Suncorp Stadium returfed amid fears of another rained out NRL Magic Round

Resurfacing is underway at Suncorp Stadium amid fears of another Magic Round drenching this weekend, with the venue racing the clock to be ready in time for Women’s State of Origin on Thursday.

Suncorp Stadium’s new surface is on the way and it has already received a resounding vote of confidence from the NRL amid fears of another Magic Round drenching this weekend.

Around 50 per cent of the surface at Suncorp Stadium is set to be replaced this week as officials look to ensure the ground is in tip-top shape for Magic Round, which launches on Thursday night with the women’s State of Origin game.

Work has already begun and is expected to be completed on Wednesday afternoon, just over 24 hours before the Queensland and NSW lock horns in the opening women’s Origin game.

NRL chief executive Andrew Abdo has been in contact with Suncorp Stadium boss Alan Graham and walked away confident that the hallowed new turf will hold up over the weekend.

“The reports that we have from the stadium is that the new turf and the technology that they’re using in the turf is going to be really outstanding,” Abdo said.

Suncorp Stadium is currently undertaking a resurfacing of the ground ahead of Magic Round this weekend. Picture: Supplied

Suncorp Stadium is currently undertaking a resurfacing of the ground ahead of Magic Round this weekend Picture Supplied

The Suncorp Stadium surface ahead of Magic Round. Picture: Channel 7

“So that’s good news for us. It should be a great surface to play on.”

Suncorp Stadium has hosted 22 games of rugby league and rugby union already this year, putting immense pressure on the surface given many of those matches have been played in the rain.

After another weekend where the surface was put under the microscope, Suncorp Stadium officials made the decision to replace around 50 per cent of the grass this week to ensure it would handle Magic Round.

It is understood the vast majority of the turf that has been replaced will be down the middle of the field.

Suncorp Stadium uses Hero Hybrid grass, which is a mixture of artificial and natural grass – around five per cent of the playing surface is artificial grass.

Brisbane suffered a downpour during last week’s Broncos vs. Bulldogs match. Picture: Albert Perez/Getty Images

The greatest fear for officials this week will be that Brisbane is hit by another torrential downpour, which would heap more pressure on the freshly-laid surface.

At the moment, rain is forecast for Saturday night and Sunday morning. The NRL and Suncorp Stadium officials will have their fingers and toes crossed that if the weather forecast does change, that it falls in their favour.

The NRL already have enough on their plate given the spate of sin-binnings this season, which has had fans and commentators in uproar. The last thing they need is an issue with the surface at Suncorp Stadium and there is genuine hope that it can be avoided.

Originally published as Suncorp Stadium returfed amid fears of another rained out NRL Magic Round