What began a decade ago as an initiative to recognise the role women play in the game has now become a key fixture on the rugby league calendar.

Women in league: the numbers 482,000+ girls and women involved in playing the game (touch, tag or tackle)

482,000+ girls and women involved in playing the game (touch, tag or tackle) Female participation up 27 per cent on 2015

Female participation up 27 per cent on 2015 2,000+ female coaches, sports trainers and referees

2,000+ female coaches, sports trainers and referees 5,200+ registered female volunteers

5,200+ registered female volunteers 90+ female-only rugby league competitions

90+ female-only rugby league competitions 68,000+ female NRL club members

Tonight the NRL's Women in League round kicks off with the Dragons hosting the Broncos.

Almost half a million girls and women now play some form of the rugby league nationally and female participation is the fastest growing area of the game.

"The Women in League Round is one of many occasions throughout the year where women are at the fore-front of our game and without doubt, help to shape our sport for the better," NRL CEO Todd Greenberg said.

"I am proud of the thousands of women who are part of all levels of our game - from our commission, through to boards, CEO's, our Indigenous council, ambassadors, volunteers, elite players and our grassroots participants."

In 2004 history was made when Harvey Norman CEO Katie Page was made the first female board member of the NRL.

Now in 2016, the game boasts a female commissioner in Cathy Harris and 13 board members across the 16 clubs.

"If I think back to 2007 when we started Women in League, we have achieved so much, however at the same time we can see now what is possible and how the game must remain focused," Page said.

"We must ensure we support the next generation of women — mothers, administrators and female players coming up through the ranks."

'Women are getting a hearing': Tigers chair

Wests Tigers chair Marina Go arrived at the club when it was in turmoil and had an interesting initiation to rugby league.

Sorry, this video has expired Female participation in rugby league is up 27 per cent.

"It was quite confronting at first, absolutely from the very first board meeting, as an independent director to a new sport, I was appointed chair from day one so I had to learn a lot of things very quickly," Go said.

The established businesswoman said she has had her share of critics but does not let it get to her.

Go also does not want women to be detracted from striving to get to the top levels in rugby league.

"It's a mans world, absolutely, and I wasn't surprised because that's what I expected to be."

"But there are some great women, including Katie Page who helped muscle in on the mans world 10 years ago.

"There is still significantly more men than women, but I do think women are getting a hearing."

Go says while women have come a long way in the past 10 years, there is still much work to be done.

"You can't be what you can't see, yes it's great that it's happening but I'd like to see more of it," Go said.

"One is never enough, in any position, I would love to see a second commissioner and maybe one day even a female CEO, definitely."