Roosters doctor slams Allianz Stadium surface after Origin was played in ‘atrocious’ conditions
The Sydney Roosters doctor has slammed the playing surface at Allianz Stadium, calling for it to be ripped up so the drainage can be improved after the women’s State of Origin game was played in diabolical conditions.
NRL
Don't miss out on the headlines from NRL. Followed categories will be added to My News.
The Sydney Roosters doctor has slammed the playing surface at Allianz Stadium, calling for it to be ripped up so the drainage can be improved after the women’s State of Origin game was played in diabolical conditions.
Ameer Ibrahim is one of the most respected medical officers in the NRL but he couldn’t hide his contempt for the Allianz Stadium surface as NSW clinched the Origin series on home turf.
The ground was covered in surface water after a downpour before kick-off, prompting Ibrahim to let fly.
“Ground is atrocious,” Ibrahim wrote.
“Grass needs to ripped up and drainage improved. Physios will be busy.”
The NRL would no doubt have taken note on Thursday night as the women’s Origin game was played on a mudpit.
It’s understood that the Waratahs, who hosted the Queensland Reds at Allianz Stadium last Friday and are due to play the Crusaders in Super Rugby tonight, have been concerned about the deteriorating state of the surface for some time.
While Friday night’s game against the New Zealanders will go ahead as planned, contingency plans are being enforced, strictly limiting access to the pitch to just players and match officials.
Queensland Premier David Crisafulli weighed into the drama on Friday, saying it never would have happened at Suncorp Stadium, the venue where the Blues scored a 32-12 game-one win to start the series..
“My reaction is one of sorrow for the result for the girls, but as for the curator...” he said at a media conference to promote Queensland Day on the Gold Coast.
“That wasn’t State of Origin rugby league, that was State of Origin swimming.
“Now, that wouldn’t happen at Suncorp Stadium, so host more games here Mr V’Landys.”
Women’s Origin III will be held at Newcastle’s McDonald Jones Stadium on May 29.
More Coverage
Originally published as Roosters doctor slams Allianz Stadium surface after Origin was played in ‘atrocious’ conditions
Tall, fast, freakish: Who is Cowboys sensation Jaxon Purdue?
Jaxon Purdue is the Cowboys young gun that has taken the NRL by storm and is now being talked about as a Queensland Origin bolter. But not long ago, the Mackay product was making the fortnightly 800km round trip to see his idols play.
Future NRL stars on show in City v Country
An Eels playmaker who has been compared to Mitchell Moses, a Wests Tiger sitting his HSC and the son of a Wallabies legend headline the crop of future NRL stars coming together for this weekend’s City v Country match-ups.
NRL trainers banned over watergate
The NRL has come down hard on two clubs and their trainers for trying to gain an unfair advantage after their actions were caught on camera.
Trainers banned, clubs fined over NRL ball-wetting controversy
The NRL has come down hard on two trainers at the centre of a ball-watering drama, handing out suspensions and fines in a bid to be a deterrent for repeat offences.
‘Bit of a look’: Bellamy’s Origin role reveal
Craig Bellamy will be in the NSW coaches box for all three State of Origin games and his big-game experience could be a crucial ingredient for the Blues.
‘We are all buying in’: Taupau fronts Broncos leadership group
One of Brisbane’s key leaders Pat Carrigan has spoken out about Martin Taupau’s future at the club, after the veteran prop endorsed a social media post that slammed coach Michael Maguire’s training methods.