Finals are always a highlight of Australia’s NRL season but this weekend’s epic encounter between the Raiders and Broncos perhaps set a new level for entertainment.

A field goal in golden point sent the Broncos through, representing a fitting end to Week 1 in what some have claimed is one of the best NRL matches ever to have been played.

Viewing data certainly reinforces the idea that this weekend represented a high point for the League.

Week 1 of the Finals (representing four matches, played across four cities) was the most-watched in the history of the NRL. The games reached an average of 6.7mn viewers in Australia and New Zealand. That represents an increase of more than 20% on last year’s Week 1matches.

The Broncos Raiders classic attracted the biggest audience – as well it might. The match – in a prime Sunday afternoon slot – commanded an average audience of more than 2mn. Meanwhile, the Storm versus Bulldogs games (in the Friday slot) attracted an average audience of 1.7mn viewers. Those figures make the matches the most viewed Week 1 NRL games on record.

Viewing figures alone suggest that the NRL is in a very healthy place right now – and that’s not even taking into account other metrics, like social and media coverage. And with the sudden death finals taking place this weekend in prime Friday and Sunday slots, this season could be on course to break more records still.

For more insights on media, sport and sponsorship in Australia & New Zealand, connect with GSIQ Managing Partner, Ted Harwood.

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