The National Rugby League (NRL) will experiment with a smaller ball during the final round of the NRL Women's (NRLW) season in a bid to enhance player performance. The trial will take place in Saturday’s match between Cronulla Sharks and St George Illawarra Dragons at Allianz Stadium, a game that has attracted attention as a wooden spoon clash.

This initiative marks the first official trial of a modified Steeden ball in the NRLW. Traditionally, the league has used a standard size 5 ball across all women’s competitions, in line with the NRL’s senior competitions. The new ball to be tested measures approximately 2 centimeters shorter and weighs between 20 and 30 grams less than the current standard.

The NRL introduced the smaller ball to players during training sessions earlier this week, allowing them to familiarize themselves with its handling characteristics ahead of the upcoming match. The league anticipates that the reduced size and weight will improve ball control, kicking accuracy, and passing efficiency, ultimately boosting player confidence and contributing to the sport’s growth among women athletes.

While the trial is limited to a single game, the outcome could shape future equipment standards in the NRLW and potentially influence broader rugby league practices. The league has not indicated whether subsequent trials are planned or how quickly such changes might be adopted more widely.

As the NRL continues to promote the professional development of the women’s game, this move reflects ongoing efforts to tailor the sport’s rules and equipment to better suit female players’ needs and enhance the overall quality of play.