The Women's State of Origin match was the most-watched television broadcast nationwide, out-rating a men's AFL game aired in the same time slot [1].
This viewership milestone signals a shift in the Australian sporting landscape, demonstrating that women's rugby league can compete with established men's professional sports for prime-time audiences. The result suggests a growing commercial viability for women's sports that may influence future broadcasting schedules and sponsorship deals.
Emma Manzelmann, a player for the NRLW Cowboys and Queensland Maroons, said the growth of the event is becoming evident. "I feel like each year it is growing bigger and bigger," Manzelmann said [1].
Manzelmann said the broadcast's success was significant because it surpassed the viewership of competing men's sports. "It was the most watched game on TV… that’s overruling the men too," she said [1].
Beyond the numbers, Manzelmann said the success and performance of the team were due to a specific regional spirit. "I think Queensland, we have something different in our blood," she said [1].
The surge in interest reflects a broader trend of increasing support for women's rugby league across Australia. Fans and players have noted that the audience has expanded steadily each year, contributing to the event's status as a nationwide television draw [1, 2].
“"It was the most watched game on TV… that’s overruling the men too."”
The fact that a women's sporting event outpaced a men's AFL game in a head-to-head time slot indicates a narrowing gap in viewership between gendered sports in Australia. This data provides leverage for leagues to negotiate higher broadcasting rights and more prominent scheduling, potentially accelerating the professionalization and funding of women's rugby league.
