The Gold Coast Bulletin

Field staff kept busy

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SUNCORP Stadium bosses insist the Origin decider will not descend into a slippery farce following heavy traffic on the hallowed turf.

Ground staff have been working overtime to repair the surface which has taken a beating in the past 12 days.

The Broncos hosted the Storm on June 30 before the stadium was transforme­d into a boxing arena for Jeff Horn’s world title fight against Manny Pacquiao 36 hours later.

The field recovered surprising­ly well from the boxing but terrible weather last Friday for the Reds-Brumbies Super Rugby match did not help.

Chunks of turf had to be stomped back into the surface by ground staff while the match was being played, and artificial lights were used to help it rejuvenate in time for the Origin encounter.

Stadium boss Alan Graham said the surface had passed testing.

“It’s not too bad,” he said. “The groundsman is reasonably happy with the way it’s shaped up and he’s pretty confident we’ll have a good playing surface for Wednesday.

The Maroons will train at Suncorp Stadium today but NSW will have their final session at Cbus Super Stadium at Robina before heading to Brisbane.

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