Harvey Norman State of Origin has broken another record with the opening match in Melbourne last night the most watched in Origin history, attracting a national average audience of 3.957 million viewers.
Across the five capital cities, a record 2.515 million average viewers tuned in as the XXXX Queensland Maroons secured a thrilling 18-10 win against the NSW VB Blues at Etihad Stadium.
Across Regional Australia, the match was also the highest rated Origin match ever, with an average audience of 1.442million.
The national, five capital city and regional figures are the highest for any Origin match since the OzTAM ratings began in 2001.
The match is also the highest rating sports broadcast of 2012, attracting over 1.2 million more viewers than the second highest ranking sports broadcast (combined metro & regional).
“It was an enthralling match to open the series and the ratings show just how much Harvey Norman State of Origin means to people across the country,” ARL Commission Chief Executive, Mr David Gallop said today.
“It has set the stage for an exciting second game at ANZ Stadium.”
Ratings |
Sydney |
Brisbane |
Melbourne |
Adelaide |
Perth |
Regional* |
Match Average |
1,153,000 |
908,000 |
317,000 |
57,000 |
80,000 |
1,442,000 |
Match Peak |
1,257,000 |
982,000 |
423,000 |
87,000 |
94,000 |
1,674,000 |
*Regional Includes: Regional NSW, Regional Queensland, Regional Victoria & Tasmania
Game Two will be played at ANZ Stadium in Sydney on June 13.
Tickets are available from Ticketek on 132 849, at Ticketek outlets or online at www.ticketek.com.au/origin.
