Questions are being asked about the state of the pitch at Campbelltown Sports Stadium, which was badly scuffed up by the players during the NRL match between Penrith and Newcastle yesterday afternoon.
Readers of the South West Voice, including one former mayor of Campbelltown, alerted our newsroom to what appeared to be a substandard grass surface, as easily seen in the photo of the game above.
The Voice has asked for an official explanation and we’ll bring that to you when Campbelltown Council responds.
We can tell you that a report to council last week from the City Lifestyles department about the local venue being used as one of six NRL “hubs’’ expressed confidence the stadium would be ready for rugby league action.
“The return to operation plan has been put in motion and the efforts by those onsite has been key to making this all happen,’’ the report to councillors said.
“Throughout the closures, the ground staff continued to work to ensure the pitch was ready for whenever it was time to return.
“Although at this stage the games will be played behind closed doors, it is a significant opportunity to showcase Campbelltown to visiting teams,’’ the report said.
Following yesterday’s 14-14 draw between the Panthers and the Knights 12 more games will played at Campbelltown Sports Stadium between round four and round nine of the NRL.
The updated Covid-19 schedule sees Campbelltown not only as the home ground for the Wests Tigers but also Penrith Panthers, St George Illawarra Dragons and the Canberra Raiders.
The remainder of the games scheduled for Campbelltown are:
Friday 5 June 6.00pm Panthers v Warriors
Sunday 7 June 4.05pm Raiders v Knights
Saturday 13 June 7.35pm Wests Tigers v Raiders
Sunday 14 June 6.30pm Dragons v Sharks
Friday 19 June 7.55pm Panthers v Storm
Saturday 20 June 5.30pm Wests Tigers v Cowboys
Sunday 21 June 4.05pm Raiders v Sea Eagles
Thursday 25 June 7.50pm Panthers v Rabbitohs
Friday 3 July 6.00pm Raiders v Dragons
Saturday 4 July 7.35pm Wests Tigers v Panthers
Saturday 11 July 7.35pm Raiders v Storm
Sunday 12 July 6.30pm Dragons v Sea Eagles
