Souths, Canterbury move NRL games from Bankwest to ANZ Stadium amid logjam concerns
Four Bankwest Stadium tenants during the NRL’s COVID-19 season are moving their games elsewhere amid growing concerns over a logjam of fixtures, which now includes a busy A-League schedule.
Eels
Don't miss out on the headlines from Eels. Followed categories will be added to My News.
South Sydney and Canterbury will return to ANZ Stadium amid renewed concerns a logjam of A-League matches could impact player safety at Bankwest Stadium.
Bankwest tenants during the NRL’s COVID-19 season, Cronulla and the Sydney Roosters will also return to Kogarah’s Jubilee Oval and the Sydney Cricket Ground respectively, as a returfed Bankwest prepares to host 14 A-League and NRL matches in 24 days later this month.
The A-League announced on Wednesday that Bankwest would be one of six stadiums to be used for their revised rapid-fire season of 27 matches in 28-days, triggering concern for player safety from anchor tenants the Parramatta Eels.
Kayo is your ticket to the 2020 NRL Telstra Premiership. Every game of every round Live & On-Demand with no-ad breaks during play. New to Kayo? Get your 14-day free trial & start streaming instantly >
While there are no date clashes between the NRL and A-League, the first football match to be played at Bankwest, between the Wanderers and Melbourne Victory, on July 22 is just 24 hours before the Eels are due to host the Wests Tigers.
In the A-League draw announced on Wednesday morning, Sydney FC, Melbourne Victory, Perth, Adelaide, Wellington and the Wanderers will all use Bankwest Stadium from July 22 until August 14.
Eels chief executive Jim Sarantinos said he will seek answers from the NRL and Bankwest Stadium management on their plan to ensure the playing surface is maintained in the highest order.
“There‘s obviously a heavy load and clearly athlete safety and player wellbeing is critical, not only for us but for those participating in the A-League as well,’’ Sarantinos said.
“It‘s incumbent on the league (NRL) and the venue to be making decisions that are protecting the safety of the players.
“I wasn‘t aware that this was coming. I’ll be very interested as to what their plan is to manage the load.
“We’re dealing with challenges that nobody foreshadowed, so there’s certainly an appreciation for that, but we’re the anchor tenant at Bankwest Stadium.’’
The NRL said it would continue to work with the clubs and stadium management to ensure player safety.
The Bankwest Stadium surface was returfed on Wednesday after a spate of high-profile injuries were sustained in round seven of the NRL.
Roosters duo Victor Radley and Sam Verrills, Eels playmaker Mitchell Moses, Canberra’s Corey Horsburgh and Bulldogs fullback Will Hopoate all sustained significant injuries over the course of the weekend.
The decision to returf was made despite some Eels players suggesting they had no issue with the surface.
Eels warning as A-League adds to Bankwest strain
A re-turfed Bankwest Stadium will host 14 A-League and NRL matches in 24 days causing concern for player safety from anchor-tenants, the Parramatta Eels.
Eels chief executive Jim Sarantinos said he will seek answers from the NRL and Bankwest Stadium management after the A-League announced Bankwest would be one of six stadiums to be used for their revised season draw.
While there are no date clashes between the NRL and A-League, the first football match to be played at Bankwest between the Wanderers and Melbourne Victory on July 22 is just 24 hours before the Eels are due to host the Wests Tigers.
The Eels, Bulldogs, Rabbitohs, Roosters, Sharks and Tigers have either used or will continue to use Bankwest Stadium this season.
In the A-League draw announced on Wednesday morning, Sydney FC, Melbourne Victory, Perth, Adelaide, Wellington and the Wanderers will all use Bankwest Stadium from July 22 until August 14.
Sarantinos said he was given no warning of the A-League’s draw which could further impact the wear and tear of the Bankwest Stadium playing surface, which has already come under scrutiny.
“There’s obviously a heavy load and clearly athlete safety and player well-being is critical, not only for us but for those participating in the A-League as well,’’ Sarantinos said.
“I think it’s incumbent on the league (NRL) and the venue to be making decisions that are protecting the safety of the players.
“I wasn’t aware that this was coming. I’ll be very interested as to what their plan is to manage the load.
“Our view is, we’re one of the anchor tenants of the stadium. I appreciate that we’re dealing with challenges that nobody foreshadowed, so there’s certainly an appreciation for that, but we’re the anchor tenant at Bankwest Stadium.’’
The Bankwest Stadium surface is in the process of being re-turfed this week after a spate of high-profile injuries were sustained in round seven of the NRL.
Roosters duo Victor Radley and Sam Verrills, Eels playmaker Mitchell Moses, Canberra forward Corey Horsburgh and Bulldogs fullback Will Hopoate all sustained significant injuries over the course of the weekend.
Bankwest Stadium management has since made the decision to re-turf the venue despite some Parramatta players suggesting they had no issue with the surface whatsoever.
The surface was due to be re-turfed in the coming weeks, but after an NRL commissioned independent turf expert inspection on Saturday night, the decision has been made to fast-track the move.