The NRL's strategy to increase the game's presence in schools has contributed to another big jump in community rugby league participation in 2025.
The ARLC Annual Report reveals participation grew by 7.5% to 1.12 million participants, ensuring the NRL continues to be the largest and most connected sports participation community in Australia and the Pacific.
Female participation rose by 10% to crack 50,000 registered players for the first time, while club participation reached a record high of 207,744 registered participants.
A total 829,347 children engaged with the game via school programs, with the NRL expanding their presence in schools from kindergarten right through to senior school.
Writing in the Annual Report, NRL CEO Andrew Abdo praised the work of participants at all levels of the sport to help grow the game at the grassroots.
"Rugby league is more than just a thrilling spectacle - it's also Australia and the Pacific's largest and most connected sports participation community," Abdo wrote.
"Total participation reached 1.12 million in 2025, up 7%, while female participation increased by 10% after reaching the milestone of 50,000 registered female participants. Club participation reached a record 207,744 registered participants.
"The inclusive nature of our club and school programs across touch, tag and tackle formats continues to welcome new participants to rugby league."
The focus on school participation involved the delivery of K-2 gala days to introduce young students to rugby league, the continued growth of schoolboy and schoolgirl competitions and development of new Primary and Secondary Sporting Schools programs.
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The growth of non-contact formats of rugby league have provided a safe and positive introduction to the sport for an increasing number of young boys and girls.
There are more than 160,000 registered touch football participants and League Tag participation increased by 7.5% across both male and female groups. The increase was driven by a rise in participants choosing rugby league at ages six and seven.
More broadly, rugby league participation among boys aged 3-7 grew by 6.5%.
The Annual Report also celebrated the volunteers who are the lifeblood of the sport at the community level, with 92,934 registered volunteers across touch, tag and tackle. The figure includes 7148 match officials who ensure matches are able to take place at grounds around the country.
