Melbourne Storm continue to lead the NRL in terms of emotional connection, as revealed in the 2019 BenchMark Emotional Connection (EC) report released today.
Storm were ranked number one across the AFL and NRL in 2018 and remain in top spot for the NRL this year, edging out South Sydney and North Queensland.
The report, compiled by True North Research, is based on interviews with more than 4300 Australian sports fans who were familiar with the teams being rated.
The ratings reflect the views of team’s supporters as well as those who are familiar with but neutral towards the teams.
Five core values determine an overall emotional connection or BenchMark EC score: respect, enjoyment, trust, pride and bond.
NRL BenchMark EC score ladder
- Melbourne Storm
- South Sydney Rabbitohs
- North Queensland Cowboys
- Canberra Raiders
- New Zealand Warriors
- Wests Tigers
- Brisbane Broncos
- Parramatta Eels
- Sydney Roosters
- Manly Sea Eagles
- Newcastle Knights
- St George Illawarra
- Canterbury Bulldogs
- Penrith Panthers
- Gold Coast Titans
- Cronulla Sharks
