I find this quite incredible. Unless the rules were left vague specifically for this case.
There are actually quiet a number of rules differences between NRL, Superleague, some Lower Grade Competitions AND the International Rules of Rugby League. I am not sure if there was "foresight" when they were written, but it makes sense that some "tolerances" will always be needed if the game is to expand globally.
All rules changes, differences, etc. were explained to all teams upon arrival in Jacksonville, by the Game Official and Tournament Director. Field changes (Goal Posts and TRY LINE Color) were also explained in detail to all teams.
All aspects of all fields, game and practice, meet international Rugby League Rules and Guidelines.
I have said it a million times, if Rugby League truly wants to be a global sport, and develop a grass roots infrastructure in more countries than they currently do, it is going to have to allow the use of the guidelines that are set in the international rules of the game.
Yes there are minimum standards that must be met, and all of those have been exceeded for this event. But in a LOT of countries, the development of the sport often falls on available venues, and to restrict options by forcing "Exact NRL (ish) dimensions and other field items, would literally see games not played.
And just so there is not confusion, again, all fields, game and practice, along with the rules under which the games are played, every part of the events for these qualifiers exceed the minimum allowed for international play of Rugby League.
And although the field at Hodges Stadium is 70 yards wide (64 meters) even I was surprised to learn that the minimum allowed for International games is actually only 55 meters.
