The playing surface at Allianz Stadium has faced renewed criticism following the recent NRL match between the Roosters and Broncos, which ended in a heavy 50-14 defeat for the Roosters. Rugby league legend Greg Alexander described the field conditions as akin to “an ice-skating rink.” Players, fans, and commentators all echoed concerns, noting the numerous slips and falls that marred the game.
Last season, Clint Gutherson had labelled the $828 million stadium as “one of the worst fields” he had encountered, and while Thursday night’s conditions were an improvement over previous matches, issues persisted. In a particularly notorious encounter between the Roosters and Eels, players were visibly dodging large puddles due to a failing drainage system.
Alexander, who provided commentary for the match, commented on the inadequate drainage, asserting that the conditions significantly affected the quality of play. He remarked that despite only experiencing minimal rain, the pitch remained excessively slippery.
On SEN Radio, Alexander intensified his criticism, suggesting that the slippery surface may pose ongoing challenges for the Roosters throughout the season, highlighting its potential impact on their performance. He noted that and the wet conditions could have inadvertently favoured their side, despite the scoreline.
“The surface was like an ice skating rink,” Alexander stated, suggesting that had they played on a different surface, the Broncos might have scored even higher. His assertion underscored concerns about how the field conditions could influence match results as the season unfolds.
In response to inquiries regarding the pitch, Broncos coach Michael Maguire opted not to comment significantly on the field’s quality, while captain Adam Reynolds acknowledged that both teams faced the same conditions but felt it was manageable for this time of year.
The situation has reignited discussions about the maintenance and suitability of the stadium’s playing surface as the NRL season progresses.