How To Watch NRL 2024 Live Online for Free

You can watch the NRL for free on 9Now. However, it's exclusive to Australia. Luckily, many paid platforms, including Watch NRL, Now TV, and ESPN+, also stream the NRL live in the UK and the US.

A VPN can access 9Now from anywhere and stream the NRL uninterrupted as it can provide an Australian IP address. Additionally, a VPN secures your data while streaming by encrypting your traffic, making it unreadable to third parties.

ExpressVPN is my top choice for watching the NRL live in HD. My team and I tested over 60 VPNs, and ExpressVPN gave us the fastest speeds for streaming without buffering. It has many servers throughout Australia and is easy to use on all major devices, including smart TVs. Thanks to its 30-day money-back guarantee, you can try ExpressVPN risk-free. Editor's Note: Transparency is one of our core values at vpnMentor, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as ExpressVPN. However, this does not affect our review process.

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Short on Time? Here Are the Best VPNs for Watching the NRL in 2024

Editor's Note: We value our relationship with our readers, and we strive to earn your trust through transparency and integrity. We are in the same ownership group as some of the industry-leading products reviewed on this site: Intego, Cyberghost, ExpressVPN, and Private Internet Access. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.

How To Watch the NRL Online for Free

The National Rugby League (NRL) is available on multiple streaming platforms, including Sky Sports in the UK and Sling TV in the US. However, you can watch it for free on 9Now.

1. Download a VPN

Install a reliable VPN to stream securely online. Make sure your VPN is compatible with your preferred streaming devices. I recommend ExpressVPN as it works without interruptions and it has native Apple TV and Android TV apps. ExpressVPN is also one of the best VPNs for Amazon Fire Stick.

Live chat is available 24/7 if you need assistance

The VPNs I recommend are compatible with a wide range of operating systems. Below are additional resources to help you watch the NRL safely on various devices.

2. Connect To a Server

Connect to a server in Australia. To avoid slowdowns, choose a server closest to your location. From Melbourne, I chose a local option to get an Australian IP address and safely stream 9Now.

Like its TV apps, the Windows interface is simple and intuitive

3. Open 9Now

Open your web browser and go to the official website for 9Now. Look for the sports section or use the search function to find live NRL games and replays if you want to catch up on any games you missed.

You'll need to enter your email and password to start watching

4. Create an Account

You can’t watch the NRL without an account on 9Now. After clicking the Log In button at the top right corner of the website, fill in the required details such as your email address, password, and other information.

I wasn't asked to confirm my account using email verification links

5. Start Watching

Click on the game you want to watch and start streaming NRL live for free. If you experience buffering (which is likely if you're using a free VPN), try switching to a different server within Australia. Clearing your browser cache, trying a different browser, or closing other bandwidth-intensive applications can also help.

Other servers in Australia, also worked without interruptions

Editor's Note: Transparency is one of our core values at vpnMentor, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as ExpressVPN. However, this does not affect our review process.

Where Can I Watch the NRL Online?

Due to broadcasting rights and geographical restrictions, accessing live streams of the NRL games can be challenging, especially outside Australia or New Zealand. Fortunately, there are ways to watch the National Rugby League (NRL) on a few platforms worldwide.

Below is a comprehensive table listing the platforms where you can watch the NRL online, along with their prices and availability of free trials.

Best VPNs for Watching the NRL in 2024

My shortlisted VPNs for watching NRL allow UHD streaming without buffering and have powerful security features to protect your online privacy. These VPNs feature reliable servers in Australia, the UK, the US, and beyond to watch NRL from anywhere with a secure connection. They also have fast speeds and are compatible with popular streaming devices.

1. ExpressVPN — Impressive Speeds for Live-Streaming the NRL in UHD

Editor’s Choice Editor’s Choice Try Risk-Free for 30 Days
Tested December 2024

Works With:

Sky ESPN+ Dazn FIFA+

Netflix Disney+ APV More

Try ExpressVPN >

www.expressvpn.com

With its Lightway protocol using less code to move data faster, ExpressVPN is ideal for uninterrupted streaming. This also makes it my preferred choice for watching rugby on my mobile, as it drains less battery. My international team and I found that during tests of nearby servers, our speeds dropped by only 5% from 254.31Mbps to 241.13Mbps. You need at least 25Mbps for UHD streaming.

With obfuscation and rotating IPs, ExpressVPN can securely access NRL streaming services from anywhere, like 9Now, Kayo Sports, and Now TV. I like that you don’t need to do anything to turn on those features. ExpressVPN automatically masks your VPN traffic as a regular internet connection and uses different IPs for each connection, helping it get past streaming site filters.

The VPN’s prices are higher than those of some competitors. However, you can get a discount of up to 61% plus 3 months free if you sign up for a long-term plan. Additionally, you get a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try it risk-free. I tested its refund policy by canceling via its 24/7 live chat, and the money was back in my bank account after 2 days.

2. CyberGhost — Streaming-Optimized Servers to Reliably Watch the NRL From Anywhere

Works With:

Sky ESPN+ Dazn FIFA+

Netflix Disney+ APV More

Try CyberGhost VPN >

www.cyberghostvpn.com

CyberGhost’s specialized streaming servers are regularly tested and updated to work with specific sports services like 9Now, Now TV, Sling TV, and more. Although they were slightly slower than ExpressVPN, its nearby servers only reduced our speeds by 7% during testing. These servers allow streaming the NRL live in HD from anywhere. Just click For streaming to find a list of optimized servers.

A slight drawback is the higher price and a shorter refund period (14 days) on monthly plans. However, CyberGhost's long-term plans offer a generous money-back guarantee to stream rugby free for up to 45 days. Its intuitive apps that look and work similarly across various devices also make CyberGhost one of the best choices if you're new to VPNs.

3. Private Internet Access — Unlimited Connections to Securely Stream the NRL on All Your Devices

Works With:

Sky ESPN+ FIFA+ Netflix

Disney+ APV More

Try Private Internet Access >

www.privateinternetaccess.com

PIA allows you to protect all your devices under a single subscription for just $2.19/month on a long-term plan. This means you can watch NRL games on your TV while the rest of your household streams other content without issues. My team and I connected PIA to 9 devices using the same IP address, and our connection remained stable. Also, with servers in 91 countries, watching the NRL from anywhere without delays is possible.

Some users might find PIA’s numerous customization options overwhelming. However, it works well for streaming NRL right out of the box without adjusting settings. PIA also offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can test it to stream the NRL without risk

Our Methodology for Testing VPNs for Watching the NRL

The main factor we considered was a VPN's compatibility with streaming services that broadcast the NRL, such as 9Now and Sky Sports. We also tested each VPN's speeds and security features to determine if it can keep you safe online without causing buffering.

How Can I Watch the NRL in the US?

The most direct way is through the NRL's official streaming service, Watch NRL, which provides live and on-demand coverage of all NRL matches. This service can be accessed through a subscription, and can be watched on various devices including computers, smartphones, tablets, and smart TVs.

Additionally, some American sports networks and streaming services offer limited NRL coverage. For example, Fox Sports in the US broadcasts some NRL games, like those in Las Vegas. You need a cable subscription that includes Fox Sports channels, or you can stream Fox Sports through live TV services like Sling TV, Hulu + Live TV, or YouTube TV. Here’s a full breakdown to stream the NRL from the US:

Watch NRL (Official NRL Streaming Service)

Subscription plans:

• Weekly: Approximately USD 20
• Monthly: Approximately USD 39
• Annual: Approximately USD 150

Content:

• Live streaming of all NRL matches
• Full match replays
• Highlights and other NRL-related content

How to watch:

• Available on multiple devices including PC, Mac, iOS, Android, Apple TV, Chromecast, and certain Smart TVs

Sling TV

• Subscription Plan: $35/month (Blue Package) for Fox Sports channels
• Offers a 7-day free trial

Hulu + Live TV

• Subscription Plan: $69.99/month
• Includes access to Fox Sports channels and on-demand content

YouTube TV

• Subscription Plan: $72.99/month
• Includes Fox Sports channels and offers a 7-day free trial

FuboTV

• Subscription Plan: $74.99/month
• Includes Fox Sports and offers a 7-day free trial

FAQs on Watching the NRL Live Online

Can I use the Watch NRL app in Australia?

The Watch NRL app is designed for viewers outside of Australia, New Zealand, and the Pacific Islands. If you’re in Australia, you can use local services like 9Now, Foxtel, or Kayo Sports to watch NRL games live​. Additionally, a VPNwith servers worldwide can access the Watch NRL app securely from anywhere.

Can I use a free VPN for watching the NRL?

Using a free VPN to watch NRL is possible but not recommended. Free VPNs usually have limited speeds, data caps, and poor security features. A premium VPN with a money-back guarantee is a much better option since it has servers worldwide and fast speeds to stream the NRL​ from anywhere in HD.

Why isn't my NRL app working?

Your NRL app might not work due to geo-restrictions if you’re in Australia, New Zealand, or certain Pacific Islands. Other common issues include poor internet connectivity and outdated app versions. To watch NRL without interruptions, connect to a reliable VPN and check your connection and app updates.

Can Kayo Sports detect my VPN?

Kayo Sports can detect and block most VPNs, particularly free ones. When Kayo Sports detects your VPN, you'll get an error message and be unable to stream. Only a high-quality VPN with obfuscated servers can maintain access to Kayo Sports securely from anywhere.

​To summarize, these are the best VPNs for watching the NRL from anywhere...

Editor's Note: We value our relationship with our readers, and we strive to earn your trust through transparency and integrity. We are in the same ownership group as some of the industry-leading products reviewed on this site: Intego, Cyberghost, ExpressVPN, and Private Internet Access. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.

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