GAME III: THE DECIDER THE HIGHEST TOTAL TV RESULT FOR A STATE OF ORIGIN IN RATINGS HISTORY (VOZ/TAM/VPM)

GAME III: THE DECIDER CLAIMS AUSTRALIA’S NO.1 TOTAL TV PROGRAM OF THE YEAR

The 2026 Ampol State of Origin series has rewritten the record books, setting new benchmarks for viewership across broadcast and streaming, with a phenomenal Total TV National Reach of 12 million Australians tuning in throughout the thrilling series on the 9Network.

Last night’s State of Origin III: The Decider 2026 smashed broadcasting records with a historic Total TV Reach of 6.032 million viewers, cementing its place as the the No.1 Total TV Program of the year and a Total TV audience of 4.290 million making it the highest-rating State of Origin match in history (based on Total TV and Overnight VOZ/TAM/ VPM Ratings System). The blockbuster event also drew a massive BVOD audience of 1.685 million – a phenomenal 70.9% year-on-year surge.

Furthermore, the thrilling Game III decider significantly increased Total TV audiences year-on-year across local markets including Sydney (+20%), Brisbane (+9%) and Perth (+6%).

State of Origin Game I secured an extraordinary Total TV average audience of 3.99 million, making it the highest-rating State of Origin match in VOZ history at the time. On 9Now, the dramatic opener captivated streaming audiences, setting a powerful baseline for a record-shattering series.

State of Origin Game II achieved even greater heights, drawing a record-breaking Total TV Reach over 6 million viewers and a Total TV average audience of 4.286 million as a historic crowd packed the MCG. Streaming on 9Now soared to unprecedented levels, breaking the all-time Australian BVOD record with 1.713 million viewers tuning into the live stream.

The 2026 State of Origin series has cemented rugby league’s position as Australia’s biggest television event with all three men’s matches now ranking as the three highest-rating television programs of 2026 across any Australian broadcaster. Combined with record audiences across the Women’s State of Origin series, the results reinforce the continued growth of the game and the strength of Nine’s long-term partnership with the NRL.

Adding further momentum to a blockbuster year of Rugby League, the 2026 Women’s State of Origin series also reached spectacular new heights for the 9Network. The WSOO averaged a national reach of 2 million Australians per match, fuelled by a 53% year-on-year surge in BVOD viewing on 9Now.

Amanda Laing, Nine’s Managing Director of Streaming and Broadcast, said:

“State of Origin on Nine has rewritten the record books once again with more than 12 million Australians watching the 2026 series, reinforcing why Nine remains the Home of Rugby League’s biggest moments.”
“Across broadcast and free streaming, this year’s series became the most-streamed State of Origin series in history, with all six men’s and women’s matches delivering record audiences, as we connect more Australians with rugby league than ever before.”
“Following this week’s landmark rights agreement, we’re proud to continue our long-term partnership with the NRL. Together, we remain committed to the continued growth of the game, by bringing more Australians closer to the stories, rivalries and moments that make rugby league such an important part of our national culture.”

Nine’s Director of Sport, Brent Williams, said: 

“State of Origin again delivered some of the most dramatic, high-stakes football we’ve ever seen. From kick off in Sydney to the decider in Brisbane, the intensity on the field was matched only by the passion of the fans. Congratulations to the players, who year after year continue to deliver sporting drama at its absolute best.”
“Origin is the pinnacle of live sports broadcasting and I want to say a huge thank you to our world-class Wide World of Sports production crew, technical engineers and legendary commentary team who work tirelessly to bring viewers closer to the action than ever before.”

With absolute dominance across all screens, key demographics, and both the men’s and women’s competitions, the 2026 State of Origin shield reinforces that nothing captivates the nation, dominates the conversation, and delivers unrivaled scale for commercial partners quite like Origin on Nine.

Source: TVMAP VOZ Program Analyser, VOZ Data 5.9 © OzTAM Pty Limited [2026], National, Nine Content, State of Origin Rugby League, Reach (Incl Pre/Post, Average Audience (Excl Pre/Post), Total People, Total TV, Overnight, as at 09/07/2026. (TAM/VPM data)

Thursday 09 July, 2026