Fans and commentators have blasted the farcical scenes at Liverpool’s $1.6 billion Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Missing field markings turned the second Ashes Test between Australia and England into what one journalist labelled an “embarrassment to Test rugby league.”
The issue came to light in the first half when Nathan Cleary launched a pinpoint 40/20 that left officials momentarily confused about whether the ball had gone out inside England’s 20-metre zone.
With no visible 40m or 20m lines on the field, referee Grant Atkins had to rely on video review to confirm the correct call.
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‘Embarrassment to Test match rugby league’ - Crawley
The state-of-the-art stadium, home to Premier League club Everton, features a pitch designed for football - not rugby league - and had only try-lines and 10m lines marked.
The ground is also six metres shorter than regulation NRL fields, meaning the spacing between markings would have been inaccurate even if painted.
Writing for Fox Sports, veteran reporter Paul Crawley slammed the debacle, describing it as a “disgrace” for the international game.
“How in the hell do you have a rugby league Test match played at a state-of-the-art stadium where the referee can’t keep the teams 10 metres apart - because he can’t see the bloody lines?” Crawley wrote.
“It’s just not good enough for what is supposed to be the pinnacle of our sport.”
Officials and players left guessing
The absence of markings made it difficult for Atkins to manage the defensive lines, with both sides repeatedly creeping offside throughout the game.
Fans were quick to call out the situation on social media, accusing England of taking advantage of the confusion.
“No line markings, what a joke,” wrote NRL Central.
“England definitely taking advantage of this, couldn’t be any more offside on every play.”
Professional golfer Matthew Guyatt added: “One of the worst Test match spectacles. Felt for ref Grant Atkins, no lines on the field, the 10m didn’t exist - offside players in both teams all night. Horrible watch.”
Calls for change after another poor spectacle
The debacle has intensified scrutiny on the Ashes series, which many hoped would help expand rugby league’s global footprint.
Instead, the lack of professionalism in field setup - and another low-scoring contest has drawn criticism from across the sport.
Peter V’landys and the ARLC had been banking on free-flowing, high-quality matches to showcase the international game.
Instead, many are now questioning whether rugby league’s oldest rivalry can survive without a serious overhaul in planning and presentation.