News 2024 eels skipper rips allianz stadium over drainage issues after loss 20240817 p5k35c.html – Breaking News & Latest Updates 2026
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'One of the worst': Eels skipper rips Allianz Stadium over drainage issues after loss

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Eels skipper Clint Gutherson branded the Allianz Stadium surface as "one of the worst fields" he's played on as the fallout continues over the rain-affected 38-14 loss to the Roosters.

The newly built stadium which cost around $830 million to build has come under intense scrutiny for its drainage issues after a downpour about 30 minutes before kick-off saw roughly 8 millimetres of water engulf the playing surface.

Massive puddles covered sections of the field as ground staff battled with pitchforks to manually create drainage by poking holes in the grass.

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The stadium was built just two years ago and Gutherson did not hold back when asked about his thoughts on the conditions on Friday night.

"It was one of the worst fields I've played on for a while, especially with the fields these days as they're normally pretty quick and I didn't think it rained that much," Gutherson said.

"It was hard to play in but there's no excuse for letting some of those tries in.

"We didn't know it was that bad until we got out there and your feet was fully underwater.

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"I don't know what they can do about it, probably not much."

Roosters captain James Tedesco was asked for his thoughts post-match: "It was pretty crazy.

"I mean when we got here two hours before the game the field was looking great and then we got a bit of a downpour there and it was soaking wet.

"It sort of got drier as the game went on but in the middle (of the field) there wasn't much bounce and it was pretty slippery.

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"It was tough conditions but it was fun as well."

Paul Gallen wasn't impressed with the conditions at Allianz Stadium.  Nine/Getty

Nine commentators expressed disappointment over the stadium's drainage system., with Paul Gallen ripping the conditions.

"I know how much pride groundsmen take in their ground but when you think of this state-of-the-art stadium to be holding this much water, I'm actually really disappointed. I think the NRL will be having a chat to the groundsmen or the stadium itself.

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"What's going on with the drainage? There shouldn't be that much water after 20-30 minutes of rain."

He continued: "I'm wondering how the NRL are going to react to it, whether they think it's up to standard," he said.

"This is a brand new stadium, millions of dollars spent on it and for it not to drain, I don't think it's up to standard for the NRL to be honest."

League icon and Bulldogs general manager Phil Gould added: "We haven't seen a ground like that in a stadium for decades".

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"They usually drain really well, doesn't matter how much rain they've had," he continued.

"You might see it in suburban grounds which are a little bit different but even they're up to speed these days. I haven't seen water logged ground like that in the NRL for a long time."

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