal finishes.

“It obviously means the bigger bodies will play longer minutes.

“More edge back-rowers and hookers will be playing 80 minutes, depending on the personnel you have.

“I’m a big fan of smaller bodies picking on bigger bodies. That’s what the game has been built on and it’s what the fans want to see.”