NRLW to trial smaller ball in Sharks vs. Dragons match

The NRL Women’s Premiership (NRLW) will trial a smaller, modified Steeden ball during this weekend’s match between the Cronulla Sharks and the St. George Illawarra Dragons at Allianz Stadium.

The trial ball is two centimetres shorter and weighs 20 to 30 grams less than the standard full-sized ball currently used in both the NRLW and the men’s NRL competition. Officials intend to use the data collected from this match to determine if a scaled-down ball should be permanently implemented in the league, potentially as early as 2027.

Advocates for the change, including former players and commentators, have suggested that a smaller ball could improve handling and execution, particularly when players face fatigue. While the match will not impact the finals race, the outcome will determine the 2026 wooden spoon for the two teams.