Suncorp Stadium move to avoid Magic Round surface chaos as ground struggles with rain

Suncorp Stadium’s turf is set to be ripped apart as Brisbane’s weather continues to plague the surface and the ground receives regular traffic from several sports.

The Suncorp Stadium turf is set to be ripped apart in the lead-up to Magic Round in a bid to protect the surface.

The surface has come under fire in recent seasons but has always maintained its integrity during the annual Magic Round event.

To try and safeguard against any potential issues the stadium will almost be entirely ripped up. The Brisbane Roar played at the ground on Saturday afternoon just three days after the Broncos hosted Canterbury and the Queensland Reds gave the sodden surface a test on ANZAC day.

Canterbury’s Marcelo Montoya makes a break on the sodden Suncorp surface against Brisbane. Picture: Albert Perez/Getty Images

The wet weather in Brisbane has also plagued the surface.

The stadium will host the women’s Origin match on Thursday night before eight more games across three days when Magic Round starts on Friday.

Allianz Stadium has continued to have problems with the surface last year when it failed to drain properly.

Rain is forecasted for Suncorp Stadium on Wednesday but the rest of the week is expected to be clear.

The Sunday fixtures include Penrith taking on Brisbane while Melbourne and Canberra will close out Magic Round on Sunday night.

The surface has come under fire in recent seasons but has always maintained its integrity during the annual Magic Round. Picture: NRL photos

Suncorp Stadium will replace 3000m2 of turf ahead of next week’s Women’s State of Origin game and the NRL Magic Round.

Stadium Manager Alan Graham said the work was required due topersistent rainfall and severe weather across the south east over the past several months.

“The replacement turf in the affected areas of the field will ensure it will be more than capable of handling the massive workload nextweek,” Mr Graham said.

“Our grounds team, led by Matt Oliver, have done an outstanding job at nursing us through the 21 games and 2 concerts we have had so far this year, but despite their talents and world class expertise,nature has taken its toll.

“The rain this year has been relentless. We’ve had over 1000mm since January, with 810mm of that total falling after Cyclone Alfred, and compounding the impact on the field is the fact that some of the heavier falls have occurred during games.

Regular testing has been carried out to ensure the surface has always remained safe and playable.

Work will begin on Sunday.

Originally published as Suncorp Stadium move to avoid Magic Round surface chaos as ground struggles with rain