The COVID-enforced Queensland roadtrip will present a few tricky propositions for uninitiated players from New South Wales – as Friday evening’s game at Sunshine Coast Stadium exhibited.
Both the Roosters and Knights struggled with the notoriously blustering wind that hits the exposed stadium from Bokarina Beach on one side and Kawana Lake on the other.
The teams also battled to get a read on the fast-running field as numerous grubber attempts cannoned over the dead-ball line.
It makes for interesting tactics when other southern teams journey to unfamiliar venues in Mackay, Rockhampton and Redcliffe in coming rounds.
“The open stadiums... it’s a different dimension,” Roosters coach Trent Robinson said after a 28-8 victory inspired by James Tedesco.
“It’s great. It’s the footy that I remember. How do you know how to use the elements?
Different perspective still has Robinson in awe of Tedesco
“That wind (at Sunshine Coast Stadium) grew as the afternoon went. We knew it was going to be there.
“We wanted to go with it in the first half, but I’m glad we lost the toss and went with it in the second half.”
The Roosters venture to BB Print Stadium in Mackay on Thursday night, a field that sits right next to an airport.
Meanwhile, the Knights will have learned a thing or two by the time they return to Sunshine Coast Stadium in round 21 to face the Broncos.
“The wind certainly played a big part in field position,” Newcastle coach Adam O’Brien said.
Another Tedesco pass, another try celebration for Tupou and the Roosters
“We probably needed to change clubs there with our kicking. We needed a three iron.
“We were just lobbing them up and expecting a different result.
“The Roosters were getting the ball and starting on our 50.
“That played a really big part in our game and is something we need to work on.”
