How to watch the NRL with a VPN
Great news: you can watch NRL live streams throughout the 2024 season with ExpressVPN! You just need to follow a few steps:
- Get ExpressVPN.
- Connect to the VPN server location that matches the broadcaster you want to watch. For example, Australians who want to stream an Australian broadcaster can connect to a secure Australian server.
- Check the schedule of the broadcaster you want to watch, such as 9Now or Kayo, and find the match you want to stream.
- Enjoy the rugby!
Watching on a computer? For the best streaming experience, use the ExpressVPN browser extension for Chrome, Firefox, or Edge.
Can I use a VPN to watch NRL matches from another country?
Some users watch NRL matches by connecting to a VPN server in a country other than their own, but doing so may violate copyright or the streaming service’s terms of use. ExpressVPN is a privacy and security tool, and using it to circumvent copyright is against our Terms of Service. We cannot see or control what you do while connected to our VPN, so you are responsible for ensuring that your use complies with all relevant terms and laws.
Should I use a free VPN to watch rugby matches?
Rather than use a free VPN to watch rugby matches, including NRL events, sports fans should instead use ExpressVPN all year long. ExpressVPN offers high-speed servers in 105 countries and easy-to-use apps for Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS. Additionally, ExpressVPN is available on platforms that other VPN companies may not support, like Linux, Android TV, Amazon Fire TV, and routers, plus browser extensions for Chrome, Firefox, and Edge.
Best VPN for watching NRL matches in 2024
ExpressVPN is the best VPN for safely and securely streaming NRL matches. With next-gen 10-Gbps servers in locations around the world, you can enjoy the full privacy protections of a VPN without ever missing a second of the action. ExpressVPN has easy-to-use apps for Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS, not to mention a range of ways to stream on your big-screen TV. If you need help along the way, ExpressVPN offers 24/7 live chat support and a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee!
How to watch NRL matches online for free
9Now
Channels: Channel 9
Channel 9 in Australia offers free streams of NRL matches. Be sure to check the schedule to know when to tune in to the big matches.
Where to watch NRL matches with free trials
United States
YouTube TV
Price: 73 USD/month and up
Channels: FS1
YouTube TV offers Fox Sports channels, and the subscription costs 73 USD/month. U.S. viewers may need to submit a U.S. zip code (e.g., 10022, 48104, etc.), but it accepts a wide array of payment options. If you don’t feel like committing to YouTube TV, use the free trial.
Note: You may need a valid U.S. credit/debit card or PayPal to subscribe to YouTube TV. You can still subscribe to YouTube TV via Google Play, even if you don’t have a U.S. credit/debit card.
Want it on the big screen? Learn about all the ways to get ExpressVPN on your TV.
Fubo
Price: 80 USD/month
Channels: FS1
How about another way to catch NRL matches? United States residents can use the seven-day free trial on Fubo, though they will need a U.S. credit/debit card to subscribe. The billing address used may determine which local channels are available, and you may be unable to change your location.
Watching on a computer? For the best streaming experience, use the ExpressVPN browser extension for Chrome, Firefox, or Edge.
DirecTV Stream
Price: 85 USD/month and up
Channels: FS1
DirecTV Stream is often on the pricier side but if you prefer a cord-cutting service over an additional streaming app, it’s a great option for U.S. sports fans. The service offers a 5-day free trial.
Australia
Kayo Sports
Price: 25 AUD/month
Channels: Fox
Foxtel-owned sports streaming service Kayo Sports is another great option that lets Aussie fans live stream NRL matches. Kayo Sports also offers a 14-day free trial if you only want to watch a particular race. You need an Australian credit card to subscribe to Kayo Sports.
United Kingdom
NOW
Price: 33 GBP/month or 12 GBP/day pass
For British fans, NOW is the perfect way to watch 11 Sky Sports channels online contract-free, allowing you to live stream NRL matches in 2024. If you only want to tune in to one particular match, you can opt for a day pass or take advantage of the seven-day free trial. Check the Sky Sports schedule to know when to tune in.
Other ways to watch NRL live streams in your country
Australia
Foxtel Now
Price: 69 AUD/year (Sports HD pack)
Channels: Foxtel
Aussie fans can watch NRL matches by subscribing to Foxtel Now’s Sports HD pack. You will need an Australian credit card to subscribe to Foxtel.
New Zealand
Sky Sport Now
Price: 56 NZD/month and up
Sky Sport Now gives you live streaming and on-demand access to 12 Sky Sport and ESPN channels in New Zealand—perfect for watching NRL matches in 2024. The broadcaster also offers week-long, monthly, and annual passes to suit your sports viewing needs. There’s also a seven-day free trial for the monthly or annual passes if you only want to watch select matches.
Note: You will need a New Zealand payment method to subscribe to Sky Sports Now; otherwise, use PayPal.
United States
Sling TV
Price: Varies
Channels: FS1
Sling TV is the cheapest option if you want to watch NRL matches on FS1. You may need a U.S. credit card or PayPal to subscribe. However, please note that Sling no longer offers a free trial.
Hulu + Live TV
Price: 77 USD/month
Channels: FS1
Hulu does not offer a free trial, but its live TV package (which also comes bundled with both ESPN+ and Disney+) includes FS1.
United Kingdom
Sky Sports
Price: 25 GBP/month and up
Living in the UK? Sky Sports is your best bet for catching NRL live streams. However, specialized equipment is required. United Kingdom residents will also need to provide a valid postal code and a UK/Ireland credit or debit card.
If you’re traveling abroad and you already have an existing Sky subscription (and the Sky Sports add-on), you can access Sky Go with a VPN and get set up in a minute! Simply connect to a server location in the UK and log in at Sky Go.
When will the 2024 NRL season start?
The 2024 NRL season begins Saturday, March 2, when the Manly Sea Eagles and South Sydney Rabbitohs battle in Las Vegas, Nevada. Australian fans wanting to pack stadiums at home will get their shot on Thursday, March 7, when the Newcastle Knights and Canberra Raiders clash at McDonald Jones Stadium.
2024 NRL schedule
You can find the complete NRL schedule on the league’s official website.
Recent NRL winners
| Year | Winner |
| 2014 | South Sydney Rabbitohs |
| 2015 | North Queensland Cowboys |
| 2016 | Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks |
| 2017 | Melbourne Storm |
| 2018 | Sydney Roosters |
| 2019 | Sydney Roosters |
| 2020 | Melbourne Storm |
| 2021 | Penrith Panthers |
| 2022 | Penrith Panthers |
| 2023 | Penrith Panthers |
| 2024 | Penrith Panthers |
ExpressVPN is a VPN service not intended to be used as a means of copyright circumvention. Please read the ExpressVPN Terms of Service and your content provider’s Terms of Use for more details.
FAQ: About NRL
What is the oldest NRL team?
The oldest teams still playing in the NRL are the South Sydney Rabbitohs and the Sydney Roosters (originally known as the Eastern Suburbs before becoming Sydney City, and finally the Sydney Roosters). The teams have been playing since the NRL was founded in 1908.
What was the NRL called before?
The NRL has been through multiple name changes since 1908. It was originally the New South Wales Rugby Football League (NSWRFL) before changing its name to New South Wales Rugby League (NSWRL) in 1984. In 1995 the name was changed again to National Rugby League (NRL)—the league had expanded significantly outside of NSW, and the name was changed to reflect that.
Who won the 2022 NRL final?
The 2022 NRL Grand Final was contested between the Penrith Panthers and the Parramatta Eels. Penrith, who were both the defending premiers and minor premiers, won the match 28–12 to claim their fourth premiership title and their first back-to-back premierships in the club’s 56-year history.
What is the State of Origin?
The State of Origin is a best-of-three rugby league series between two Australian state representative sides: New South Wales Blues and the Queensland Maroons.
Two games are played in the home states of the two teams, with a third game played at a neutral venue. The team that wins two games out of three is declared the State of Origin series winner.
The first State of Origin took place in 1980 and the series has evolved into one of the fiercest rivalries in Australian sport.
Can I stream NRL matches on my computer?
Definitely. If you’re accessing the streaming service from a web browser, be sure to also install the ExpressVPN extension for Chrome, Firefox, or Edge. The extension has a few features under the hood that can smooth out common streaming issues.
Can I watch NRL matches on my phone or tablet?
Yes. ExpressVPN has apps for every major mobile device, including iOS and Android.
How can I watch NRL matches on my TV with a VPN?
In brief there are five different ways to stream sports on your TV with ExpressVPN:
-With the native app for a smart TV or streaming device
-By streaming on your computer and connecting to the TV with an HDMI cable
-By mirroring or casting wirelessly to your TV or streaming device from your computer or mobile device
-By connecting to an ExpressVPN-enabled router, which allows for unlimited devices and makes it super simple to connect to different server locations simultaneously
-With MediaStreamer, ExpressVPN’s solution for devices that cannot install a VPN, such as Apple TV or gaming consoles. MediaStreamer only needs to be set up once, although it does not provide the full security benefits of a VPN. (Note that by connecting your Apple TV or gaming console to a router, you can get the best of both worlds!)
For more information on all the ways to get ExpressVPN on your big-screen TV, click here or contact a 24/7 Support agent for step-by-step instructions.
I connected to the VPN but my internet speed is slow!
If your internet speed is slow or your streaming seems to lag, there are a few possible reasons:
-The distance of your selected VPN server location from your physical location
-Your connection type (wired connections are more reliable than wireless connections)
-Suboptimal interconnectivity between the VPN and your ISP
-Slow internet connection speed at your location
-Your device type and processing power
Try each of the following steps to troubleshoot:
-Download the latest version of ExpressVPN
-Connect to a different VPN server location
-Change your VPN protocol
If you try each of the above and are still experiencing issues with your streaming speed, contact the ExpressVPN Support Team 24/7 and someone will be with you in seconds.
I connected to the suggested VPN server location but I can’t log in to the streaming service!
No worries! Server load changes rapidly (especially when lots of people are trying to watch certain events), but that’s exactly why ExpressVPN has high-speed servers all over the world. If you’re trying to access a site in the U.S. or Germany, for instance, try connecting to a different server location in those countries.
If you’re trying to connect to a country with one server location, the first step is to check your location settings. If you’re on a mobile device, disconnect from the VPN, turn off location services, then connect to the VPN again. On both Windows and Mac computers, you can turn off Location Services within the Privacy & Security settings menu.
For more help, you can always talk to a member of our Support Team, available 24/7 by live chat.
What other streaming services can I watch with ExpressVPN?
ExpressVPN works seamlessly with all the most popular streaming apps from around the world. Using a VPN for streaming ensures you watch securely in blazing-fast HD with unlimited bandwidth, free from ISP throttling (which can sometimes slow down speeds). If you want to watch your favorite team from anywhere—even while traveling or on unsecured networks like public Wi-Fi—ExpressVPN is a great way to enhance your sports streaming experience.
