NRL season kicks off with record TV ratings for Storm-Broncos clash

After a summer a shame, it was anticipated the poor behaviour of rugby league players would affect crowds and TV numbers. But broadcasters and the NRL are today celebrating.

Broncos forward Joe Ofahengaue takes on the Storm defence at AAMI Park. Picture: Getty Images

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Rugby league is baaaaaaack!

After a summer a shame, broadcast networks Fox Sports and Channel 9 are today celebrating record TV ratings from Thursday night’s Storm-Broncos in Melbourne.

All up almost 1.2 million viewers watched the season opener — the highest simulcast figures for a regular season game ever.

Fox Sports ratings were up an extraordinary 27 per cent on last year while Channel 9 increased by one per cent.

These figures don’t include the online audience on the new Kayo streaming app.

“I’m thrilled the game’s got away to such a good start,” said Fox Sports Head of Television Steve Crawley.

“It’s the best thing — I’m so happy for the NRL.”

Broncos forward Joe Ofahengaue takes on the Storm defence at AAMI Park. Picture: Getty Images

The ratings were expected to take a hit after a shocking off-season of scandal.

It was anticipated the poor behaviour of players would affect crowds and TV numbers.

Sydney and Brisbane ratings were both up but the biggest increase was in Melbourne.

NRL boss Todd Greenberg said the ratings figures were a great way to start the season.

“To attract such a big audience — bigger than any regular season match last year — is great news for the game,” Greenberg said.

“Clearly it is too early in the season to draw any conclusions. We still have nearly 200 games to go to the finals.

“But we are off to a strong start which confirms what we all suspected — that the fans could not wait for the football to begin.”