Newcastle Jets coach Gary van Egmond is worried about the state of the EnergyAustralia pitch heading into tonight's Asian Champions League clash with Nagoya Grampus.
With the National Rugby League season in full flight, it means that Jets ground is not up to scratch as they share their home ground with rugby team Newcastle Knights.
van Egmond says it is a worry but explains there is not much that can be done at this time of year.
"It's a case of that we're a victim of circumstance, realistically," he said.
"We share the ground with other tenants and with that comes a case where our seasons have now overlapped each other.
"Unfortunately for our game we need the deck to be as smooth as possible.
"It's not just a case for us saying 'yes, we are unhappy with the pitch' because if we got told we had to play Nagoya in the carpark, we'd be up for it.
"But it's a case that you feel that because it's a very prestigious tournament, you'd like to have the pitch in quite pristine order as well."