The NRL has today announced a surplus of $42.8 million.
The result was announced at today’s Annual General Meeting at Rugby League Central in Sydney.
ARLC Chairman Peter Beattie said the strong financial results – which had been adjusted for new accounting standards – had given the game a strong footing at the beginning of a five-year cycle.
"This is a great result in the first year of the new broadcast cycle," Mr Beattie said.
"We are now a $500 million revenue business.
"To put that into perspective, in 2017 we were a $350 million revenue business, while when the Commission was formed in 2012 our turnover was $180 million.
"This is extraordinary growth. And importantly as a result we have been able to deliver more money to Clubs, States and Grassroots rugby league than ever before."
Mr Beattie said the financial results were enhanced by the growth of the women's calendar, the release of the game's strategic plan as well as increases across membership, crowds and television audiences in 2018.
He added commercial revenue had also exceeded expectations.
"Our non-broadcast revenues were up almost 21 percent in 2018," Mr Beattie said.
"We know this is the first year of this cycle – which we knew would produce strong financial health for the game. But this is a result we can build on."