The surface at Allianz Stadium has again come under scrutiny in the aftermath of the Roosters v Broncos clash, with the playing field labelled “an ice-skating rink” by Penrith great Greg Alexander.
Players, commentators and fans were noticeably impacted by the conditions, with NRL supporters expressing frustration over the many slips and falls witnessed in the 50-14 hammering by the Broncos.
Last season Clint Gutherson said the $828 million stadium was “one of the worst fields” he had played on, and the scenes on Thursday night weren’t as bad as that Roosters v Eels clash, which had players comically dodging large puddles all over the pitch after the drainage system failed.
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Yet Alexander, who called the game for Fox Sports on Thursday night, said the ground’s drainage system wasn’t holding up, saying the state of play had been “greatly” impacted.
“Passing showers,” he said. “That’s what I’d call it, passing showers.
“And I would say the surface is way too slippery for the little amount of rain they’ve had there.
Reece Walsh loses his footing in the second half on Thursday night. Nine
“It’s been affected greatly.”
Speaking on SEN Radio on Friday morning, Alexander went a step further in criticising the playing surface, while suggesting the Roosters may have a long year ahead of them.
He claimed the wet conditions actually suited Trent Robinson’s side despite the thrashing they copped.
“It was an ice skating rink at Allianz Stadium,” he said. “That played into the hands of the Sydney Roosters.
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The round 24 clash between the Roosters and Eels was panned by players. Getty
“The season will be over before Sam Walker and Brandon Smith come back.
“If that was Allegiant Stadium, the Brisbane Broncos could’ve put up 70 points.”
Broncos coach Michael Maguire refused to be drawn on the way the playing field held up during his post match press conference.
Brisbane captain Adam Reynolds tip-toed around the issue when asked by reporters.
“Both teams had to deal with it. It was a bit soft under foot but pretty good for this time of year,” he said.
