NRL 2021: League is back on top as finals kick off with record ratings for subscription television

Fox League has enjoyed record ratings to open the NRL finals series in a sign that competition playoffs have hit the right note with fans.

The opening week of the finals has been a record-breaking ratings bonanza for Fox League. The four finals were the four biggest rugby league games in subscription television history, and may have strengthened the claims for a 17th team as the ARL Commission grapples with its clubs and broadcasters over the prospect of expansion.

News Corp can reveal Saturday night’s game between Penrith and South Sydney was the highest rated rugby league game in subscription television history. The Sydney Roosters and Gold Coast Titans weren’t far behind. Nor were the other two games.

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Keaon Koloamatangi and Dane Gagai were part of one of the biggest games in subscription television history.

It is understood the Nine Network also enjoyed bumper ratings. The news is a huge boost to the NRL as they continue talks with commercial broadcasters over their deal for 2023 and beyond.

The NRL’s agreement with the Nine Network has just over one year to run and while their has been interest from rival networks, Nine’s determination to retain the rights would no doubt be strengthened given they also enjoyed strong ratings to open the finals.

Remarkably, the game between Souths and Penrith was among the top 10 shows in subscription television history, a sign that the code has put its troubles behind it in the run-in to the grand final.

“To have all four finals the most watched matches of all-time is extraordinary,” Fox Sports executive director Steve Crawley said.

The strong ratings come as the game prepares to make a call on expansion.

“Our team of hosts, callers and experts love broadcasting the biggest games of the year. The live drama of Ivan Cleary and Wayne Bennett post-match Saturday night was unmissable television and fresh insight from Luke Keary was terrific.”

The strong ratings come as the game prepares to make a call on expansion. ARL Commission chair Peter V’landys is expected to speak to club bosses in coming weeks about the prospect of adding a 17th team before a final call is made, potentially before the grand final.

The broadcasters will play a pivotal role in the decision and strong ratings are likely to whet their appetite amid concerns over the depth for another side.

“We’re very excited that they (the ratings) are so good,” V’Landys said.

“They are very pleasing and they couldn’t come at a better time when we are negotiating with free-to-air (broadcasters) … but there’s still a long way to go.”

Originally published as NRL 2021: League is back on top as finals kick off with record ratings for subscription television