The codes will showcase a range of sports content across Facebook Watch that includes match highlights from the AFL and NRL women’s and men’s games, live original programs, season classic matches and weekly wrap up shows.

Facebook is also working with Cricket Australia to extend the partnership which saw 36 Women’s Big Bash League matches and unique cricket content streamed across Watch in 2018/19.

“This is about providing another avenue for new and existing fans to access our game,” said Andrew Abdo, NRL Chief Commercial Officer. 

“Our club members are increasing every year and our national and global audiences continue to diversify and consume their rugby league content where and when they want.

““This is a fantastic opportunity to extend our reach and product offering across two social media platforms that reach billions of people every day.”

Julian Dunne, Head of Content and Distribution at the AFL added: “The AFL is excited to continue our partnership with Facebook.

"We have such a passionate and loyal fan base and we want to ensure that our AFL and AFLW content reaches as many fans as possible and they can consume it all over the globe across the channels they prefer.”

Facebook Watch launched globally less than a year ago but already boasts more than 720 million people monthly and 140 million people daily spending at least one minute in Watch.

“Each month 16 million Australians come together on the platform to connect and share with family and friends, and key sporting moments are regularly a focus of conversation," said Will Easton, Managing Director of Facebook Australia.

"Sports fans on Facebook are one of the most highly engaged communities and these partnerships with the codes offer followers exciting content to engage with in new ways.

"We’re thrilled that through Facebook, Aussies will be able to get the highlights from both sports and live original programs.”