AusLeisure

NSW Rugby League has advised of a 14% on a year-to-year increase in participation figures with the number of registered players having already moved past 100,000 for the 2023 season.

NSWRL state that the figures are equally encouraging for both men’s and women’s participation rates, with men up by 12% while women are on track for another record-breaking season with a 22% increase from the corresponding time last year.

The state body says that it is on track to pass the previous record-breaking season of 2021 with the cut-off date for registrations not coming until 30 June and most junior rugby league competitions still yet to kick off.

NSWRL Chief Executive, David Trodden stated “the fact we have already passed 100,000 participants for the 2023 season is a huge show of support for our great game.

“The increase in participation for both the men’s and women’s games reflects the excitement in the community for rugby league and it is shaping up to be a spectacular season.

“There is still plenty of time to sign up before registrations close and there are so many formats of the game available to try including traditional, league tag, try league, wheelchair rugby league and physical disability rugby league.

“I thank everyone who gives up their time for our game every weekend, including the players, coaches, officials, volunteers and families, and wish them all the best for the season ahead.”

The NSWRL enjoyed a record-breaking season in 2021 (107,528) as community sport returned after the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, while last year saw female participation break the 23,000 mark (23,203) for the first time in history.

Westpac NSW Blues coach Brad Fittler and Harvey Norman NSW Sky Blues coach Kylie Hilder toured regional NSW in February as part of a massive recruitment drive for the 2023 season.

The two-week tour also involved True Blues Craig Wing, Boyd Cordner, Steve Menzies and Nathan Hindmarsh, and Harvey Norman NSW Sky Blues captain Kezie Apps, and took in more than 5700 kilometres and 11 free clinics at towns as far south as Albury; to Bourke in western NSW; and Lismore in northern NSW.

Other towns visited included Dubbo, Walgett, Glen Innes, Tamworth, Harden, Hay, Cooma and Moruya.

Image courtesy of PCYC NSW.

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