Perth forecast fears and Optus Stadium’s high traffic has NSW Blues on alert

Perth’s Optus Stadium has proven a happy hunting ground for the Blues in each of their previous two trips to the west. But this year’s fixture could play into their rival’s hands.

The Blues’ hopes of beating Queensland on a fast Optus Stadium track could be slowed by a gloomy Perth forecast and the 60-000-seat arena’s ability to recover from unusually heavy traffic.

Drawing criticism for being slippery and not up to AFL standard just over 12 months ago, Perth’s Optus Stadium has proven a happy hunting ground for the Blues in each of their previous two trips to the west.

NSW thrashed the Maroons 38-6 in the 2019 Origin series and then again 44-12 in 2022.

Most experts believe Laurie Daley’s NSW side, with it’s explosive speed and power in the outside backs, will only benefit from the Optus Stadium surface and the benefit of the kick-off being 6.05pm local time.

However, the stadium has dealt with a higher level of foot traffic than normal in recent days and there is forecast rain for both Tuesday and Wednesday.

In a rare and demanding set of scheduling for the stadium, two AFL matches, approximately six hours of footy, were played last Saturday and Sunday at the Perth venue.

Latrell Mitchell prepares for Origin II. Picture: Paul Kane/Getty Images

North Melbourne played Fremantle last Saturday, while last Sunday, West Coast played Carlton with 4mm of rain under foot.

Both contests saw players losing their footing at stages throughout both matches.

The Optus Stadium ground staff have been working overtime to ensure Wednesday night’s State of Origin blockbuster isn’t impacted by a poor playing surface.

In addition, the staff are also on high alert to ensure the stadium’s readiness for another AFL game on Thursday night between Fremantle and Essendon.

Criticism from the AFL in the past has been that players have struggled to remain on their feet on the surface.

NRL staff will join both the NSW and Queensland State of Origin sides in inspecting the playing surface when both team’s perform their captain’s runs on Tuesday.

NRL chief operating officer Graham Annesley said the NRL had worked with Optus Stadium to ensure the Perth ground met a set of procedures and guidelines that are detailed in the code’s operations manual that includes the quality of playing surface, length of grass, and which includes testing for traction and hardness.

“We’re in constant contact with all of our venues about preparations for our major events,’’ Annesley said.

“Optus Stadium is a first-class venue with full-time staff monitoring and preparing the surface every day.

“We’re expecting a high-quality surface which is in keeping with one of the biggest events on the sporting calendar.”