Queensland’s one-point victory to secure seven State of Origin series wins in a row has helped the Nine Network notch a new TV ratings record for the rugby league showpiece.
Around 2.62 million viewers in Australia’s five capital cities tuned in for the Suncorp decider, according to OzTam, while nationally it had an average audience of 4.04 million.
The metro audience peaked at 3.23 million, while the national audience peak at 4.82 million.
The metro figure included 1.186 million in Sydney, 406,000 in Melbourne, 866,000 in Brisbane, 67,000 in Adelaide and 99,000 in Perth. The Game III figure received a bigger audience in both Sydney and Brisbane.
This was the highest rating State of Origin game since the introduction of OzTam figures, and the pre-match and post-match coverage also performed well. The post-match show was watched by 2.328 million, and the pre-match coverage was watched by 1.568 million.
In NSW Nine showed ‘The Blue Wall’, a half-hour program hosted by Michael Slater, Andrew Johns, Brad Fittler and Paul Harragon, and in Queensland Nine broadcast a Maroon version.
While this was a nice touch, it was not repeated in Games I and II. Nine could be doing more to get the most out of its Origin rights. Broadcasting both post-match press conferences would be a start, which Fox Sports does. So would livening up its broadcast team.
Nine seems to want to replicate its cricket style of broadcast and commentary. While I think Phil Gould has a lot to offer, do Queensland fans want to hear his speech right before kick-off?
There is a lot of knowledge on the panel with Vautin, Sterling, Lockyer, Lewis, Fittler, etc, and a lot of Origin experience. But some just aren’t built to be on TV, and their biases are just too obvious.
Lockyer can barely speak, so putting him in as a sideline-eye or a ‘colour’ commentator is pointless. Get that man a lozenge, or get that man out of the team.
Nine should be introducing some more journos and less-invested staff to get involved. Some women would also be a smart ploy, to broaden the appeal of the game.
Super Rugby interviews players and captains as they leave the field at half-time, wouldn’t that be a great touch in Origin?
The State of Origin is a fantastic spectacle, one of the best sports events on the planet, and last night was no exception. But if the NRL Commission wants rugby league to continue to grow and to grab that $1 billion rights mark, and Nine wants to hold onto the rights, then more needs to be done.
Queensland's Game Is Rugby League
Guest
He has a good knowledge of the game, he's passionate about his state and can be quite funny. Good character. I respect him because he loves the game to pieces and will do anything he can to help it grow. All of the commentators have faults, but most of them are decent. I try to focus on their good points. Too many people in rugby league dwell over the few negatives.
Crosscoder
Roar Guru
When someone comes on a forum about SOO ratings and brings up an exiles match in the UK,I responded to a point, that it was completely irrelevant to the discussion. I stated SOO will only get bigger.You came in swinging for whatever reason I still can't figure with a silly"did anyone say it wasn't going to get bigger?"..You have not followed the comments. Scoop!!! it is in the rugby league tab,I follow the code.I make comments about the code because I have an interest. I don't do(by going to ru tabs) as you appear to do spend time looking for negatives in rl, whenever it suits you.
D Maaga
Guest
you seem to make general comments whenever suit you and the sport you love. when someone mention the SOO 3 tv ratings was more than 6million i was waiting for a general comments from you then what was i thinking.
tigerbalm
Guest
mate, you have done it again :)
me, I like football
Guest
It was more a case of streamlining the national broadcasts of Channel 9 by broadcasting an alternate to SoO in the AF states. afterall the legends game rates higher than SoO in Melbourne. and always has
matt h
Guest
Do we really have to go here again? Both teams in all ways seek to maximise their advantage in any way they can both on and off the field. That won't change. Loopholes will be found. Strange things will happen. Punches will fly. Legs will be twisted. Refs will be harrassed. Life goes on. And a final scarey thought for NSW - Benji's first senior football was on the Gold Coast.
matt h
Guest
Yep, we simply do not have a code that is number one in all areas. you really can only look at the % in the state where the code is number one. Even then, unlike Europe, there are still three other codes taking support away.
matt h
Guest
Depends on your definitions. In the article the numbers are different, and you have to be careful to compare like iwth like re metrto or regionals included. not saying you are wrong - just don;t know unless you define very carefully
matt h
Guest
Interesting isn't it. I guess there are heaps of people who gather in larger numbers to watch one set maybe, or they are out at pubs and clubs. But then AFL is Melbourne's games and I would bet a similar proportion at best watch the big games
matt h
Guest
There are two good things about Locky's commentary: 1. It halves Andrew Johns' commentary time, and 2. In the post match interviews it is obviuos how much the other players respect him.
Crosscoder
Roar Guru
I made a general comment.What's your point D Maaga?.It was not in response to anyone's point of view.Keep up to speed please.
Benny
Guest
Cane Toads are also imported from Central and South America. - Ben Teo - born Auckland NZ, junior club Hibiscus Coast NZ - Greg Inglis - born Kempsey NSW, junior club Bowraville NSW At least with James Tamou played for Paddington Tigers (Easts) NSW junior club from the age of 13. Akuila Uate was a Woy Woy Roosters junior from 16 years old. Greg Inglis was 16 and Te'o 17 when they moved to Qld.
Curious
Guest
And so say all of us. Can't stand the bloke
peeeko
Roar Guru
Thanks for posting that interesting article, I have always disbelieved the numbers spruced eecially the man city numbers in may
D Maaga
Guest
did anyone said it wasn't going to get bigger CC?
D Maaga
Guest
its usually very quite in brisbane during origin nights unless your in caxton stree or in a few bars around suncorp stadium. most people prefer to watched at home due work and schools the next day.
Crosscoder
Roar Guru
Another one from left field KOGS.Comparing a Ferrari with a VW. SOO will only get bigger.
King of the Gorgonites
Roar Guru
Brilliant.
Johno
Guest
Our cockroaches hitched a ride on a boat to get here. They're asylum seekers. There are more Kiwis in Sydney than Auckland. It's their natural born right to be able to throw on a blues jumper one week and perform the haka the next. Refs 2, NSW 1
King of the Gorgonites
Roar Guru
Very disappointing crowd over here for the exiles match. It will never match SOO