As Illawarra Rugby League’s season draws to a close, the highlight of 2026 was the exceptional growth in referees and volunteers, the backbone of the sport’s success.
While player numbers grew modestly to 4,300, up from 4,224 or 1.8%, the standout achievement was a surge in off-field support.
The number of registered coaches, trainers and volunteers reached 1,221, an increase of 118, or 10.7 per cent, from the 2025 total of 1,103.
Referee numbers reached 100 in 2026, up from 77 at the end of 2025, an increase of almost 30 per cent.
Illawarra Rugby League Head of Football Carlo Napolitano said, “Reaching 100 referees is the season’s headline achievement.
“This growth shows the strength of our rugby league community. None of this is possible without volunteers and officials.”
The overall player increase reflected the continued efforts of clubs to provide opportunities across Tackle and League Tag competitions.
“To reach 4,300 players and build on last year’s result is a strong outcome for rugby league in the Illawarra,” Napolitano said.
“These numbers are a credit to our clubs and the volunteers who work extremely hard to recruit players, organise teams and create a positive experience for everyone involved.
“While an increase of 1.8 per cent may appear modest, achieving further growth from an already strong participation base is something the entire Illawarra region should be proud of.”
Male tackle participation remains steady
Male Tackle participation increased from 2,614 players in 2025 to 2,637 in 2026.
The additional 23 players represented growth of 0.88 per cent, with male players represented across every age group from four through to open-age competition, with 534 players aged 19 and over forming the largest individual age category.
The junior age groups also remained well represented, including 202 players aged 12, 191 aged 14 and 188 aged 15.
“It is encouraging to see male Tackle participation continue to move forward, particularly across a broad range of junior and senior age groups,” Napolitano said.
Female participation holds steady overall
Female Tackle recorded 562 players in 2026, compared with 567 in 2025, a small decrease of five players, or 0.88 per cent.
The figures nevertheless demonstrate the established strength of the female game, with participation extending from the introductory age groups through to open-age competition.
The largest female Tackle age groups included 87 players aged 19 and over, 77 aged 15 and 52 aged 14.
Female League Tag grew from 1,255 players in 2025 to 1,266 in 2026, an increase of 11 players, or 0.88 per cent.
Open-age League Tag remained particularly strong with 248 players, while 148 players were registered in the under-13 age group and 142 in under-14s.
“Female participation is now an integral part of rugby league across the Illawarra,” Napolitano said.
“More than 560 female players took part in Tackle competitions, while League Tag grew to 1,266 registrations.
“The slight movement in female Tackle numbers gives us an area to keep working on, but the overall level of participation shows there is a strong platform in place for the women’s and girls’ game.”
Photo credit: Denis Ivaneza