Foundation Roar player “hates” playing at Suncorp

Ballymore officially became the Queensland Roar’s training base today - but midfielder Massimo Murdocca reckons it should become the A-League club’s home ground if they fail to turn around their woeful Suncorp Stadium record.

Murdocca today admitted he “hated” playing at Suncorp Stadium after the Roar’s 1-0 weekend defeat at the hands of Melbourne which marked their fourth straight home loss.

They have also failed to score at their last three home games.

After the Roar today completed their first official training session at Ballymore - a traditional rugby stronghold - Murdocca hoped the change of surroundings would lead to a reversal of fortune at Suncorp Stadium.

“It’s a fresh start. Maybe it is what the club needed,” he said after the club officially relocated from Richlands in Brisbane’s south.

“That’s probably what the problem was. Maybe it can lead to big things, some wins at home.”

But Murdocca added: “If we keep losing at Suncorp we would definitely want to come here.”

The foundation Roar player was as flabbergasted by Queensland’s ordinary home form as their frustrated supporters who made their feelings clear during the 1-0 loss on Saturday night.

So much so that Murdocca “hated” playing at the venue.

“I do at the moment. Suncorp is a beautiful stadium and it’s just a shame that we can’t win there,” he said.

“It’s really freaky. We will probably be the only club that it has happened to - it’s a bad stat to have.

“We know deep down it is a problem. It would help if you guys (media) settle down but you are stating the truth - it is up to us to turn it around.”

Roar coach Frank Farina has tried a pre-game overnight hotel stay to try to replicate away games - all to no avail.

“I wasn’t a big fan of that. I would rather stay at home and do my own thing, but we have to do something I guess,” Murdocca said of Farina’s new approach.

“But it’s Frank Farina’s job to figure out what to do next.”

Thankfully the Roar know how to win away - they have claimed four games on the road and drawn the other two.

It ensures Queensland still hold a top four position.

But Murdocca made it clear the Roar must end their home horrors in their next clash, next Sunday’s showdown with last placed Perth.

“It’s a must win for us. It’s not going to be easy but it is probably the best time to turn it around,” he said.

“We have to go out firing, let them know we are here to win.”

Former Socceroo Danny Tiatto is still battling a foot injury.

But Queensland’s ranks are expected to be boosted by the return of five Young Socceroos - including the likes of strike weapons Tahj Minniecon, Mitch Nichols, Tommy Oar and Isaka Cernak.

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