Disclosure: We research and test the best streaming options for viewers in Canada. If you purchase through our links, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
The National Rugby League (NRL) is a premier rugby league in Australia. The season 2025 kicked off in grand style with a thrilling double-header in Las Vegas on March 1, 2025, bringing Australian rugby to the bright lights of the U.S.
The NRL Grand Final is set for October 6, 2025, where all eyes will be on the Penrith Panthers as they hunt down a historic fifth straight title and cement their place in rugby league history.
Currently, the NRL is in its Preliminary Finals. You can watch the National Rugby League in Canada on 9Now for free, and via Watch NRL, and Sportsnet+ with a paid subscription.
Since 9Now is inaccessible in Canada, use a VPN to bypass the geo-restriction and watch the games on the platform.
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When and Where is the National Rugby League 2025 Happening?
- Date: March 1, 2025 – October 5, 2025
- Venue: US & Australia
- Broadcasters: Watch NRL (International), Sportsnet+ (Canada), 9Now (Australia)
How to Watch National Rugby League in Canada for Free
9Now will be officially broadcasting select matches of the 2025 season. Connect to an Australian Server with a VPN since 9Now is unavailable in Canada.
Here are the steps to watch the National Rugby League in Canada for free on 9Now:
Step 1: Download and install the Surfshark VPN App on your device.
Step 2: Open the VPN app and connect it to an Australian server.
Step 3: Visit 9Now and Click on Log in
Step 4: Enter your email
Step 5: Set up your account
Step 6: Enter your information (e.g., email and postcode 2010)
Step 7: Click on Create Account
Step 8: Verify your account
Step 9: Search for “NRL” and click on “NRL Premiership”
Step 10: Click on watch now.
Step 11: Enjoy streaming once the game goes live!
3 Ways to Watch National Rugby League in Canada
Below are the top 3 services for streaming the National Rugby League in Canada. However, some services are unavailable in Canada, and connecting to a reliable VPN is necessary.
1. 9Now (Free)
9Now is a free streaming service and official NRL broadcaster in Australia. It airs three live matches every week on Thursday, Friday, and Sunday, along with on-demand replays and all matches of the Final Series.
No subscription is needed, but since 9Now is only available in Australia, you’ll need a VPN like Surfshark to connect to an Australian server and stream it from Canada or anywhere abroad.
Read More: Watch 9Now in Canada
2. Sportsnet+ (Premium)
Sportsnet+ is a premium streaming service and the official broadcaster of the NRL in Canada. You can stream select NRL games through it, including action-packed matches from the State of Origin series.
It offers standard and premium subscription plans starting CA$24.99/mo. and CA$34.99/mo. respectively. The Premium plan also gives you access to extended rugby coverage.
You can subscribe directly through its official website, and since it’s officially available in Canada, no VPN is required.
Read More: How to watch Sportsnet outside Canada.
3. Watch NRL (Premium)
Watch NRL is the official streaming service by NRL for international viewers outside Australia, New Zealand, and the Pacific region, providing live access to every NRL game.
WatchNRL offers its subscription in three packages: Weekly for AUD $24.00, Monthly for AUD $44.00, and Annual for AUD $229.00. WatchNRL is available globally, including Canada, so there’s no need for a VPN to access it.
How to Watch National Rugby League in Canada on a Mobile Phone
You can stream every National Rugby League game in Canada on your mobile using Rapid Streamz, a free sports app offering access to 700+ live TV channels, including NRL coverage.
It has a separate section for Rugby where you can watch events live. However, you will need to connect to any server via Surfshark to stream live games.
Follow the steps below:
Step 1: Subscribe to Surfshark VPN App and connect to the US server.
Step 2: Download the Rapid Streamz app on your Android device
Step 3: Click Install to install the app
Step 4: Once installed, click on Open
Step 5: Once you’ve opened the app, click on Continue
Step 6: Click on “Get Started.”
Step 7: Scroll down and select Rugby
Step 8: Click on Rugby Live
Step 9: Select the player
Step 10: Enjoy streaming once the game goes live!
National Rugby League Schedule
Here is the schedule of the NRL Preliminary Finals, including the Canadian Time Zone (EST) and date.
| Date | Match | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Friday, 26th September | Melbourne Storm v Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks | 05:50 am |
| Sunday, 28th September | Brisbane Broncos v Penrith Panthers | 02:05 am |
NRL Champions of the Last Decade!
The past decade in the NRL has seen legendary teams rise, from the Sydney Roosters’ back-to-back titles to the Penrith Panthers’ dominance. Here’s a look at the champions shaping NRL history.
- 2015 — North Queensland Cowboys
- 2016 — Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks
- 2017 — Melbourne Storm
- 2018 — Sydney Roosters
- 2019 — Sydney Roosters
- 2020 — Melbourne Storm
- 2021 — Penrith Panthers
- 2022 — Penrith Panthers
- 2023 — Penrith Panthers
- 2024 — Penrith Panthers
Other Sports/Tournaments You Can Watch In Canada
Here are some other sports events that you can enjoy watching in Canada:
FAQs – National Rugby League
1. Can I watch the NRL 2025 for free in Canada?
You can watch select NRL matches for free in Canada on Nine Network and 9Now with ads, or Foxtel Now with a 10-day free trial for new users with Surfshark.
2. Where can I watch the NRL Grand Final live?
The NRL Grand Final is exclusively broadcast live on the Nine Network/9Now for free. However, both Foxtel and Kayo provide a full replay of the match after it has concluded.
3. How can I watch every NRL game live in Canada?
Subscribe to Watch NRL for live and on-demand access to all 2025 NRL games, including the State of Origin, and NRLW. No VPN is needed in Canada.
4. Which is the official broadcaster of NRL in Canada?
Sportsnet is the official broadcaster of the NRL in Canada. You can watch 3 regular games/week and Final series games with a Sportsnet+ Premium subscription.
Conclusion
The 2025 NRL season kicked off on March 1, and it’s already delivering big hits, close calls, and fierce rivalries from the Telstra Premiership featuring 17 teams and the State of Origin series.
You can watch the National Rugby League in Canada for free on 9Now (with a VPN) or stream it via Watch NRL and Sportsnet+ with a paid subscription.
I’ve also provided a free method to stream all the games, but keep in mind that a VPN like Surfshark will be necessary for accessing geo-restricted services and the free streaming option.
