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Watch NRL review: Product, price and features
With the latest rugby matches at your fingertips, the only thing that could keep you away is not having the right ZIP code
When you can’t be at the game, catch rugby live and on-demand with Watch NRL. While it’s a traveling footy’s dream come true, you can’t get access on every device — and you won’t have access in Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific Islands.
Details
| Service type | On-demand streaming |
|---|---|
| Free trial | No |
| Pricing starts at | Varies |
| Lock-in contract | No |
What's in this review?
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Live and on-demand. Live-stream matches or watch highlights and interviews on demand.
- Streaming flexibility. Watch only the matches you want with its weekly subscription option.
- DVR controls. Pause and rewind live matches.
- 24/7 Fox League. The latest NRL news, highlights and analysis covered by Fox.
Cons
- Geoblocked. Can’t access an account while you’re in Australia, New Zealand or a number of other Pacific Islands.
- No free trial. You start paying for your subscription immediately after you sign up.
- Expensive. Compared to sports streaming services like UFC Fight Pass at $9.99 a month, you might consider $28 steep.
What features does Watch NRL offer??
While having access to live rugby matches might be all you need, Watch NRL offers a few other features to make its service more appealing.
Live commentators
Listen to Aussie commentators Matty Johns, Michael Ennis and Braith Anasta give you the rundown as you watch live matches.
Casting
Whether you have a Chromecast or iOS device, transfer content from your compatible mobile device onto a larger screen.
Watch offline
Save matches and watch NRL offline. Note that this feature is only available through the Watch NRL app, not the website.
Hide scores
Missed the last big match? Toggle the final score on and off to avoid any spoilers.
NFL Venues Pass
For $640 per year, this subscription is available to bars and clubs to show matches. It follows the same geoblocking rules — so it’s not available in Australia or other Pacific Islands.
What devices is Watch NRL compatible with?
You can use Watch NRL on a mobile device or web browser. But to avoid lagging, it doesn’t support smart TVs or any device that requires an HDMI connection. Any of the compatible iOS devices can cast onto an Apple TV using AirPlay.
- Desktop devices:
- Windows 10
- Mac OS
- Mobile Devices:
- iOS
- Android
- Other devices:
- Chromecast
- Apple TV
How much does Watch NRL cost?
All subscriptions include live, on-demand rugby matches and access to Fox League entertainment.
| Plan | Price | Savings |
|---|---|---|
| Weekly | $17 a week | No savings |
| Monthly | $28 a month | $40 per month |
| Annual | $149 per year | $187 per year |
To completely cancel a subscription without being charged for the next cycle, cancel within 48 hours before renewal.
What can I watch with Watch NRL?
Watch your favorite footy matches with Watch NRL, from the 2019 NRL Telstra Premiership, NRL Women’s Premiership and 2020 Pre-season.
A few programs you can watch, play, pause or save for later include:
- Warriors vs. Storm
- Warriors vs. West Tigers
- Brisbane Women vs. St. George Illawarra Women
- Manly vs. Sydney Rooster
- Try Time
- Big League Wrap
What Internet speeds does Watch NRL recommend?
To watch matches with the highest quality, you need an Internet connection of at least 7.5Mbps. Even without the best Internet connection, or if multiple people are using the same network, Watch NRL adjusts the video quality to your streaming speed.
How much data does Watch NRL use?
It claims the amount of data used by Watch NRL depends on your Internet provider. Because Watch NRL is an international streaming service, it won’t work with an Australian SIM using the international roaming option. But that can be remedied with a phone call to customer service.
Compare streaming services
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Frequently asked questions
Expert review
Review by
Alex Shea
alexius.shea@findercrew.comAlex Shea was a tech and telco writer for Finder.
Expert review
For the Aussie traveling away from home and worried about missing a match, the steep $17 per week might be worth the continued access. For the person living in the US looking for a way to catch a match every once in a while on their own time, a monthly or yearly subscription might be the better option. Either way, Watch NRL offers enough service plans to make it a solid streaming service for any type of rugby fan.
While it offers a plethora of features along with its content, it isn’t the best service for penny-pinchers. Its weekly price exceeds the monthly price of traditional streaming services like Netflix and ESPN+. But since it offers focused Aussie content, it could be worth the extra dime to see your favorite rugby teams play if you aren’t in Australia.