Bankwest Stadium’s playing surface has been given the all clear for two more NRL matches to be played this weekend following an independent pitch inspection by the NRL.
After Sydney Roosters players Victor Radley and Sam Verrills suffered season-ending knee injuries at the ground on Friday night, the NRL conducted an inspection first thing on Saturday morning.
Rugby League Players Association representatives attended the inspection with an independent turf consultant, which confirmed the remaining two matches of the round can be played at the stadium safely.
Parramatta are set to play Canberra at the stadium on Saturday night, while Canterbury will host Wests Tigers at Bankwest Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
“The independent analysis during today’s inspection showed the surface is stable and all testing is within the normal ranges,” said NRL head of football Graham Annesley.
“It concluded that the ground was in ‘surprisingly good condition’ and falls ‘within all measured criteria’. It also found that the ‘surface levels and stability are still very good’.”
Both Radley and Verrills went down untouched in Friday night’s 26-12 win over St George Illawarra with suspected torn anterior cruciate ligaments.
There is no suggestion the turf was responsible for the blows, with coach Trent Robinson distancing his club from any such claims after the match.
However, there is little doubt signs of wear and tear are showing at the ground, which would have hosted 11 games in 22 days come the end of Sunday night.
Another three are set to be played there next week.
It comes after the NRL moved a game from Campbelltown to Kogarah this week to allow for a fresh surface given a heavy workload at the former.
“Player safety is a massive concern for us, and we never like seeing players injured,” NRL chief executive Andrew Abdo told Nine on Friday night.
“I know there was a lot spoken about it. The playing surface has had a lot of wear and tear.”
There should be less reliance on Bankwest, Campbelltown and Gosford from next weekend, with clubs returning to home grounds.
However, Bankwest will still remain an option for up to four clubs, given its capped capacity of 7500 is around three-times that can enter suburban grounds.
Abdo said the overuse of grounds was considered by the Project Apollo committee, and Bankwest had passed a safety and stability test before play on Friday.
Meanwhile, Bankwest Stadium management said they would work with the NRL, but were confident there would not be any issues.
“The stadium turf has been holding up well under a heavy playing schedule,” a Bankwest Stadium spokesman said.
“Signs of wear and tear are a result of the winter rye grass not getting sufficient time to grow between events, but extensive pre-game testing has indicated the surface is stable and safe.
“Any injuries to players are a concern.
“The stadium team will work with the NRL and clubs to ensure the best possible surface for each and every game.”
