The New Zealand Rugby League (NZRL) says it has evidence the country's domestic game has emerged from the doldrums.

NZRL chief executive Jim Doyle on Tuesday revealed player numbers increased by more than 50 per cent last year.

He said player data compiled by the NZRL showed participation numbers had climbed by 52 per cent since 2009, with the overall player total swelling to more than 24,000.

"It has been a tremendous year for the game at the highest levels with the Kiwis winning the Four Nations, Benji Marshall winning the Golden Boot, the Junior Kiwis doing so well and the Warriors also performing superbly in the National Rugby League and the National Youth Competition," he said.

"When the Kiwis won the World Cup two years ago, rugby league in this country was in crisis on a number of levels.

"Our mission was to rebuild it from the bottom.

"Our work has still only just started ... but knowing we now have more than 24,000 players involved is extremely satisfying. It's a sign we're making real progress."

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