‘Way too slippery’: Allianz surface under fire again
Another season, another torrent of criticism over the Allianz Stadium surface following Thursday night’s NRL clash between the Roosters and Broncos.
Just over six months since the $828 million stadium’s surface was dubbed “one of the worst fields” Eels captain Clint Gutherson had played on, criticism was flying thick and fast once more during Brisbane’s dominant 50-14 victory.
There were comical scenes in the match between the Roosters and Parramatta in August last year, with puddles all over the pitch after the drainage system failed.
A Venues NSW spokesperson conceded at the time it was “a brand new stadium … it shouldn’t have happened”.
While the scenes on Thursday night didn’t stoop to those lows, players were regularly seen slipping on the turf throughout the round one clash, well before Cyclone Alfred has had a chance to impact the Harbour City.
The situation seemed to hit a crescendo with just under 30 minutes remaining in the second half when Ben Hunt’s offload found Reece Walsh in space.
“This surface, there will be an investigation again into this playing surface, after the dramas of last year remember.
“The flood, after a bit of a downpour during the early part of the game, the field was under water between the Roosters and the Eels, in August last year.
“It hasn’t been raining to that extent in Sydney to explain this surface.”
The surface copped a hiding after the Roosters vs Eels game last season. Credit: NRL Images.Panthers great Greg Alexander then gave his thoughts on the recent Sydney weather.
“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.
“It’s been affected greatly.”
The surface didn’t go unnoticed by footy fans on social media either.
One posted on X: “15 mins of rain and that surface is an absolute disgrace. No thanks,” adding the hashtag slipnslide.
Another stated: “Some things never change … Allianz Stadium surface is a disgrace.”
A third wrote simply: “The surface at Allianz,” along with a vomiting emoji.
For a round one match the surface was in a poor state. Photo: Fox SportsAfter the Roosters opened the scoring through Dominic Young in the sixth minute, the floodgates opened for the Queensland giants.
Seven unanswered tries broke the game wide open as Michael Maguire cruised to victory in his first match in charge of the Broncos.
Concern was added to the lopsided scoreline for the Tri Colours after Victor Radley was ruled out early with yet another concussion.
The commentators later said the surface actually prevented the Roosters from copping an even bigger hiding.
“The Roosters are lucky that they got some rain,” Alexander said.
“They’re lucky the field’s a bit slippery. If this was dry, my god, this might be 60 (points) now.”
Smith added: “If it was Allegiant Stadium (in Las Vegas), under the roof, perfect dome conditions, this could be anything.”
