Rugby League World Cup opener between Australia and New Zealand smashes TV records

The Seven Network’s coverage of the Rugby League World Cup has begun in record-setting fashion, and attracted plenty of rave reviews for taking a fresh approach.

The tournament opener on Thursday night reached a massive 3.29 million people across Seven and 7plus.

A clash between Australia and New Zealand produced an incredible Trans-Tasman tussle, with the Kangaroos clinching a nail-biting 24-22 victory over New Zealand.

The match had a total TV audience of 1.73 million people and reached 3.29 million. The audience on 7plus Sport was 594,000.

It was the biggest opening to a Rugby League World Cup ever, and it was the biggest Rugby League World Cup audience since the 2008 final.

The match was also the No.1 program on Thursday in total people, 25 to 54s, 16 to 39s and grocery shoppers. The post-match coverage had a national audience of 953,000 and reached another two million.

And plenty of the fans who tuned in took to social media to praise the broadcast.

“Hope Channel 9 takes away some tips from Channel 7’s coverage tonight,” one poster on X wrote.

“Was great listening to a fresh group of minds that aren’t bitter about life.”

“The game hasn’t even started yet, but the pre-match coverage on Channel 7 is already head and shoulders above the abysmal stuff dished up by Channel 9,” another added.

Other appraisals included one which rated the coverage as “10/10 awesome” and “so much better than Channel 9,” while another said they found Channel Seven’s approach “very refreshing”.

Southern Cross Media’s TV and streaming sport director Chris Jones said it was an incredible way to open the Rugby League World Cup.

“Firstly, thank you to the players for putting on an absolute spectacle,” he said.

“Our production team at Seven, led by Lesley Tapsall delivered a fresh, innovative and glass half-full broadcast, setting the standard for what’s to come over the next four weeks. A huge thank you also to our commentary team, who set the tone from the start of the coverage and coloured in the incredible action on field.

“We’ve seen record-breaking audiences for the AFL grand final, the NFL at the MCG, an incredible Bathurst 1000 and now the Rugby League World Cup, showcasing the power of Seven’s platform and our ability to bring Australians together for the moments that matter.

“If you want more rugby league in October and November, there’s nowhere else to look than Seven, 7plus, Triple M and LISTNR.”

Seven Network Rugby League World Cup boss Lesley Tapsall said opening night captured everything that makes a Rugby League World Cup so special.

“From the intensity of the Australia-New Zealand clash to the individual stories that emerge when the world’s best players come together on the biggest stage,” she said.

“Seeing debutant Jack Bostock claim player of the match was a great reminder of the moments and stories that make this tournament so compelling.

“We cannot wait to bring fans more of that drama and world-class rugby league across the next four weeks.

“Tonight’s match-ups promise another big night of action, with a huge men’s clash between Samoa and France from 5pm AEDT, followed by our Jillaroos taking on Samoa, all live and free on Seven and 7plus.”

Fresh from hosting the Bathurst 1000, 7NEWS Sydney sport anchor Mel McLaughlin and 7Motorsport host Matt White fronted Seven’s opening night coverage.

Andrew Voss led commentary, joined by The Agenda Setters: Rugby League panelist Luke Keary and premiership-winning coach Trent Robinson.

Ryan Papenhuyzen provided analysis, Shaun Johnson and 7NEWS reporter Jelisa Apps covered the action from the sideline, David Riccio delivered breaking news and Emma Freedman captured the atmosphere around the stadium.

The coverage continues live and free tonight with a double-header between Samoa and France from 5pm AEDT on 7mate and 7plus, before Australia’s women face off with Samoa, from 7.45pm AEDT, also live and free on Seven, 7mate and 7plus.