Sydney and Parramatta have been dealt “extreme” conditions for their NRL clash at Allianz Stadium on Friday night. Heavy rain in Sydney has given the stadium’s drainage a serious workout for the clash between the finals-bound Roosters and struggling Eels. Water above the surface is inches deep, making for a slippery affair.
Know the news with the 7NEWS app: Download today So horrific were the conditions early in the game, the referee considered moving the first scrum of the game out of the water and into and less affected area. “This is extreme weather,” Billy Slater said on Nine before kick-off. When Roosters star Spencer Leniu scored in the 10th minute, it almost looked like he was splashing around in a swimming pool.
“Spencer Leniu! Slipping, sliding and scoring!” Mat Thompson said on Nine. “Spencer’s nearly drowned,” Thompson then joked. Fans were split in their reactions to the conditions.
“So funny seeing NRL fans complaining about the muddy surface. Rugby league was born in Northern England and was made for these conditions. It’s beautiful,” one said.
Rain during the game didn’t help, but that was no excuse for an NRL-quality ground, according to some. “Yes, it poured for 15 minutes at Allianz. But there must be serious issues with drainage at that ground.
It’s still a swimming pool at halftime,” another fan said. There was some drama early with Roosters lock Victor Radley placed on report in the seventh minute. Despite the discrepancy.