NRL

The NRLW has announced it will trial the use of a smaller ball in this weekend’s match between the Cronulla Sharks and St. George Illawarra Dragons at Allianz Stadium.

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Previously NRLW matches have featured the same full-sized football as used in the NRL.

After many years of debate, the game’s officials will use the trial to determine whether a scaled-down ball improves handling and helps to deliver a better standard of ‘product’ (as the game’s powerbrokers like to call it nowadays).

If the trial results are positive a modified ball could become a future addition to the NRLW on a permanent basis.

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The modified Steeden to be trialled by the Sharks and Dragons this weekend is two centimetres shorter than a standard NRL ball and weighs 20-30 grams less than full-sized NRL ball.

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Back in 2023 NRLW legend and Channel 9 commentator Ruan Sims declared the development of a unique ball for the NRLW could ‘drastically improve the on-field product’.

Sydney Roosters star Millie Elliott has been another long-time advocate for adapting NRLW equipment to better suit the women’s game. 

Speaking on the Say Less With Millie, Keeley & Liv podcast several seasons ago, Boyle highlighted that the full-size ball can sometimes hinder execution in the women’s game, especially late in game when players become fatigued.

With the Dragons and Sharks anchored to the bottom of the NRLW ladder Saturday afternoon’s trial at Allianz Stadium will have no bearing on the NRLW finals race, but it will settle the wooden spoon for 2026.

The match will be played before the NRL elimination final between the Sharks and Cowboys at the same venue.

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