By Dave Woods

Kear advocates more freedom for Super League clubs

Hull coach John Kear has called for Super League's controversial 20/20 rule to be scrapped to give Great Britain a better chance of beating Australia.

Kear says the rule, which allows clubs to employ only 20 players on more than �20,000 a year, is damaging the game.

And he has also urged clubs to reduce the number of overseas players.

"I think the 20/20 rule is harmful. It means we are only allowed 20 experienced players so we can't rest and rotate," Kerr told BBC Sport.

"As a result players are tired and fatigued by the time the Tri-Nations comes around.

"People say there wouldn't be enough talented British players to go around if we reduced the number from overseas and, at the same time, increased our squad sizes.

"Well, there might be a dip in quality initially.

At a conservative estimate there will be an average of seven players at each club who aren't qualified for Great Britain John Kear Hull coach

"But, for example, we picked up a couple of lads from the National League Two (Danny Brough and Richard Whiting) and they have had a terrific impact.

"There are more of their ilk knocking around."

Kear is also concerned that the pool of talent available to British coach Brian Noble is decreasing.

"If you look at the Super League next year, Les Catalans will be all French and import players," he said.

"At a conservative estimate there will be an average of seven players at each club who aren't qualified for Great Britain.

"That's 77 spots not available to British players and only, on average, 110 British players playing every week.

"The GB team is a reflection of our system. This isn't knee jerk, it's logical and it's a great test of how serious the RFL and the clubs are in supporting international rugby league."