Nine: Origin III the highest-rating State of Origin ever, averaging 4.29m viewers

Nine reported record-breaking viewing for the 2026 State of Origin series, with Origin III: The Decider 2026 averaging 4.29 million viewers through broadcast and setting what the network calls the highest-rating match ever. Total TV National Reach for the full series reached 12 million Australians across 9Network and streaming, with last night’s decider drawing a Total TV reach of 6.032 million. The article also cites a BVOD audience of 1.685 million, a 70.9% year-on-year jump. Regional growth was noted in Sydney (+20%), Brisbane (+9%), and Perth (+6%). It further reports Game I averaging 3.99 million and Game II reaching a Total TV average audience of 4.286 million, with both Nine platforms setting streaming benchmarks on 9Now, including record Australian BVOD figures. Nine says all three men’s matches ranked among the top TV programs of 2026 across Australian broadcasters.