Rugby league fans turned out in droves on Wednesday night, handing Nine a spectacular victory in the overnight ratings. The first match of the 2026 State of Origin series completely dominated the charts across every major demographic, proving once again that live sport remains a powerhouse for broadcast and BVOD platforms.
Total People TV Ratings
Nine’s State Of Origin Rugby League NSW V QLD 1st-Match recorded a total TV national reach of 5,771,000, a total TV national audience of 3,995,000 and a BVOD audience of 1,521,000.
Nine’s State Of Origin Rugby League NSW V QLD 1st-Pre Match recorded a total TV national reach of 4,615,000, a total TV national audience of 2,206,000 and a BVOD audience of 741,000.
Nine’s State Of Origin Rugby League NSW V QLD 1st-Post Match recorded a total TV national reach of 4,285,000, a total TV national audience of 1,778,000 and a BVOD audience of 635,000.
Nine’s 9News recorded a total TV national reach of 2,493,000, a total TV national audience of 1,464,000 and a BVOD audience of 301,000.
Seven’s Seven News recorded a total TV national reach of 2,314,000, a total TV national audience of 1,495,000 and a BVOD audience of 188,000.
Total people, 27 May 2026
People 25-54
Nine’s State Of Origin Rugby League NSW V QLD 1st-Match:
• Total TV national reach: 2,523,000
• National Audience: 1,900,000
• BVOD Audience: 919,000
Nine’s State Of Origin Rugby League NSW V QLD 1st-Pre Match:
• Total TV national reach: 1,972,000
• National Audience: 1,012,000
• BVOD Audience: 445,000
Nine’s State Of Origin Rugby League NSW V QLD 1st-Post Match:
• Total TV national reach: 1,898,000
• National Audience: 860,000
• BVOD Audience: 386,000
Nine’s 9News:
• Total TV national reach: 837,000
• National Audience: 459,000
• BVOD Audience: 159,000
Seven’s Seven News:
• Total TV national reach: 633,000
• National Audience: 395,000
• BVOD Audience: 90,000
People 25-54, 27 May 2026
People 16-39
Nine’s State Of Origin Rugby League NSW V QLD 1st-Match:
• Total TV national reach: 1,562,000
• National Audience: 1,189,000
• BVOD Audience: 629,000
Nine’s State Of Origin Rugby League NSW V QLD 1st-Pre Match:
• Total TV national reach: 1,202,000
• National Audience: 582,000
• BVOD Audience: 288,000
Nine’s State Of Origin Rugby League NSW V QLD 1st-Post Match:
• Total TV national reach: 1,200,000
• National Audience: 531,000
• BVOD Audience: 256,000
Nine’s 9News:
• Total TV national reach: 398,000
• National Audience: 202,000
• BVOD Audience: 86,000
Seven’s Seven News:
• Total TV national reach: 253,000
• National Audience: 153,000
• BVOD Audience: 44,000
People 16-39, 27 May 2026
Grocery Shoppers 18+
Nine’s State Of Origin Rugby League NSW V QLD 1st-Match:
• Total TV national reach: 4,194,000
• National Audience: 2,905,000
• BVOD Audience: 1,185,000
Nine’s State Of Origin Rugby League NSW V QLD 1st-Pre Match:
• Total TV national reach: 3,338,000
• National Audience: 1,603,000
• BVOD Audience: 585,000
Nine’s State Of Origin Rugby League NSW V QLD 1st-Post Match:
• Total TV national reach: 3,142,000
• National Audience: 1,301,000
• BVOD Audience: 497,000
Nine’s 9News:
• Total TV national reach: 1,935,000
• National Audience: 1,157,000
• BVOD Audience: 244,000
Seven’s Seven News:
• Total TV national reach: 1,841,000
• National Audience: 1,201,000
• BVOD Audience: 153,000
Grocery shoppers 18+, 27 May 2026
Consolidated 7
Looking back at the previous Wednesday, 20 May 2026, Seven took out the top spot in the Consolidated 7 data. Seven’s Seven News achieved a national reach of 2,267,000, bringing in a national average audience of 1,488,000 and a BVOD audience of 189,000.
Nine’s 9News followed closely behind, securing a total TV national reach of 2,040,000 and an average audience of 1,315,000. Seven’s Home And Away proved its staying power in third place, recording a solid national reach of 1,563,000 and drawing an impressive BVOD audience of 377,000.
Data © OzTAM and Regional TAM 2026. Not to be reproduced, published or communicated (electronically or in hard copy) in whole or in part, without prior written consent of OzTAM and Regional TAM.