How to stream NRL with a VPN
A VPN is a great tool for any NRL fan wanting a smooth streaming experience. It helps prevent buffering caused by your ISP selectively slowing down your streaming traffic and gets around network restrictions that block streaming apps. Follow these steps to catch every NRL match live from anywhere.
- Get ExpressVPN.
- Connect to a server location that matches the broadcaster you want to watch. For example, Aussies looking to watch the AFL for free can connect to one of seven Australian server locations and stream matches on 9Now.
- Stream rugby live!
Why You Need a VPN to Watch the NRL
A great NRL team dominates in attack, defends like a brick wall, and has the stamina to go the full 80 minutes. Similarly, a great VPN for NRL needs to be strong in compatibility with streaming platforms, streaming performance, and privacy. With ExpressVPN, you won’t miss a single try, tackle, or game-winning field goal, no matter where you are.
- Sidestep streaming blocks: Just like a crafty halfback finding a gap in the defense, a VPN gets past restrictions at work or school, so you can stream NRL matches live from anywhere.
- Avoid ISP slowdown: Your internet provider can “send you to the sin bin” by throttling your speeds when it detects streaming. A VPN hides your activity with strong encryption, ensuring smooth, buffer-free play.
- Stay secure on any network: Whether you’re streaming from home or using unsecured public Wi-Fi, a VPN shields your personal data from cyber threats, just like a solid defensive line protecting the try zone.
ExpressVPN works with top sports streaming platforms that carry NRL games, including 9Now, YouTube TV, and Now.
How to watch NRL live streams for free online
9Now
Country: Australia
Games: 3 matches per week.
Australians can stream NRL live for free on 9Now, the official streaming platform of Channel 9. It broadcasts select NRL matches live, including State of Origin, the NRL Grand Final, and international rugby league fixtures. Beyond live games, 9Now also offers NRL talk shows, match replays, highlights, and analysis to keep you in the loop all season.
Don’t let streaming blocks on the Wi-Fi at work or school prevent you from watching a free NRL live stream. Download ExpressVPN on your streaming device and connect to a VPN server location in Australia to stream rugby without restrictions.
How to watch NRL online for free on YouTube
The official NRL YouTube channel is a great resource for fans all over the world. It offers live streams of select matches, including the NRL Vegas Nines tournament, along with extended highlights shows, interviews, podcasts, and other related content.
How to watch NRL Overseas
Watch NRL app
- Country: Most countries, excluding Australia, New Zealand, and the Pacific Islands
- Available matches: All
The Watch NRL app is the best way to watch live NRL matches from anywhere in the world. It gives you access to every game of the NRL season, including the Finals, State of Origin, and the Grand Final, plus exclusive shows and expert analysis. You can pause and rewind live streams and access full match replays. The app is available for Android and iOS devices, Apple TV, Chromecast, and Airplay. To watch on your smart TV, you’ll need to cast from another device.
Where to watch NRL in Australia
Kayo Sports gives Aussie rugby fans live access to every game of the season, including the Finals, State of Origin, and Grand Final. You can watch matches live or catch up with replays, highlights, and expert analysis. The platform also features SplitView, allowing you to watch multiple games at once, along with interactive stats and key moments for enhanced viewing.
How to watch NRL in the UK
NRL fans in the UK can watch games live on Sky Sports, which broadcasts key matches, including the Finals and State of Origin. If you don’t have a Sky subscription, you can stream games through NOW, which offers Sky Sports channels as part of a flexible streaming package.
How to watch NRL in New Zealand
In New Zealand, the NRL is available live on Sky Sport NZ, which holds the exclusive broadcasting rights for the season, including the Grand Final and State of Origin. If you prefer to watch online, you can use Sky Sport Now, Sky NZ’s standalone streaming service, which allows you to watch games live on various devices without a full Sky subscription.
How to watch NRL in Fiji
NRL matches are available live in Fiji through Fiji TV, which broadcasts select games, including the State of Origin and NRL Grand Final. For full access to every match, the best option is the Watch NRL app, which gives you access to every game live and on-demand.
How to watch NRL in Japan
NRL fans in Japan can stream every game live and on-demand with the Watch NRL app, the official international streaming service for rugby league. This platform gives you full access to all NRL matches, the State of Origin series, and exclusive analysis, making it the best way to stay up-to-date with the season from Japan.
How to watch NRL in the U.S.
Fox Sports holds the exclusive NRL broadcasting rights in the U.S., with matches airing on FS1. If you’ve cut the cord, you can still catch all the action on FS1 via several streaming platforms—many of which offer free trials. This means you can stream NRL for free in the U.S. for a limited time. Below are the top streaming services that let you watch NRL live with a free trial.
| Service | Channels | Free trial length |
| DirecTV Stream | FS1 | 5 days |
| Fubo | FS1 | 7 days |
| Hulu + Live TV | FS1 | 3 days |
| YouTube TV | FS1 | Varies |
If you want to watch live NRL games at school or work but find that the Wi-Fi network blocks streaming services, ExpressVPN can help. Connect to a VPN server in the U.S. to bypass these restrictions and watch every NRL match live, no matter where you are.
NRL Key Dates 2025
The 2025 NRL season promises to be another thrilling year of hard hits, electrifying tries, and intense rivalries. Kicking off on March 6, the competition will see 17 teams battle it out over 27 rounds, all fighting for a spot in the NRL Finals, which begin on September 5.
One of the biggest highlights of the season will be the State of Origin series, with Game 1 set for June 4, as New South Wales and Queensland clash in rugby league’s fiercest rivalry. With star players returning, new talents emerging, and plenty of unpredictable moments ahead, fans can expect another action-packed season leading up to the NRL Grand Final on October 5.
| NRL Preseason Challenge Begins | February 14, 2025 |
| NRL Regular Season Kickoff | March 6, 2025 |
| State of Origin Game 1 | June 4, 2025 |
| State of Origin Game 2 | June 25, 2025 |
| State of Origin Game 3 | July 16, 2025 |
| NRL Finals Begin | September 5, 2025 |
| NRL Grand Final | October 5, 2025 |
Why ExpressVPN is the Best VPN for Watching the NRL
If you’re looking for the best NRL VPN to watch every match without network restrictions or buffering, ExpressVPN is the top choice. Its global network includes high-speed servers in 105 countries, including multiple locations in Australia, ensuring you can stream NRL live and securely from anywhere. With an ultra-fast 10-Gbps network, you’ll enjoy smooth streaming performance, even in the highest resolution available.
ExpressVPN is fully compatible with major streaming platforms, including Kayo Sports, 9Now, and Watch NRL, so you won’t run into annoying error messages when you want to watch a game. Unlimited VPN bandwidth means you can stream as many matches as you want, all season long.
With easy-to-use apps for smartphones, tablets, smart TVs, TV box systems, and computers, ExpressVPN makes watching NRL seamless on any device. And if you ever need assistance, our 24/7 support team is always ready to help. Try it risk-free with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
FAQ: About NRL live streams
Can I use a VPN to watch NRL from another country?
Some users might watch NRL 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.
Can I use a free VPN to watch NRL?
Free VPNs usually can’t access streaming services and lack the speed and bandwidth you need to stream live NRL matches. A better option is ExpressVPN, which offers 10-Gbps servers, unlimited data, and seamless compatibility with streaming platforms. This ensures you can watch every game smoothly and securely from anywhere. You can try ExpressVPN risk-free for 30 days.
Can I watch NRL matches on my computer?
Yes, you can stream NRL matches via your computer’s web browser through most platforms streaming the games, including 9Now, Sky Sports NZ and Watch NRL. For the best experience, install the ExpressVPN browser extension for Chrome, Firefox, or Edge. It helps you access streaming services on restricted Wi-Fi networks and avoid activity-based ISP throttling.
Can I watch NRL matches on my phone or tablet?
You can stream live NRL matches on your mobile devices with Kayo Sports, YouTube TV, NOW, and Watch NRL, all of which have apps for iOS and Android. If you’re streaming on the go, be sure to install ExpressVPN on your device to secure your personal data on unsecured public Wi-Fi networks, which can be easy targets for cybercrooks.
Can I watch NRL matches on my TV with a VPN?
Yes, ExpressVPN has apps for Android TV, Apple TV, and Amazon Fire TV, and works with services that stream NRL, including Kayo Sports, 9Now, and Watch NRL. If your TV doesn’t support VPN apps, you can cast or mirror from your phone or install ExpressVPN on your router to protect all the devices on your network.
How can I watch the NRL in the USA?
You can watch NRL in the U.S. on FS1, which broadcasts select games throughout the season. If you prefer streaming, several platforms carry FS1, including YouTube TV, Fubo, DirecTV Stream, and Hulu + Live TV, and many include free trials. Alternatively, the Watch NRL app provides every game live and on-demand in the U.S.
Are all NRL finals on free-to-air?
Not all NRL finals matches are available on free-to-air TV, but the NRL Grand Final and select finals games are broadcast live on Channel 9 and its streaming platform 9Now in Australia. To watch every Finals match, you need a subscription to Kayo Sports or Foxtel.
Does Kayo Sports have NRL matches?
Yes, Kayo Sports streams every NRL match live, including the Finals, State of Origin, and Grand Final. It also offers replays, highlights, and analysis, with features like SplitView, interactive stats, and key moments. Kayo has apps for smart TVs, mobiles, and tablets, as well as being available via a web browser, making it one of the best options for streaming NRL in Australia.
