A second-half masterclass for Queensland proved a winning formula for Nine. The broadcasters exclusive coverage of the second State of Origin reached an enormous 6.173 million people, beating game one, the most watched State of Origin match in VOZ history, by nearly 400 thousand.
The total TV national average audience also beat game one. Last night’s 44-24 victory for the Maroons had an average audience of 4.294 million (up seven per cent). The numbers come at a crucial time for the NRL who are currently negotiating its TV rights.
In the match that had a BVOD national average audience of 1.7 million, New South Wales went into the sheds leading 12-8. But by full-time the Blues players were left scratching their heads as a second half Selwyn Cobbo hat-trick helped the Maroons clinch a 20 point victory and seal a game three decider.
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Second gamer Sam Walker was clinical with the boot, kicking eight from eight conversions, adding an extra 16 points to the team’s total.
On the opposite side, there wasn’t an awful lot to cheer for outside of Blues debutant Mark Nawaqanitawase. The Roosters winger scored two tries, showing off his incredible ability to find the try line.
His side will need a replica performance if they are any hope of winning the third game in Brisbane. The last time the Blues were tasked with a decider up at Suncorp Stadium, the team was successful.
Magnite’s Yael Milbank urged media buyers before kick off to “keep some powder dry” for game three in case the series needed all three matches to decide who won.
Over on SBS its broadcast of the World Cup between Argentina and Algeria clinched seventh spot on the OzTam TV Ratings. A hat-trick to veteran Argentinian Lionel Messi helped SBS score a reach of 1.52 million an average audience of 761,000 and a BVOD average of 534 thousand.
Seven continued its good run with game shows with the Chase taking the next spot at eighth. It raked in a reach of 1.5 million and an average of 761 thousand.
