NRL 2021: Roosters complained about state of McDonald Jones Stadium before two season-ending injuries

Ground staff were replacing divots at halftime of the Knights v Roosters match last weekend but the NRL denies the surface caused Brett Morris and Lindsay Collins’ ACL agony.

Images of the McDonald Jones Stadium pitch on the night Brett Morris and Lindsay Collins suffered season-ending injuries. Picture: Fox Sports

The Sydney Roosters complained to NRL officials about the state of the playing surface at McDonalds Jones Stadium last weekend shortly before winger Brett Morris and front-rower Lindsay Collins were carried off with their season-ending ACL injuries.

News Corp can reveal the Roosters’ medical staff raised concerns about huge divots in the surface during the first half of the game against the Knights and that a complaint was made to the NRL’s ground manager, who included it in his official match report.

Ground staff replaced the divots during the half-time break but the Roosters raised further concerns during the second-half.

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The NRL is convinced the poor state of the ground didn’t contribute to Brett Morris’ injury.

Even the Roosters’ head trainer had to repair divots during the game during breaks in play.

“There were big chunks coming up,” coach Trent Robinson said.

“Our medical guys mentioned it. Our trainer had to replace some of the divots while he was on the field.”

The NRL’s head of football Graham Annesley has confirmed complaints were made by the Roosters but denies the poor surface caused the crippling injuries.

“We were aware of some issues on the night,” Annesley said.

“We’ve since asked for a full report from the venue manager about the maintenance and renovation work that they’ve since undertaken.

“The Knights don’t have a home game for three weeks but we’ll be inspecting the ground before their next game takes place.

“The injuries were extremely unfortunate but it would be wrong to blame the surface.”

Lindsay Collins is out for the rest of the season.

News Corp understands both the Newcastle Knights and the Newcastle Jets A-League team have been denied access to the stadium at various times since March because of the poor conditions.

Repair work was supposed to be carried out weeks ago but was delayed by Sydney’s recent floods. Farms in Windsor that supply the turf were under water.

“The stadium has adopted some precautionary measures to minimise unnecessary traffic on the field,” Annesley said.

“That’s included the Knights and the Jets being denied access to the field for captain’s runs and warm-ups.

“They’ve been managing it the best they can and now have a three-week gap to get it right.”

Brett Morris’ career is likely over after his ACL injury.

The Newcastle Knights are monitoring the situation.

“We’re awaiting a report from the NRL on the surface,” said a spokesman from the Newcastle Knights.

“We’ll assist in any way we can to ensure the field meets requirements for NRL games.”

The stadium in Newcastle is under the care of Venues NSW.

A source at McDonald Jones Stadium said the turf was in good condition and that the Newcastle Jets would train at the venue on Friday ahead of their match on the weekend.