June 18, 2026 — 3:30pm
State of Origin II has become the highest-rating game in interstate history, breaking streaming records after reaching more than 6 million people on Wednesday night.
The NRL’s hopes of brokering a record broadcast deal have been boosted by the viewing numbers and a result that ensures the series remains alive. Queensland overcame a slow start and a poor record at the MCG to demolish NSW 44-24 to set up the decider at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane.
The match was witnessed by a record Origin crowd of 91,671 and total television audience - comprising linear and streaming viewers - of 4.294 million. It is also the second successive match that a streaming record was broken, with 1.715 million tuning in via 9Now.
“State of Origin remains the benchmark for live sport in Australia, and last night’s audience performance demonstrates the enduring strength of rugby league as one of the nation’s most powerful sporting and cultural forces,” said Nine’s managing director of streaming and broadcast, Amanda Laing.
