Penrith coach Ivan Cleary labelled the Parramatta Stadium surface for Friday night’s NRL local derby “disgraceful”, suggesting it may have played a role in Nathan Smith’s suspected broken ankle.
Smith was taken from the field and rushed to hospital four minutes into Penrith’s 39-6 crushing of the Eels, with the Panthers lodging an official complaint over the state of the sandy surface at halftime.
The field appeared noticeably chopped up through the middle third, with Cleary claiming the under 20s curtain raiser was held up for some time to repair large divots.
“The state of the field was disgraceful,” he said.
“I can’t say for sure that led to or helped cause Smithy’s injury, but I certainly hope not.
“It’s just not up to NRL standard, not even close.
“These guys deserve better – for the life of me I don’t know why it’s so bad.”
Cleary claimed Smith’s injury was similar to that of winger Michael Gordon, who was ruled out for three months with a fractured fibula.
Asked if he knew why the surface was so bad, Cleary said:
“All I know is the result, and if we’ve lost a bloke for a long time, we’re not happy about it.”
The state of the surface wasn’t the only issue to arise for ground officials, with a gold ring thrown onto the field after Travis Burns had scored to make it 33-0 just after the hour mark.
The ring – which landed ten metres in from the sideline on halfway – was retrieved by Eels trainer Craig Catterick, who handed it to the NRL ground manager on duty.
NRL officials will be sure to view CCTV footage in an attempt to find the transgressor.
B.A Sports
Manly are supposed to play there next. Given their penchant for complaining, i can see this game getting moved to Graham Reserve or Pittwater Park..
steve b
Guest
i played on the ground when they called it cumberland oval now that was a dustbowl two pieces of grass on whole oval, its a long way from that now . maybe its the surface to blame for parras woes they have blamed everything else this must be the problem.
B.A Sports
Guest
No matter how the Eels were goong the one thing you could always rely on at Parra Stadium was a perfect playing surface - now that is screwed as well!
oikee
Guest
Look, i am loving the revival of the Panthers, i think they took the hard yards and were lead well with petro showing the way. They now have some really seasoned warriors. It is the Eels i think need help, the club is falling apart still at management level, you have legends calling them a basketcase, you have juniors playing first gradfe. Poor Manna and Hindy are trying to carry this team. For the love of god, someone help them.