AS part of a new three-year partnership, Australian sports manufacturer Steeden will become the official match-ball supplier to Betfred Super League, Championship and League 1, the Challenge Cup and England Rugby League programmes.
Steeden is currently the official match ball of the NRL, New Zealand RL, Queensland RL and New South Wales RL, among others, and the Symmetry match ball will be reintroduced at the professional level in the UK this season, ensuring continuity and familiarity for players.
Steeden match balls will be in use from early January for all pre-season games and will feature in round one of the Challenge Cup over the weekend of January 26 and 27.
The three-year agreement sees the RFL move away from Rhino Rugby League, who have been a partner since 2014, but will continue to provide branded equipment in 2019.
RFL chief executive Ralph Rimmer said: “It’s fantastic that such a well-recognised brand will be supplying our players with the best equipment and we look forward to working with Steeden over the next three seasons.”
Retail stock will be available in March through www.steedensports.com or through clubs who have purchased the supporter balls.