Concerns over Optus Stadium’s surface have been dismissed by Kevin Walters ahead of Sunday’s State of Origin II in Perth, the Queensland coach saying the Maroons would “play in the desert”.
The $1.6 billion venue’s rock hard turf has come under fire with AFL clubs Fremantle and West Coast set to meet next week to discuss the issue following a mounting injury toll.
Following complaints about the “cement” surface, Fremantle have stopped training at the stadium while West Coast have cut sessions to a minimum.
The Dockers have been the hardest hit by injuries that have been blamed on the surface, losing Matt Taberner (foot) and Alex Pearce (ankle) for the season with ruckman Rory Lobb (foot) also expected to miss the rest of the year.
And West Coast have also lost Tom Barrass, Elliot Yeo, Jamie Cripps, and Willie Rioli to injuries over the past 12 months, with the Eagles citing concerns over the Optus Stadium turf.
But Walters had no problem with the Maroons running out at the Perth venue this weekend.
“No, we will be fine. We would play in the desert,” Walters said.
“This is Origin. Our boys will go anywhere to put that jersey on and represent their state really proud.
“It’s a great opportunity and we are thrilled to be part of what’s going to be a great encounter.”
Even the NRL had its concerns with the Perth venue, reportedly requesting a turf management review ahead of Origin II.
However, following the review the NRL claimed it had “every confidence” the playing conditions were suitable for the first Origin game played in Perth.
Walters backed the call.
“It’s a world-class arena we are playing at and we feel privileged to get the opportunity and our players do to play on,” he said.
“We are looking forward to a welcoming crowd and they should be pretty excited about what will unfold in front of them on Sunday.”
Walters said he was happy after inspecting the surface and was more focused on a WA crowd embracing the Origin concept on Sunday.
“I saw plenty of grass on it,” he said.
“Now I can sense the moment with 60,000 people there how exciting it will be for our players.
“It will lift them to another level. It will be a wonderful experience for them.”