Dally M opening night is audience disaster as NRL event shattered by other sports programming

The new NRL Dally M Awards look turned out to be an audience disaster, with the opening night of the ceremony being less watched than the AFL and rugby league variety shows.

With the event spread over two nights, seven days apart, Monday’s opening leg of Dally M Awards averaged 48,000 viewers on Fox League, which ranked below several other shows. the same evening.

Fox Footy’s AFL 360 drew 69,000 viewers the same night, while On The Couch had 57,000 viewers.

Fox League’s NRL 360 had 67,000 viewers in a program that aired just before Dally M, showing how many people have passed away.

The awards ceremony, which was first held in the two-night format, saw five players nominated for the Dally M medal, while awards such as the try of the year and the tackle of the year were also awarded.

The proceedings were also closely scrutinized by NRL fans on social media, with many saying the format of the event was “awful.”

Last week, NRL General Manager Andrew Abdo spoke about why the Dally M’s are being held in Brisbane with a new format.

“The Dally M Awards showcase the outstanding performances of the season and this year we can celebrate the achievements of our players and officials at two events,” he said.

“With all of the competition relocated to Queensland in 2021, it was important to think differently about our awards this year.

“We have a new format and the very first Dally M event in Queensland, ahead of the very first Grand Final in Brisbane.

“The new format will allow some players and guests in Brisbane to experience the gala night in person while Fox Sports will ensure a cutting edge experience for players and officials who have returned home.”