NRL and Knights aim to provide perfect pitch for Newcastle

The NRL and Newcastle Knights are doing their bit to ensure the A-League grand final is played on a decent pitch.

Newcastle Jets players celebrate their A-League semi-final win at McDonald Jones Stadium last week. Picture: Getty Images

Football Federation Australia has found some unlikely allies in the National Rugby League and the Newcastle Knights as they look to ensure the best possible conditions at McDonald Jones Stadium for tomorrow’s A-League grand final between the Newcastle Jets and Melbourne Victory.

Concerns had been raised over the likely condition of the surface with the Knights, who share the ground with the Jets, due to play South Sydney tonight at the venue. While there is only a 5 per cent chance of rain tonight, it is still not an ideal situation with some wear and tear likely from the NRL game, which could affect the flow of the A-League grand final.

However, the unavoidable situation has brought out the best in both codes, along with a spirit of collaboration and goodwill rarely associated with cross-code rivalries.

It is understood FFA and the NRL discussed the situation earlier this week.

As a result, the NRL and Newcastle Knights have agreed that no logos will be painted on the field. Instead, they will rely on virtual signage. It was also agreed that the field markings will “be as light as possible” to ensure they are easily removed after the NRL match and that there will be no residue to cause confusion tomorrow night.

The Knights also got in the spirit of what will be a huge occasion for the City and the Hunter region by agreeing not to hold their regular training session on the field yesterday.

A-League boss Greg O’Rourke said he could not have been happier with the way things have worked out.

“Pleasingly, the venue operator (Venues NSW), the Newcastle Knights and the NRL have been very collaborative with the FFA on preparing for the grand final,” O’Rourke told The Australian yesterday. “The Knights have agreed to relocate their normal training session and additionally the NRL agreed to virtual signage at the Knights game to ensure no logos will be painted on the ground and as such no visible shadows for our big night.

“The line markings will be as light as possible without affecting the NRL broadcast and resources will be deployed by the venue for any ground repairs immediately after the Knights match.

“The grand final in Newcastle is a wonderful opportunity for our game and the city and it is encouraging that all parties are working together to ensure its success”.

The game is already a sellout, although it won’t get to the 33,000 capacity because of safety issues.