The NRL is on track to post the highest average and aggregate crowds in history as fans flock to the footy after the pandemic lockdowns.
The average attendance for the first 19 rounds of the 2023 season is 18,388, a 22.3 per cent increase on the corresponding period in 2022. That figure is also up 24.9 per cent on average crowds for the entire 2022 season, although there have been three fewer games so far this year.
The highest average crowd in history is 16,468, a mark established during Wests Tigers’ premiership-winning season of 2005. Given 2.6 million people have already gone through the turnstiles in 2023 – the highest number at this stage of a season in the past decade – the NRL needs to average only 11,160 fans for the remaining matches to set a new average-crowd record. A slightly lesser number of 11,145 during the final 51 regular-season games is all that is required to ensure the previous aggregate mark of 3,161,089, set last year, is surpassed.
“The support has been overwhelming from our fans, which is really exciting,” NRL chief executive Andrew Abdo said. “The competition has been very unpredictable, and we’ve seen a number of close, exciting games where the lead changes hands.
“It’s been exciting football from the perspective of tries and low margins.
“You have to acknowledge the great work of the players and clubs, that has translated to record attendances and also TV ratings.”
Big crowds are flocking back to the footy – even for the battling Dragons.Credit: Getty
The NRL faces a couple of challenges in breaking the records, however. The stand-off with the Rugby League Players’ Association has prompted players to boycott media on game days, limiting the promotion of matches. Several venues will also be unavailable during the FIFA Women’s World Cup, resulting in clubs taking games to alternative grounds, many which have a smaller capacity.
However, the crowd spike is a clear indication that people want to get back to quality live events following the various COVID lockdowns.
“We had that taken away from us during COVID and people are now looking forward to experiences, live events, concerts and sporting events,” Abdo said. “On the other hand, it’s a tough economic climate at the moment; interest rates are high and consumer demand in some areas has been low.
“We don’t take for granted our fans in terms of the limited time they have, so we’re conscious of providing a good value offering.”
A packed Suncorp Stadium during Magic Round.Credit: Getty
The influx of patrons will strengthen the NRL’s case for additional spending on stadium infrastructure. This year’s NRL grand final will be held in Sydney, but there is no agreement beyond then after the NSW government scrapped plans to invest in suburban grounds.
“You need to have great infrastructure and that aligns with the commission’s strategy of making sure we have great tribal community stadiums for every one of our clubs,” Abdo said.
“There’s nothing better than going to a live game and seeing the colour and tribalism of the clubs playing, seeing fans in their colours and jerseys supporting the teams.”
There were concerns there would be tens of thousands of unsold seats for State of Origin III, given the series was already decided. However, a crowd of 75,332 – the largest for a dead rubber – attended Accor Stadium.
Top five NRL regular season average crowds
2023: (141 games) 18,388
2005: (180 games) 16,468
2022: (192 games) 16,464
2012: (192 games) 16,415
2010: (192 games) 16,406
Sources: NRL and on Rugby League Tables/Attendances (afltables.com)
“The commission has worked really hard over the last couple of years to think about rule changes that are customer centred,” Abdo said. “A great example would be the six-again rule, which came under a lot of criticism at the start. We’ve really seen that redefine the ruck, the continuity of the game and the speed of the game.
Top five NRL regular season total attendances
2022: (192 games) 3,161,089
2012: (192 games) 3,151,660
2010: (192 games) 3,149,927
2011: (192 games) 3,130,669
2009: (192 games) 3,085,281
Sources: NRL and on Rugby League Tables/Attendances (afltables.com)
“The attacking team has the opportunity to score some amazing tries and make amazing plays. The teams have responded well, but that was a key moment for us.
“It changed the way teams strategise and the type of football we’re seeing.”
Stream the NRL premiership 2023 live and free on 9Now.
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