NRL cult hero George Rose is worried he could be the last of a dying breed of ‘‘impact players’’ as the game’s governing body moves to steer the sport back towards smaller men.

The rugby league bosses are planning to reduce the number of interchanges per team from 10 down to eight or even six.

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The law changes are expected to take effect from next season.

Rose is averaging less than 20 minutes game time from three appearances with the Dragons this season, and only carried the ball four times for 43 metres during Saturday night’s win over Manly at WIN Stadium.

St George Illawarra threw him a career lifeline when they signed him on a one-year deal for 2015 following a relatively disappointing stint in Melbourne.

They also signed big-men Rulon Nutira - who is yet to play a game in first grade - and Rory O’Brien to bolster the forward pack.

The recruitment spree followed a dire 2014 season when the Dragons were criticised for being too small and ‘‘soft’’ up front.

But Rose, 32, knows his time in the NRL could be up if teams are only permitted six or eight interchanges per game.

‘‘I’m thinking of coming back at about 95 (kilograms) next pre-season, I’ll play at 95 kilos next year,’’ Rose joked.

‘‘It seems like they’re really trying to do that (play big men out of the game).

‘‘I think they musn’t be enjoying the way we play.

‘‘I’m going to watch some old Nathan Blacklock highlight reels and try to be a bit more entertaining so they keep us in the game.’’

While his career as a professional footballer may be winding down, Rose wants the NRL to remain an option for big forwards.

He hopes coaches can realise the value of having specialty impact players on the bench.

‘‘There’s always a spot for an impact player, there’s room for size,’’ he said.

‘‘All the previous NRL grand final teams have been big teams who have come off the back of big forwards.’’

Dragons recruitment manager Peter Mulholland told Fairfax Media last week clubs would need to review its recruiting strategy if the interchange is decreased.

‘‘It is a big issue for clubs because if I go and sign two giants and they change the rules, where do we end up,’’ Mulholland said.

Fellow Dragons forward Trent Merrin has a different view on the rule changes and says they can benefit forwards as well as backs.

‘‘It gives us an opportunity to get the arm free and use a bit of footwork when players are under fatigue,’’ Merrin said.