New rules fast-tracking game into exciting era

BRAD O'NEILL says the faster-than-ever Super League is set to wow fans at home and in Las Vegas.

- BY DAN TOMLINSON

The Wigan hooking ace believes rugby league chiefs have hit the jackpot with rule changes aimed at getting the ball in play and at speed.

The global game continues to break new ground in Sin City as Hull KR and Leeds Rhinos face off and the NRL season launches in the entertainment capital of the world on Saturday.

But over on our own shores, the game is also thriving thanks in large part to new officiating interpretations that have brought stricter punishments for slowing down the play of the ball.

And for the players that's exactly what they want too. O'Neill said: "You can't get people joining the tackle late now and slowing the ruck down.