Venue officials insist Allianz Stadium is in no danger of relinquishing next weekend’s NRL clash or the finals series after emergency measures were implemented to overcome drainage problems.
There were farcical scenes at Allianz last Friday when the $828 million stadium was unable to handle the 11.5 millimetres of rain that fell in 15 minutes. The downpour resulted in the playing surface remaining a quagmire throughout the Roosters’ 38-14 win over Parramatta, even more than two hours after the rain stopped.
The issue has raised concerns about the ground’s ability to host upcoming fixtures. An investigation into the incident remains ongoing, although Venues NSW said preliminary measures have been taken to ensure next Sunday’s Roosters-Raiders clash goes ahead as scheduled.
“Investigations are ongoing into the turf drainage at Allianz Stadium, with confirmation upcoming NRL matches and finals will proceed as planned,” Venues NSW said in a statement.
“Immediate measures have been taken to improve turf drainage, including a comprehensive pro-coring and aerating process. Further testing will continue, with planned turf replacement works scheduled after the concerts in October.”
The Roosters appear on track to host a home final at Allianz during the opening week of the play-offs, with the ground likely to host a fixture the following week.
Joe Ofahengaue is tackled into the drenched Allianz surface.Credit: Getty Images
“We are pleased the stadium has acted so quickly and we have great confidence the surface will be in great shape for the finals series,” said NRL head of football Graham Annesley.
Players, fans and commentators were taken aback to see one of Australia’s newest and most expensive stadiums struggle to handle what was a relatively light downpour. Even though rain didn’t fall to the same extent, 4 Pines Park at Brookvale - a ground that has been crying out for an upgrade of dilapidated facilities - handled the showers without incident on the same night.
Channel Nine commentator Phil Gould said: “I haven’t seen a waterlogged ground like that in the NRL for a long time.”
Parramatta captain Clint Gutherson was taken aback by the conditions.
“It was one of the worst fields I’ve played on for a while, especially with the grounds these days – they normally [drain] pretty quick, and I didn’t think it rained that much,” Gutherson said after the game.
“We didn’t know it was that bad until we got out there and your feet were fully underwater. I don’t know what they can do about it, probably not much.”
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