A hard-fought contest and a controversial umpiring decision has attracted a lower than expected audience for the 2019 NRL Grand Final.

The mouthwatering showdown between the Sydney Roosters and Canberra Raiders, meeting in a decider for the first time, is one of the most highly anticipated Grand Finals in rugby league history.

Seven had hoped the 2019 Grand Final, featuring teams from Australia's two largest cities would deliver a ratings bump for the broadcast.

Twelve current AFL and AFLW players plus one huge booting wildcard will aim to make the distance over the Yarra River when they compete in FOX FOOTY’s Longest Kick on Grand Final Day.

Sydney FC will face off against Perth Glory in the Hyundai A-League 2019 Grand Final at Optus Stadium

A one-sided 2018 NRL Grand Final between the Sydney Roosters and the Melbourne Storm has lead the Nine Network to a ratings win on Sunday night.

Yesterday’s thrilling AFL Grand Final not only delivered a much sort after win for the Eagles, it also delivered the lowest TV ratings result for an AFL Grand Final in 10 years.

Seven has announced it will provide a free live-streaming option for this Saturday’s AFL Grand Final, however the service will only be available for viewers via Connected TVs

Seven’s coverage of the 2016 AFL Grand Final Sydney v Western Bulldogs has amassed the highest TV ratings for the match in a decade with a combined metro and regional average of 4.089 million in-home viewers, up 16 per cent on last year.

The Nine Network’s broadcast of the 2013 NRL Telstra Premiership Grand Final between the Sydney Roosters and the Manly Sea Eagles was a ratings smash, recording a peak national (5 City Metro and regional combined) audience of 3.928 million.

The Nine Network will bring NRL fans a full day of action in the lead-up to the 2013 Grand Final between the Manly Sea Eagles and Sydney Roosters on Sunday, October 6: the battle of the beaches.