WEDNESDAY 14 OCTOBER 2009: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Sydney Swans top Rugby League for popularity
Rugby League may be the most popular sport in New South Wales, but the Sydney Swans
are the state’s overall favourite team, according to the Sensis® Consumer Report released
today.
The report, which interviewed 1,500 Australians nationwide from 18 August to 21
September, provides a quarterly analysis of the issues affecting the nation (please see
separate release about consumer confidence).
Report author Ms Christena Singh said NRL followers were split between many teams,
making the one NSW-based AFL team the most popular overall.
“Our research suggests the Sydney Swans are the most popular team in NSW, followed by
the St George Dragons, the Australian Cricket team and the Parramatta Eels.
“However, the football code rivalry, which also includes soccer, appears to be strong for
NSW, reflecting the state’s love for sport.
“Not only do NSW residents have the greatest interest in sport, it appears they place the
most importance on it,” Ms Singh noted.
The report suggests eight in 10 people in NSW are interested in sport, the highest rate in
Australia. Of these, four in 10 said their favourite sport played a very important part in their
lives, making people in NSW by far the most passionate about sport.
Favourite sports in NSW (percentage of people nominated sport):
NRL (18 per cent)
Soccer (13 per cent)
Cricket (12 per cent)
Tennis (eight per cent)
Australian Rules (seven per cent)
Swimming (six per cent)
Rugby Union (four per cent)
Golf (four per cent)
Netball (three per cent)
Surfing (three per cent).
Approximately three quarters of people in New South Wales currently (44 per cent) or used
to (32 per cent) play their favourite sport, while approximately one quarter have never played
(24 per cent) their favourite sport.
ENDS
For further information or for interviews, please contact:
De-Arne Carr on 03 9397 5677 or 0419 585 711
The Sensis® Consumer Report is available now by contacting the above.
NEWS 
