IF it's good enough for the NFL arena, it's good enough the NRL.
In a revolutionary move, Brookvale Oval could become the first top flight rugby league ground in the world to be laid with synthetic turf.
Warringah Council Mayor, Michael Regan, told The Daily Telegraph yesterday that he wanted to fast-track a $1 million artificial playing surface at Manly's home ground.
Regan has already held preliminary talks with NRL chairman John Grant, Manly Sea Eagles chairman Scott Penn and NSWRL development officials about the historic move.
"It makes sense," Mayor Regan said.
The council pay $150,000 a year to maintain Brookvale's playing surface - for just 15 hours a week of use.
Anymore, he says, would trash the playing surface.
A synthetic surface would cost just $20,000 annually to maintain and allow up to 60 hours a week of use.
"At the moment Brookvale can only be used 15 hours a week to keep it to NRL standards - that's crazy," Regan said. "I think the people in charge need to embrace the change - if the technology is there, let's use it.
"With the state government looking at the Melbourne Stadia strategy, grounds like Brookvale are under threat.
"If synthetic means we can have the best possible surface available for 60 hours a week, Brookie becomes a sustainable financial model for the local council. You could play junior and senior games there, as well as school matches."
About fifty percent of NFL arenas have artificial surfaces with Regan dismissing fears the playing surface would injure or graze players.
"It would be the latest technology so that would be eliminated," he said. "In fact, some might argue that playing on grass would be worse.
"It would be purely psychological for the players.
"It would be unbelievable and we have got the money to do it at Brookvale.
"It also would give us a reason to continue to invest into Brookvale Oval. Over time it would pay itself off and be used commercially and for the community."
NRL director of football operations, Nathan McGuirk, said the game's governing body would have to be convinced about introducing an artificial surface.
"Synthetic ovals have benefits for junior sport but at elite level with the elite players, we would have some reservations at this stage about approving any change," he said.
Brookvale was again boggy last Sunday with fullback Brett Stewart straining a hamstring in the heavy conditions.
Former Australian captain Laurie Daley said: "It is certainly an interesting concept. It hasn't happened in rugby league before. Player welfare is the most important issue. I'd have to look into it more."
