Rugby league immortal Andrew Johns challenged the NRL to attempt completely different balls relying on the time and circumstances of the matches being performed.
Johns says the present NRL Steeden normal is appropriate for matches performed in each dry and moist circumstances, however stated a ball ought to be examined for matches performed at evening when dewy grass impacts the ball.
The Newcastle legend made particular point out of Friday’s sport between the Roosters and Storm, the place dew circumstances dominated the primary half earlier than rain hit the ball within the 40 seconds.
“This ball right here (the present NRL Steeden normal) is ideal for a day ball. You have a look at the dimples, these are fairly small,” Johns advised 9.
“Through the day you possibly can catch it and throw it, which does not sound like rather a lot, but it surely offers you that cut up second. As a half-back you search for and also you make your selections, you scan.
“When it is slippery at evening, you seize it like that (together with your chest), which does not offer you sufficient time to look and scan, and you’ll’t transfer the ball sideways.
“My concept is to have a special ball at evening with extra pronounced dimples, the place you possibly can truly seize the ball and it sticks extra to your arms.
“The draw back could be that the kickers would leap up and down – the kickers would say it is tougher to hit. However does anybody go to video games to look at folks rating targets? I feel we must always problem Steeden.
“I bear in mind taking a look at a water polo ball – you will get maintain of it regardless of how slippery it’s. I feel it is one thing we must always have a look at and expertise.
“When it rains, when it rains closely, it is not so dangerous [the current ball], it is fairly sticky and sticky.
“However on the dewy nights, that is when it will get actually slippery, which we noticed tonight. The second half, when the rain got here, it did not. not look too dangerous. “
NRL Highlights: Storm simply passes the Roosters at Newcastle – Spherical 16
Listening to Johns’ concept, NSW Blues coach Brad Fittler advised that enhancing the rubber of the present ball might additionally have an effect.
“With balls – you discover the very best quality balls, it is the purest rubber and it is a method to enhance balls,” Fittler stated.
“It is form of like auto racing, the place the very best rubber does not final that lengthy. Proper now, each ball they play in an NRL sport has a two-game lifespan.
“I feel you will get a purer rubber. That will imply the ball has a lifespan of a sport.”
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