The Sydney Roosters are harbouring no fears about the state of the SCG turf as work began to replace part of the famous pitch just four days out from their NRL season opener.
SCG Trust staff on Monday began replacing 3000 square metres of turf on the famous ground after it was ripped up during a Super Rugby match last weekend, with work expected to be completed on Tuesday.
There were fears for the ground which will host Friday’s blockbuster clash between the Roosters and South Sydney.
The Roosters will set foot on the SCG, which will serve as the Tri-Colours’ home ground while Allianz Stadium is redeveloped, for Thursday’s captain’s run.
“Not at all,” Roosters halfback Cooper Cronk said when asked if he had any concerns.
“People are paid to do a job and I have absolute faith in them. And I don’t think rugby league has contested a scrum for over 20 years, I don’t think there will be any issues.”
The ground was torn up during the NSW Waratah’s win over the Queensland Reds with ground staff running onto the field to fill in pot holes and divots using shovels and rakes.
Referee Glen Jackson described the situation as “dangerous”.
Working in the NRL’s favour is the fact a large majority of the damage done to the turf was outside the rugby league playing field. The Super Rugby match was played east-west while the Roosters and Rabbitohs will run north-south.
“The general play field was completely fine,” Cronk said.
“The scrums are a bit different to rugby union. I have absolute confidence in the SCG Trust people to make sure come Friday night it’s in tip-top condition.”
Meanwhile the Netstrata Jubilee Oval field is expected to be cleared to host St George Illawarra’s round two clash with South Sydney.
The Dragons were last month forced to move their trial against Newcastle to WIN Stadium in Wollongong because of the state of the ground.
Albo
Roar Rookie
Just another aspect to take into account if tipping the Roosters to go back to back. I hadn't considered that the state of the pitch might be the issue , but looking at the damage so easily done by a Rugby scrum , there must be question marks about this surface. Looks very much like early season turfing we saw at Brookie last year, which saw leg injury after leg injury over there. Losing a couple of stars with ACL's due to a shifting surface, will change the Roosters chances very quickly.