Tough turf doesn’t scare the Maroons
MAROONS centre Michael Morgan has dismissed concerns over the hardness of the field at Optus Stadium ahead of Origin II.
Issues over the surface feeling like “cement” under foot have plagued the AFL’S western clubs, with Fremantle stopping training there.
West Coast Eagles also reduced the times of their training sessions on the $1.6 billion venue as both clubs are set to meet next week to discuss the rising injury toll in their ranks.
Queensland coach Kevin Walters dismissed the issue over the surface yesterday, claiming his side would “play in the desert” if they had to.
Morgan echoed his coach’s sentiments and said, due to the style of Asics boots he wore, it would not be a problem for the centre.
“I always wear moulded boots. I have never given much thought to the surface we play on,” he said.
“It might be a bit tougher on the guys who are wearing steel tags in their boots but it hasn’t been brought up in camp.
“We will just have to see how the surface is when we do captain’s run on the field later this week, but I have never really given it much thought.”
Walters believed the players’ desire to pull on the Queensland jersey would far outweigh any concerns over whether the turf was hard under their feet.
“No, we will be fine. We would play in the desert,” Walters said.
“This is Origin. Our boys will go anywhere to put that jersey on and represent their state.”
The NRL ordered a turf review of the field ahead of the second State of Origin game after concerns were raised. Following the review, the NRL claimed it had every confidence the field would be suitable for play.
It is the first time the NRL has hosted a State of Origin match in Perth, and is the first of a two-year road trip for the series, with Adelaide to host an Origin encounter next season.