Richard Agar on increasing the number of interchanges in Super League

Leeds head coach Richard Agar is against increasing the number of interchanges In Super League.

The Rhinos defeat of Salford on Saturday evening was marred by injuries with five players forced to leave the field at the Halliwell Jones Stadium.

Despite a heavy fixture list and the increased intensity of matches due to the new rules introduced into Super League, Agar is not keen on having more interchanges

“I think putting the interchange up is a backwards step for the game,” he said in his post-match press conference.

“I think our game should always have an element of attrition and I think the fact it is being talked out, we are on about changing a rule on the back of a rule change.

“We did talk about some of the issues that could arise when we were debating whether the rules should come in.

“After the break, we talked about all this. We decided to put the rules on, now we are on about increasing the interchange.

“For me, on the whole, I am absolutely against putting the interchange up.”

Leeds lost forward Adam Cuthbertson in the second half of the match in Warrington, while opponents Salford suffered four casualties in the shape of Ken Sio, Josh Johnson, Chris Atkin and Ryan Lannon.

Despite his strong views on the matter, Agar is open to the option of increasing interchanges for a brief period in support of player welfare.

He added: “I do feel from a circumstance and welfare perspective, at this moment in time, for the betterment of the game, I would maybe put it up until the end of the year or look at what Barrie (McDermott) suggested around the 18^th man scenario.”