Magazine - Brookvale Oval Running Behind Time

By Editor in Rugby on 1st Feb 2010 6:00

The Sea Eagles may be forced to move their first home game to Gosford with construction workers racing the clock to complete Brookvale Oval upgrades before the club's round-five clash against the Sharks.

In what would be another disastrous start to a season following the Brett Stewart scandal last year, Manly boss Graham Lowe called the NRL during the week to discuss alternatives if Brookvale Oval is not ready for the April 11 match. "Graham Lowe called both myself and the Sharks this week to discuss a plan B," said NRL Chief Operations Officer Graham Annesley. "They have been told by the Warringah Council that the ground will be ready but they think it is wise to have a plan B just in case something happens. "All is on track for it to be ready for the Sharks game but bad weather or unforseen circumstances could put that back."

Already starting the year with four away games, moving the round-five clash could prove a major blow for the Sea Eagles, who draw a huge home advantage from playing at the ground known as the "Fortress".

The club was last year granted $10 million in funding for renovations to the dilapidated ground which include refurbishment of the dressing rooms, public amenities and food and drink outlets. Stage one of the redevelopment is scheduled to be completed before the Sharks clash, while further refurbishments will take place during the season.

The council will pay $4 million towards the upgrade and the State Government will pay $6 million. Annesley said the Sea Eagles would be able to move the match to the ground of their choice should Brookvale be unavailable.

"That would be their decision to take," Annesley said. "Whether they move it to Gosford or somewhere like the SFS or ANZ is up to them."

Source & More: www.heraldsun.com.au

Read more articles in Rugby, by Editor or from February 2010.