Rugby league’s showpiece event between the Melbourne Storm and Brisbane Broncos was watched by a national total TV average audience of 4.46 million people on Nine, the highest-ever for an NRL Grand Final.

The match also became Australia’s most-watched event of the year beating the AFL Grand Final, which was watched by an average of 4.18 million viewers the previous week.

The match was also higher than the Broncos’ previous final in 2023, which saw 3.41 million people tune in to their defeat to the Penrith Panthers.

Records were also broken in the NRLW Grand Final between the Broncos and Sydney Roosters, with 1 million people watching the match, a 36 per cent increase compared to last season.

A large proportion of viewers streamed the match, with 1.3 million people streaming the action on 9Now.

“This year’s phenomenal ratings are a testament to Nine’s unwavering commitment to being the true home of rugby league,” said Amanda Laing, Nine’s managing director of streaming and broadcast.

“We believe the greatest game of all should be accessible to everyone, and by providing that universal, free-to-air access, we are helping to grow the sport’s fan base in every corner of the country. To see that commitment reflected in record-breaking audience numbers is incredibly rewarding.”

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