Here is something to think about when you sit down to watch the NRL Grand final. According to recent research released by Roy Morgan Research 1,106,000 Australians 14+ support the Brisbane Broncos, almost three times as many as support the North Queensland Cowboys (389,000). But the Cowboys’ fan-base is much more gender neutral, with women making up 49% compared with just 40% of the Broncos’.
“The NRL Grand Final is an all-Queensland affair. It’s been 20 years since the Cowboys joined the NRL and 10 since they last played in a Grand Final. For the Broncos, 2015 marked the return of inaugural coach Wayne Bennett, under whom the club won six Premierships from six Grand Final appearances.” Norman Morris, Industry Communications Director, Roy Morgan Research commented.
Mr. Morris went on to explain that in terms of club spirit, the teams are closely matched: slightly more Cowboys supporters attended a match (22% vs 19%), but Broncos fans are more likely to be a financial member of their club (5% vs 4%) or to play the sport themselves (4% vs 3%). The two sides share virtually the same proportions of fans that watch rugby matches on TV (80-81%) or bet on the sport this past year (3%).

“But both teams are currently near the bottom the ladder when it comes to the proportion of supporters who are financial members of the club. Supporters of last year’s winning team the Rabbitohs or the 2013 champs the Roosters are currently around three to four times more likely to pay club dues. Of course, nothing inspires a bit of club patriotism like winning.” Mr. Morris commented.
Morris pointed out that when deciding whose house to watch the game at, consider this: Cowboys supporters are more likely to have a swimming pool (21% vs 16%) but more Broncos fans have a barbecue (71% vs 66%). Broncos supporters are more likely to have been overseas in the past year (24% vs 21%), donate an average $40 more per year to charity, and spend $19 more going out during the week (although Cowboys supporters spend $8 more on at-home entertainment).