Magic Round fears knocked back after grim NRL scenes in Broncos victory

Yahoo

29-04-2025

The general manager of Suncorp Stadium has moved to allay fears around Magic Round after the playing surface looked grim following the weekend's action at the ground. The Broncos left NRL fans in awe last week having blitzed the previously undefeated Bulldogs side at home in the wet after the home side reeled off a 42-18 victory.
Reporter Phil Rothfield raised concerns during the game as divots could be seen around the ground only a week out from the women's State of Origin, which will kick-off Magic Round on Thursday. "Worried about Magic Round coping with 8 games," he wrote. "More rain in Brisbane tomorrow. A Super rugby game, Brisbane Roar soccer, women's Origin all b4 Magic Round."
Unfortunately the wet weather saw the players chop up the field leaving the Suncorp playing surface a mess leading into a Super Rugby and A-League game. This raised big concerns from the rugby league community with nine games taking shape on the surface next week during Magic Round.
Suncorp's surface has come under question in the past leading into Magic Round where all teams play their fixtures in Brisbane. The event brings in an estimated $120 million for the Queensland Government due to tourism and other factors and is considered one of the biggest fixtures on the NRL calendar.
Appearing on SEN Radio to speak to Greg Alexander and Andrew Voss, Suncorp ground manager Matt Oliver claimed the playing surface did take a hit over the weekend with the wet weather causing havoc. "We had a torrential downfall...which did a fair bit of damage. And it was compounded with the two other codes playing on the same weekend. She was looking pretty sorry for herself on Saturday afternoon. But it is all part and parcel of a very busy stadium," Oliver said on Tuesday.
When asked how they were going about resurrecting the playing surface, Oliver was confident the staff could get the grass back into top shape ahead of the women's State of Origin this Thursday. "Works are ongoing, we are doing approximately 50 per cent of the league field. The high-traffic areas...this is all part and parcel of what we do. A tight turn around such as this is nothing unusual for us. We are fully confident we will be looking great come Thursday night."
Back in 2023, NRL fans had similar concerns around Suncorp Stadium. Former Broncos player Denan Kemp questioned what has changed at the ground having suggested the surface chops up easier in recent years.
"It's weird because there is usually a lot of rain early in the year," Kemp said on SEN Radio. "Suncorp was one of those grounds that used to hold up really, really well...I don't know is it a cheaper grass they are using? I have never seen it chop up, as quick as it chops up now."
The Cronulla Sharks will open NRL Magic Round against the Eels on Friday night with Craig Fitzgibbon's men coming off a five-day turn around. This is in contrast to the Eels who had the bye last round. The Broncos will host the big clash on the weekend when they take on reigning champions the Penrith Panthers.