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Posted: 2024-03-02 03:28:54

Adam Reynolds insists it will not be an issue going into Allegiant Stadium blind after Brisbane and South Sydney were denied the right train on the ground ahead of the NRL's season-opening double-header.

As the "home" teams, Manly and the Sydney Roosters went through their usual captain's run at the stadium on Saturday, while Souths and Brisbane trained off-site.

Under normal NRL protocols, the home team have the right to train on their ground before a match, while the visitors do not.

Both sides usually have a session at the ground before major NRL events such as grand finals or State of Origin matches, with the home team given priority on timings.

But the weekend's double-header timings did not allow for all four teams to have a full block of training at the ground.

The unusual nature of the venue makes the opportunity to build some familiarity with the playing conditions at the stadium — where Super Bowl LVIII was held just three weeks ago — particularly valuable.

The match will be played under a roof, while larger walls enclose a field that is narrower and shorter than usual for rugby league.

But Reynolds said a lack of training time would not change things drastically for the Broncos.

"It's going to be a little bit different to what we're used to in Brisbane, Melbourne or Sydney," the Broncos halfback said.

"It's going to have a different feel to it. But once we get out there, we'll come up with a game plan with myself and the spine.

"We'll sit down and talk, but things always change on the run anyway."

Tight security at the venue — which hosted last month's Super Bowl — meant even the match officials had a hold-up before being given access to the field on Friday.

The Broncos and Rabbitohs were able to complete a brief walk-through of the stadium on Friday, around the sidelines and through the change rooms, but were not permitted to kick the ball or go through drills on the field.

"If we're going to worry about whether we get the warm-up on or not, we're not in a good head-space," Souths coach Jason Demetriou said.

"We've embraced every challenge that's come to us so far. It all means nothing once that ball is kicked.

"You get 10 minutes in, first game of the year, and the lungs are hurting.

"I don't think anyone's going to be worried about whether you had captain's run there or not."

AAP

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