2026 TV and Streaming Ratings thread

[Colk]

But you see this all the time, I remember for years the Raiders were strong in the lower grades and this never seemed to translate into first-grade success.

Because most of those players either don’t make it to first grade or move to bigger clubs. It is just the way it is.

 

[Iamback]

I remember when the Steelers beat Manly to win the SG Ball GF back in 2019. The side was lead by Jayden Sullivan. But thanks to Covid, lower grades were cancelled or disrupted in 2020 and 2021. With a lack of football, that would've harmed the development of young players like Sullivan and others. The "Covid Years" weren't great for young players coming through.

But Dragons did win SG Ball in 2024. So there is another chance for young players to make a mark at the Dragons. Although from that side we have lost Finau Latu to the Bulldogs. It will also be interesting to see the progress of Kade Reed this year.

The biggest issue you guys have is the different teams down there. Streamline it and the results will flow

 

[Chins]

The biggest issue you guys have is the different teams down there. Streamline it and the results will flow

Wollongong fulltime or kick them out

 

[Steel Saints]

But you see this all the time, I remember for years the Raiders were strong in the lower grades and this never seemed to translate into first-grade success.

On the other hand, Panthers have been strong in the lower grades and that has translated into first grade success.

 

[Iamback]

Wollongong fulltime or kick them out

Yep and lean on the community spirit Newcastle, Cows and those sides do

 

[Iamback]

On the other hand, Panthers have been strong in the lower grades and that has translated into first grade success.

Terrel Sloan is the perfect example, great lower grades but body type doesn't suit NRL. When clubs change their recruitment the results will flow

 

[Mother Nature's Son]

On the other hand, Panthers have been strong in the lower grades and that has translated into first grade success.

Yeah it`s interesting, Panthers have probably lead the way in using the lower grades to actually develop players rather than just having a bunch of reserve grades playing reserve grade, if you get my drift.

 

[BuffaloRules]

Greatest side of all time? You might want to apologise to St George fans let alone other sides. You could literally fit the first grade quality of the competition within four squads.

Jesus you are a St George fan …no wonder you are so miserable

 

[Colk]

Jesus you are a St George fan …no wonder you are so miserable

No, I’m not actually. Objectively though nobody is coming close to that record, like the Don’s record. So if you use that priniciple then they have to be the best side of all time.

 

[BuffaloRules]

No, I’m not actually. Objectively though nobody is coming close to that record, like the Don’s record. So if you use that priniciple then they have to be the best side of all time.

I could only imagine the people crying about how uneven the competition was and every other team sucked …. Ten times worse than now no doubt

 

[Steel Saints]

The biggest issue you guys have is the different teams down there. Streamline it and the results will flow

Yeah i just checked the lower grades where in the SG Ball and Harold Matthews, St.G Ill Dragons and Wests Tigers have separate teams. St.George Dragons, Illawarra Steelers, Wests Magpies and Balmain Tigers all appear in those grades. But in Jersey Flegg and NSW Cup, both are streamlined back to one team.

Kinda weird.

 

[storm1999]

That sounds like an AFL problem

It's not a problem. Just providing context which is lost on the MENSA candidates here.

 

[nswarrior]

It's not a problem. Just providing context which is lost on the MENSA candidates here.

Less than 50% of NRL viewers on a public holiday is definitely some major problems

 

[storm1999]

Less than 50% of NRL viewers on a public holiday is definitely some major problems

If you say so. Let's see how Easter Monday goes.

 

[stratocaster]

Just some exclusive market comparisons:

Knights = Newcastle, Lack Macquarie, Hunter = 700k (1.1 million if you include Central Coast)

Titans = Gold Coast (640k) and Richmond-Tweed (260k) = 900k

Cowboys = Townsville (260k) and Cairns (250k) but really they were the only local alternative to the Broncos for decades. So it's between 500k - 1million - depending how far south you go.

Raiders = ACT = 454k (not including Southern NSW)

Dragons = Illawarra (314k) + St Georges district

For comparison:

Sharks = Sydney-Sutherland = 230k

Sea Eagles = Sydney-North Beaches = 265k

I think this is what codes like AFL and people in Sydney don't get. Some of the NRL's regional clubs are already bigger than Sydney NRL clubs. If clubs like the Sharks and Sea Eagles don't expand outside their enclaves, the gap will grow wider. And codes like AFL will never appeal to areas like Newcastle unless they put local clubs there (which if they do, will be bigger disasters than GWS/Suns).

 

[Colk]

Just some exclusive market comparisons:

Knights = Newcastle, Lack Macquarie, Hunter = 700k (1.1 million if you include Central Coast)

Titans = Gold Coast (640k) and Richmond-Tweed (260k) = 900k

Cowboys = Townsville (260k) and Cairns (250k) but really they were the only local alternative to the Broncos for decades. So it's between 500k - 1million - depending how far south you go.

Raiders = ACT = 454k (not including Southern NSW)

Dragons = Illawarra (314k) + St Georges district

For comparison:

Sharks = Sydney-Sutherland = 230k

Sea Eagles = Sydney-North Beaches = 265k

I think this is what codes like AFL and people in Sydney don't get. Some of the NRL's regional clubs are already bigger than Sydney NRL clubs. If clubs like the Sharks and Sea Eagles don't expand outside their enclaves, the gap will grow wider. And codes like AFL will never appeal to areas like Newcastle unless they put local clubs there (which if they do, will be bigger disasters than GWS/Suns).

To be fair, you are just equating number of people equals bigger club. I think you have to take into account access to corporates/third parties and media space/concentration.

The game is and will always centred in and around Sydney and to be honest all of those clubs you mentioned, find it difficult to access corporate dollars (it is what it is) nor get any attention from the media or the NRL at large.

It’s not anybody’s fault and it is not really a negative per se, it is just always going to happen.

 

[Colk]

If you say so. Let's see how Easter Monday goes.

Geelong vs Hawthorn right?

 

[storm1999]

Geelong vs Hawthorn right?

Correct. I know there is an NRL game but I can't see it scheduled on 9 or 9GEM

 

[The_Wookie]

Correct. I know there is an NRL game but I can't see it scheduled on 9 or 9GEM

its Fox Exc

 

[storm1999]

its Fox Exc

So there will be zero viewers watching the NRL on FTA on the Easter Monday public holiday? Sounds like a huge oversight by PVL

Also no game tonight either?