Rugby league participation numbers pass 100,000 for first time in NSW

The game has also recorded increased playing numbers around the country, including:

• 1.82 per cent growth in Queensland;
• 16.7 per cent growth in Western Australia, and;
• Record participation levels in Victoria.

NRL chief executive Todd Greenberg told a meeting of the ARL Commission on Thursday that there were 36,900 players across Australia playing rugby league for the first time in 2018.

"Rugby league participation numbers have grown by 3.5 per cent and not many games these days can brag about that," ARLC chairman Peter Beattie said.