Why are NRL clubs so scared to release membership numbers?

[SouthsCountry]

Every time I go to check membership numbers for the clubs on the NRL website (nrl.com/membership), most clubs have no figure available. This never used to be the case, and is quite frustrating.

I get that our numbers are still building, and constant media comparisons to the AFL and its established membership model are unhelpful for the game.

But, on the flip side, our numbers have never been stronger, and it doesn't make sense that we wouldn't want to show that to the world as a sport.

Rugby league membership has never been stronger, so shouldn't we be emphasising to prospective members that they are joining a growing sport?

Also, if anyone has a website with numbers or raw figures that could help build a membership ladder, that would be much appreciated.

 

[Captain Apollo]

What you talkin' about Willis? This was only announced yesterday -

Built on Loyalty: Sydney Roosters Members Drive Record-Breaking Rise

Sydney Roosters Members Drive Record-Breaking Rise

www.roosters.com.au

 

[Colk]

Every time I go to check membership numbers for the clubs on the NRL website (nrl.com/membership), most clubs have no figure available. This never used to be the case, and is quite frustrating.

I get that our numbers are still building, and constant media comparisons to the AFL and its established membership model are unhelpful for the game.

But, on the flip side, our numbers have never been stronger, and it doesn't make sense that we wouldn't want to show that to the world as a sport.

Rugby league membership has never been stronger, so shouldn't we be emphasising to prospective members that they are joining a growing sport?

Also, if anyone has a website with numbers or raw figures that could help build a membership ladder, that would be much appreciated.

Well it is run by the clubs. Direct your ire to the clubs not releasing their figures.

 

[Captain Apollo]

Well it is run by the clubs. Direct your ire to the clubs not releasing their figures.

I just had a look. The NRL's site is showing figures for its clubs 2025 memberships (see following partial screenshot of https://www.nrl.com/membership/) -

 

[Colk]

I just had a look. The NRL's site is showing figures for its clubs 2025 memberships (see following partial screenshot of https://www.nrl.com/membership/) -

View attachment 111645

Yeah. To answer the post’s question, I still don’t think it is important for some clubs.

 

[League Unlimited News]

We used to run a yearly count for close to a decade on this website and had a yearly thread for number updates and other relevant info.

Prior to COVID it was mandatory for clubs to regularly report their updated figures to NRL HQ and they were then published via various formats, including the nrl.com/membership page referenced above by Captain Apollo.

Since COVID there has been no requirement for clubs to centrally report membership numbers to the NRL in any public format, so it has come down to which clubs wish to disclose that information. It also vanished from NRL's Annual Reports around the same time and has not reappeared.

 

[Exsilium]

I wouldn’t believe the numbers anyway. After all, souths sold pet memberships didn’t they?

 

[Timmah]

I wouldn’t believe the numbers anyway. After all, souths sold pet memberships didn’t they?

I've always found this such an odd gotcha. Currently 11 of the 17 clubs have a Pet Membership. Only Canberra, Dolphins, Gold Coast, North Qld, Penrith and Warriors don't appear to.

Brisbane

https://am.ticketmaster.com/brisbanebroncos/buy/bucksbuddies

Canterbury

Pet

Pet

www.bulldogs.com.au

Cronulla

https://sharks.memberlink.net.au/memberhome

Manly

Pet

membership.seaeagles.com.au

Melbourne

Pet Membership

experience.melbournestorm.com.au

Newcastle

Supporters 2026 | Newcastle Knights Hub

knightshub.com.au

Parramatta

Pet Membership

Treat your most loyal and loveable friends with an exclusive Pet Member pack. *Parra Eels Pet Jersey not included

shop.parraeels.com.au

South Sydney

The South Sydney Rabbitohs Official Homepage

Welcome to the official page of the South Sydney Rabbitohs!

www.rabbitohs.com.au

St George Illawarra

https://am.ticketmaster.com/redv/buy/memberships/pet

Sydney Roosters

Pet Membership

Pet Membership

www.roosters.com.au

Wests Tigers

Pet

The Pet Package brings your four-legged friend into the Jungle, giving them their own touch of Tiger pride.

www.weststigers.com.au

 

[The Mad Hatter]

I wouldn’t believe the numbers anyway. After all, souths sold pet memberships didn’t they?

Only Canberra and Roosters ever took up the option to f**k a pet member too.

 

[Perth Red]

When we got to the point where some clubs were giving out a membership if you bought a game ticket it all became meaningless anyway.

 

[BuffaloRules]

Free kid’s memberships were being included in the Tigers numbers when Pascoe was running the joint … if anyone feels they are falling behind in a dick measuring contest I’m sure the appropriate steps will be taken to change that