Shot clock to be trialled in Eels-Raiders clash

Shot clock to be trialled in Eels-Raiders clash

NRL.com


The Eels-Titans fixture will be the first time the shot clock will be trialled in an NRL fixture. Credit: Scott Davis. Copyright: NRL Photos.
The NRL will trial shot clock technology in the Round 26 match between the Eels and Raiders at Pirtek Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

Following trials in the Auckland Nines and Holden Cup competition, the Eels-Raiders clash will be the first time the shot clock has been used in a Telstra Premiership fixture ahead of its permanent introduction at the start of the 2016 season.

"Both Parramatta and Canberra have agreed to allow us to use their game on Sunday to continue our trials of the shot clock technology and we certainly appreciate their support through this process," NRL Head of Football Todd Greenberg said.

"This is an opportunity not only to continue to trial the technology and fine-tune the rules attached to the shot clock, but also for fans to get their first look at what will be an important innovation for the game in 2016."

Much of the discussion around the shot clock has been with regards to its timing, and in this instance Greenberg said it will mirror the trials which have already taken place in the Holden Cup, with 30 seconds for drop-outs and 35 seconds for scrums.

"The shot clock is a significant step for the game and, in conjunction with the reduction in interchange, is designed to reward endurance and give our fans a more free-flowing, entertaining game."