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NRL set to trial device to detect forward passes
Game to introduce revolutionary technology
NRL set to trial hi-tech device on match balls to detect forward passes
THE NRL is set to trial a revolutionary hi-tech device to detect forward passes invented by a NASA nuclear scientist.
The new technology involves a micro-chip implanted in the Steeden football and a series of tripod-mounted beacons placed around the field.
NRL officials are expected to experiment with the new-age football in training matches with a view to expanding it to the NRL in the long term.
If successful, it will end one of league's longest running debates among fans, players and referees - when is a pass forward and when is it fair.
But Sportable, as it is known, will also have many other uses for both coaches and football lovers.
England rugby union coach Eddie Jones has already used the microchip technology in the ball to measure the hang time of a kick, enabling his runners to perfectly time their charges at the catcher of a bomb, in a recent victory over Ireland.
And fans will be able to compare the passing and kicking ability of players to the micro-second.
The idea is the brainchild of South African Peter Husemeyer, a previous NASA scientist involved in the exploration of the space..
Husemeyer came up with the seeds of the idea while a sports spectator in the US state of Idaho several years ago.
"I saw a body check in a game of ice hockey where one player completely destroyed another and it got me thinking, could you measure forces in a game? What if the forces were in real time? " Husemeyer said.
He began experimenting with various sports and together with fellow South Africans Dugald Macdonald and Dan Davson, formed Sportable, a data analytics company specialising in providing officials, teams and fans with real-time data.
"We have been in discussions with the NRL and they are very keen on the way our technology can detect forward passes," Macdonald said.
"The rules are confusing for people in that they state 'The ball is allowed to travel forward, but must be passed backwards out of the ball carrier's hands'.
"This will end the debate and the controversy. The microchip in the ball is tracked by the beacons and a signal can either be sent to a referee's smart watch, ear piece or to officials in the grandstand when a pass is forward.
"It is similar to the way Hawk-eye has revolutionised cricket and tennis.
"The data the ball provides will also be of great interest to coaches and fans we believe.
"It will provide information like who can kick the highest bomb in the NRL, or even who throws the most accurate long pass.
"We also plan to place micro-chips in vests worn by the players and that will measure things like off the ball involvement.
"The possibilities are endless and we are very excited about trialing it in Australia."
Steeden - manufacturers of the NRL's official footballs - are keen on the possibilities of the new technology.
"The introduction of a trackable Steeden ball in partnership with Sportable is the natural next step in our drive to support the growth of League in Australia and the rest of the world," Nick Gray, Sales and Marketing Director at Gray-Nicolls, said.
"We are especially excited to work with our partners at the NRL and in the teams to bring this new innovation to life."
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