While Rugby Union is generally a bigger sport internationally, the rise of Rugby League as spectator sport cannot be denied. Rugby League is regarded by many as the most exciting of the two Rugby codes.

And, of course, this makes it one of the most widely bet on sports markets.

However, if you're looking for a Rugby League event to bet on, you most likely want a game that's going to be exciting to bet on - and to this end, today, we'll be looking at whether the Rugby League internationally can genuinely offer an exciting sports betting opportunity, or if other events in the Rugby calendar might be a better match for sports punters.

A quick look at the biggest Irish bookmakers on sites like Scs shows that they all cover Rugby League. 

What are the Biggest Rugby League Events?

Before we go any further, we should start by considering what the biggest Rugby League events actually are for the year. Indeed, for the majority of bettors, the most exciting matches overall are almost certain to be the big events of the calendar, as opposed to the smaller events - and there are several great matches that may prove the most exciting.

Of course, we should also point out here that this is a very subjective measure. So, while the big matches are likely to be the most exciting overall, the match that proves the most exhilarating for you personally will probably be one in which your favourite team is playing! 

Rugby League World Cup

Being held roughly every four years, the Rugby League World Cup undoubtedly has to be one of the most exciting betting events of the calendar, as it rounds out multiple years of huge rugby action! This is especially true if your favourite team is in the running for the 2025 Rugby League World Cup - so be sure to check this before you explore other Rugby League markets further! 

Super League Grand Final (UK)

Based in the UK, the Super League Grand Final is the pinnacle of English Rugby League events. The Super League is traditionally played at Old Trafford and attracts a huge amount of fans to Manchester each year - however, only four teams have reached this stage, with St Helens being the most successful team (winning ten times), followed by the Leeds Rhinos winning eight times, the Wigan Warriors seven times, and the Bradford Bulls four times. 

NRL Grand Final (Australia)

If you're looking to bet on a team down under, the NRL Grand Final could well be one of the most exciting events of the Rugby League calendar for you! The NRL Grand Final rounds out the National Rugby League and often attracts crowds in person in the tens of thousands, with the 2024 NRL Grand Final seeing over 80,000 fans lined up to support their favourite team. 

Which Event is the Overall Most Exciting Rugby League Event for 2025?

We've mentioned a couple of the biggest events in the international Rugby League calendar, although there are, of course, many other major events that you may want to consider watching. With that being said, the World Cup is almost certainly the most exciting overall Rugby League event, given that it rounds out several years worth of competition and really goes to show once and for all which of the world's top-performing countries is the best in that specific four-year period.

Why Betting on the Rugby League Could Present an Exciting Opportunity

We've looked at some of the biggest Rugby League events so far, including the World Cup, but what makes betting on the Rugby League such an exciting opportunity, anyway? Well, there are several reasons that Rugby League betting is so often exciting, including the following points.

• Fast-paced games! Forget about smaller matches and sports where progress can sometimes feel slow - the Rugby League is one of the fastest-paced games out there, adding greatly to its overall appeal and excitement for many bettors. Plus, since odds can often change on a dime, especially for in-play betting, there's even more excitement to be had for those looking to grab a great price.

• Wide range of betting markets. While the overall winner might be the classic betting market, it can sometimes feel a little boring to just bet on the team most likely to win overall - especially if it seems obvious. Fortunately, for those wanting a bit more variation, many bookmakers now offer dozens of Rugby League betting markets per game, and sometimes even individual players' performance. A great way to liven up your betting experience, especially on games that seem more clear-cut in terms of results.

• Many players to follow! If you're following Rugby League as a whole, one of the most exciting features is the fact that there are countless teams and players to bet on, rather than just a couple of teams. With so much choice for bettors, and the potential for each team to perform differently one year from the next, things are always incredibly exciting and interesting!

• Year-round events! One of the great things about Rugby League as a whole is that it's an international game. Given the huge number of events around the world, there's always something to look forward to as a sports fan, making Rugby League betting even more exciting! 

• Excellent promotions! Everyone loves a freebie or promotion, and during the biggest events such as the Rugby League, these are often readily available. Indeed, since the bookies offer so many promotions, including odds and winnings boosts, free bets, and even more generous welcome offers, it's a great way for people to increase the excitement compared to regular rugby betting. 

Final Thoughts

Overall, Rugby League is one of the biggest events in the sporting world, and this makes it an amazing and exciting market for bettors to punt on. However, keep in mind that, while the biggest matches will often be the ones that draw the most excitement, there's also a lot to be said for rooting for your favourite team in smaller games, too!