The NSWRL celebrates its 117th birthday today on the back of another successful season, with the total number of participants rising by almost five per cent to top 117,000, the state claiming victories in three State of Origin contests, and a record number of teams competing in Major and Junior Representatives competitions.
The number of male participants has gone past 87,000 for the first time, while the women’s game continues to surge in popularity after recording a growth of more than 14 per cent to reach almost 30,000 participants.
It is another impressive milestone for the NSWRL, which was formed on August 8 1907 with the first competition games being played the following year on April 20 1908.
NSWRL Chief Executive David Trodden extended his gratitude to all stakeholders for their support in helping the game to flourish, particularly following the decision by the NSW Government to means-test Active Kids vouchers in 2024.
The number of total participants to date: 117,175 which is a 4.6 per cent increase from 112,767 in 2023; male participants have risen to 87,489 which is a 1.7 per cent increase from 86,580 in 2023; while female participants are at 29,686 which is a 14 per cent increase from 26,187 in 2023.
“The NSWRL is the oldest Rugby League organisation in Australia and the birthplace of the game in Australia. That history should be celebrated, but what is just as worthy of celebration is the fact that the organisation is in such a vibrant state more than 100 years down the track,” NSWRL Chief Executive David Trodden said.
“The support for our great game from the community has never been stronger and our participation figures for the 2024 season reflect that.
“The game has come such a long way from its humble beginnings more than a century ago and there are so many options for participants to become involved now, including traditional (tackle), League Tag, Wheelchair Rugby League, and Physical Disability Rugby League.
“There have been some significant increases in participation in Rugby League heartland areas in both metropolitan Sydney and regional NSW, while the Women’s game continues to smash benchmarks every year.”
Trodden said the strength of the game in NSW was reflected across both Junior Representatives and Major Competitions, culminating with the successes in the State of Origin arena this season.
NSWRL Junior Representatives and Major Competitions featured 169 teams in 2024, which is the most in the organisation’s 117-year history.
“The Westpac NSW Blues typified the tremendous fighting spirit of our great state to become only the third team in State of Origin history to come from a game down and claim the series 2-1 after winning a decider in Brisbane,” Trodden said.
“Our men’s and women’s Under 19s Origin sides also enjoyed victories over Queensland to show our future representative teams are also looking strong.
“The fact we have had a record number of teams competing this season is another positive sign for the game in NSW.
“I thank all stakeholders for their hard work in 2024 and wish all teams across the state good luck as we head into the end of the season and finals.”
