Statistics released recently by TV survey company Repucom show that NRL teams the Brisbane Broncos and Parramatta Eels outrated the large Collingwood AFL franchise during 2009 – the result surprising many and sure to give the NRL a massive boost prior to signing a new broadcasts rights deal in the future.
In some interesting rankings; the following are the Top 10 sporting teams across all Australian codes rated by TV viewers:
1. Brisbane Broncos
2. Parramatta Eels
3. Collingwood Magpies
4. Geelong Cats
5. St George Illawarra Dragons
6. St Kilda
7. Canterbury Bankstown Bulldogs
8. Melbourne Storm
9. Carlton Blues
10. Western Bulldogs
Whats even more interesting about the statistics, is that the Melbourne Storm NRL franchise continue to rate highly despite being broadcast at early hours of the morning into the Victorian market.
The Storm in their short career have achieved not only Premiership success several times, but are highly followed across the country.
While the battle for top spots was between NRL and AFL clubs, the Rugby Union crew would be sadly disappointed with their following in Australia. The Super 14 Union sides were unable to rank higher than the newly formed A-League competition and despite ever-increasing coverage and international flavour, the Rah Rah’s are unable to cement themselves as serious contenders in the Australian sporting landscape.