Training session at Gillette Four Nations final venue denied - Rugby League
Gillette Four Nations Final organisers’ did not allow the finalists of the campaign, Australia and England, to conduct their pre-match training sessions at the final venue, Elland Road, Leeds. The request was filed by both team on Friday, November 18.
However, after the request was refused, a visit was arranged in order to get finalists acquainted to the final’s venue. This way both teams will not be entirely unfamiliar to the final day’s pitch, where the series last showdown is scheduled to take place
on Saturday, November 19.
Both sides believe that if they were granted permission to use the final day’s pitch that would have helped them subside fears of the big day. They were not expecting the refusal, which had angered the Kangaroos’ coach, who also compared it to a similar
scenario at Wembley before the tournament's group-stage double-header. All four teams at Wembley were allowed to use the field for their practice sessions.
Expressing his thoughts about the denial at Elland Road, Roos coach added, "It is a little disappointing. When we got on Wembley, I was happy about that. We had four teams on. Obviously the groundsman has a bit more pull here than at Wembley."
However, unlike their coach’s reaction, the Australian side did not take the refusal too hard. Their captain, Cameron Smith, who has played at Elland Road in 2009 Four Nations final and in 2008 World Club Challenge, was not too worried by the refusal.
While commenting, Smith said, "I know the curator is a bit touchy about his grass. It looks in pretty good nick so I can't blame him. Most of the boys have played here before. A lot of the guys were involved in the game here in 2009 and a few guys have played
here in World Club Challenges."
He further added that in the end it is just another derby game, all they need to focus on playing well.
Both sides had to finalise their last training sessions on alternative pitches. Australia did not disclose their training venue. Meanwhile, England trained at Headingley, which is Leeds Rhinos’ home ground.
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