NRL fans left fuming after 9Now streaming encounters errors during State of Origin game in Adelaide

NRL fans have taken to social media to express their outrage about a streaming service error and Channel 9’s broadcast.

Rugby league fans have been left fuming overnight as a popular streaming service encountered errors throughout the night, leaving some unable to watch the State of Origin game at all.

Crowds flocked to Adelaide Oval on Wednesday night to watch the Blues and Maroons go head to head in the first State of Origin game.

However, eager fans watching the game at home were frustrated, as Channel 9’s coverage was littered with ads during game time, with many key moments being missed.

Fans took to social media to complain about the broadcasting, with many frustrated about ads cutting into the game.

Many unhappy customers were calling for the licensing to be given to other providers, mainly News Corp’s Fox.

Queensland players celebrate winning Origin 1. Picture: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images

Reece Walsh was one of Queensland’s best. Picture: Mark Kolbe/Getty Images

#StateofOrigin 🏉
Foxtel Footy has no peer
.. commentators, insight & the enthusiasm to heighten the game

But live (groan) I have to watch Ch 9 & whilst Andrew Johns is the 8th Immortal … he’s as boring as a librarian reading the road rules to 6 year olds
😴 💤 pic.twitter.com/rcOVcoGT2C

— Peter Bell (@PeterBell7) May 31, 2023

Nine's coverage is awful compared to Fox and I've just seen another big difference. You'll see meaningful post-match media conferences on Fox. Nine just cut to Fittler presser for two quick answers and that was it. #StateofOrigin#crisis

— Greg Prichard (@gregprichard) May 31, 2023

The controversial sin-binning of Queensland’s Tom Flegler wasn’t shown to viewers watching at home, as an ad was playing.

One user took to Twitter to say the coverage on Fox Sports “has no peer”.

“Commentators, insight and the enthusiasm to heighten the game,” the user wrote.

“But live I have to watch Channel 9 and whilst Andrew Johns is the 8th immortal … he’s as boring as a librarian reading the road rules to six-year-olds.

Other social media users said the sooner Fox got to show the State of Origin “the better”.

One man warned viewers at home to “buckle in for ads during play”.

Racing journalist Greg Pritchard said the coverage was “awful” compared with News Corp’s Fox.

“I’ve just seen another big difference, you’ll see meaningful post-match media conferences on Fox,” Pritchard said.

“Nine just cut to Fittler presser for two quick answers and that was it.”

@9Now seems I’m not the only one! What a garbage app! Time for the @nrl to give the Origin to Fox! #orginpic.twitter.com/cIDqLZNLR7

— The Real GPS (@GAV679) May 31, 2023

Stop the game! No one is watching because of @9Now site crashing.

@NRLonNine@NRL

— Amy Laker (@amla22) May 31, 2023

Other fans at home were unable to tune into the game at all after streaming service 9Now crashed during the series opener.

Most 9Now customers watching at home were left in the lurch, with some fans unable to watch the game at all.

“We’re currently investigating this issue and will resolve ASAP,” 9Now told customers.

9Now confirmed it was looking into the issue, but fans weren’t impressed with many flocking to Twitter to voice their frustration.

People using the TV app were shown an “unexpected error” message, asking them to “please check” their network connection.

Other customers streaming online were stuck behind an error wall on the Nine website.

After nearly half an hour, 9Now responded to a growing online crowd complaining about the service.

pic.twitter.com/dOXy5Qw1DI

— Decay (@DecayRSO) May 31, 2023

been like this for ages @9Nowpic.twitter.com/Kr0EL1qfJs

— Tom McKeesick (@nimbus1r) May 31, 2023

The issue with logging into 9Now has been resolved. We thank everyone for their patience while this was being investigated. Now, back to tonight’s #Origin! 🏉

— 9Now (@9Now) May 31, 2023

“The issue with logging into 9Now has been resolved,” it said in a tweet.

“We thank everyone for their patience while this was being investigated.”

A Nine spokesperson said the coverage, which broke records for the biggest TV audience in half a decade, was only unavailable for a small group.

“We apologise to the users affected. There was a log-in issue which happened after the game started and it affected a small number of users which was quickly resolved,” they said.

9Now and programming director Hamish Turner said a record audience of more than 3.4 million tuned in to watch the game.

“It was a thrilling game and it talks to the strength of State of Origin,” Mr Turner said.

“Bring on the second game from Suncorp Stadium.”

It is still unclear exactly what caused the log-in issue.

Queensland won the game 26-18.

Originally published as NRL fans left fuming after 9Now streaming encounters errors during State of Origin game in Adelaide