NRL demand answers as investigation opened on Allianz Stadium drainage issues

An investigation has opened on why the new $828 million Allianz Stadium resembled a swamp during the Sydney Roosters’ NRL win over Parramatta on Friday night.

Roosters v Eels at Allianz Stadium. Credit: NRL Images.

Allianz Stadium have launched an investigation into why their new $828 million stadium was left in a muddy mess during Friday’s clash between the Sydney Roosters and Parramatta.

The NRL has also asked stadium officials for a please explain after ground staff were forced to use pitchforks at half-time to try to help with the drainage problem.

A late downpour of 11.5mm caused havoc for the fixture and left officials red-faced as fans took to social media to vent their fury over the Allianz Stadium surface being unable to cope with the rain.

Eels captain Clint Gutherson described the turf as “one of the worst fields” he has played on.

‘We didn’t know it was that bad until we got out there and your feet was fully underwater,” Gutherson said.

Roosters captain James Tedesco also said the drainage was a concern.

“It was looking good before we came out and then it was pretty soaked so it was just hard to complete,” Tedesco said.

Roosters prop Spencer Leniu splashes around in the wet at Allianz Stadium. Credit: NRL Images.

A Venues NSW spokesperson confirmed they wanted answers.

“Prior to kick off on Friday night, Allianz Stadium received 11.5mm of rain in 15 minutes as a severe storm hit the area resulting in a drainage issue during play,” a spokesperson said.

“This is a brand-new stadium, and it shouldn’t have happened.

“We are taking this seriously and have already commenced a thorough investigation to identify the cause of this issue to ensure it’s rectified for upcoming events.”

The rebuilt Allianz Stadium was opened in 2022 amid a fierce debate about the amount of taxpayer dollars being spent on stadia.

Allianz ground staff out in the middle of Allianz Stadium with pitchforks trying to drain the water during last night match between the Roosters and Eels. Fox Sports.

A push to have the venue built with an enclosed roof was rejected, while Premier Chris Minns earlier this year also indicated a proposal to put a roof over Accor Stadium would also be unsuccessful.

“We would love to do it, but they’re expensive,” Minns said in April.

The Roosters will return to Allianz Stadium on September 1, while the ground is also expected to host finals matches.

The NRL’s head of football Graham Annesley will also speak with Allianz Stadium staff.

“Allianz Stadium has expert ground staff that do a great job week in, week out preparing a first class pitch,” Annesley said.

“But we will discuss the issue with them to understand what occurred and how it can be improved.”

Ground staff were busy trying to remove water off the surface at Allianz Stadium on Friday night. Credit: NRL Images.

NRL great Paul Gallen said he was shocked by the state of the field.

“This is a brand new stadium, millions of dollars spent on it and for it not to drain, I don’t think it’s up to standard for the NRL to be honest,” Gallen told the Nine Network.

By contrast Brookvale Oval, which is just 20km away from Moore Park, also copped a downpour during the second half of the Sea Eagle-Warriors clash on Friday night but that field held up remarkably well.

The Sea Eagles’ home ground had long been described as one of the worst in the NRL but a recent surface facelift has transformed the venue.

The Sea Eagles are in discussions with the UFC about the potential of putting a roof over the venue and making it the home of the mixed-martial arts entity in Australia.

“We are exploring opportunities with the UFC,” Manly’s boss Tony Mestrov said recently. “They are a worldwide company that are interested in discussing an opportunity with us and who wouldn’t want to have a discussion with the UFC?

“We’re going to explore the opportunity which includes the UFC being stationed here at 4 Pines Park.”

Originally published as NRL demand answers as investigation opened on Allianz Stadium drainage issues