NRL Victoria has reached a historic milestone, surpassing its all-time participation record with 6,250 registered participants across the state.
The achievement marks a significant moment for rugby league in Victoria, reflecting the continued growth of the game across schools, clubs, community programs, and participation initiatives throughout metropolitan and regional areas.
The new record eclipses the previous benchmark of 6,249 and highlights the increasing popularity of rugby league among players of all ages, backgrounds and experience levels.
New records have been set in every junior age group from Under 6s through to Under 18s including unprecedented numbers of both male and female participants in each age category.
NRL Victoria Senior Manager and former Melbourne Storm forward, Adam Woolnough, said the milestone was a testament to the dedication of clubs, volunteers, schools, participants and the broader rugby league community.
"Reaching 6,250 participants is a significant achievement for rugby league in Victoria and one that everyone involved in our game should be incredibly proud of.
"This record reflects the hard work and commitment of our clubs, volunteers, schools, coaches, officials and staff who continue to create positive opportunities for people to experience rugby league.
"Over recent years we have seen strong growth across our junior competitions, school programs, female participation pathways and community engagement initiatives. The appetite for rugby league in Victoria continues to grow, and this milestone is evidence of that momentum."
The growth of the game at grassroots level also comes at a time where Melbourne Storm’s Pathways Program is as strong as ever, providing local talent a clear pathway to the purple jersey and the elite level.
For the first time in 2026, Melbourne Storm fielded seven teams across NRL, male and female pathways and a dedicated NSW Cup side playing under the Melbourne Storm name for the first time.
Storm's inaugural female pathways program enjoyed a successful debut season 2026, with the Under 17 side finishing sixth in the Lisa Fiaola Cup and the Under 19 team showing plenty of promise throughout its maiden Tarsha Gale Cup campaign.
The milestone follows the Club's successful Community Round at AAMI Park, delivered in partnership with the City of Casey, where more than 500 junior participants from across Victoria enjoyed a memorable game day experience.
Junior players from Casey Warriors, Cranbourne Bulldogs and Doveton Steelers formed the guard of honour before taking centre stage in a special half-time game at AAMI Park, showcasing the next generation of rugby league talent from the region.
Melbourne Storm CEO Justin Rodski said the milestone reflected the game's continued momentum across Victoria.
“Breaking the participation record is a remarkable achievement and highlights the incredible growth of rugby league across our state," Rodski said.
"From our grassroots clubs and schools to our expanding male and female pathways, more Victorians than ever are getting involved in the game.
"Community Round at AAMI Park was a great celebration of that growth. Seeing hundreds of young players experience an NRL game and take the field at half-time reinforced the exciting future we're building together.
"This milestone belongs to everyone involved in rugby league in Victoria, and we're excited to continue growing the game in the years ahead."
