Territory Eels to face Dolphins in Top End showdown
Elite Rugby League returns to the Territory next year, with the mighty Parramatta Eels heading to their second home in Darwin to take on the Dolphins on Friday, 19 April 2024 at TIO Stadium.
The NRL Premiership clash is set to be a blockbuster event, with the Dolphins attracting plenty of interest as the newest club in the NRL. Founded this year, they've enjoyed some impressive wins in their debut season, beating the Roosters, Raiders, Knights, Cowboys, Titans, Sharks, Dragons and Warriors. The 2023 Territory Eels game against the Brisbane Broncos was a sell-out event.
A number of community engagement events will take place while the teams are in the Top End. Details will be revealed nearer the time.
Eels fans from across Australia are expected to travel to the Territory to see their beloved team play, while also taking the opportunity to explore the unique experiences on offer in the Top End. From learning about Aboriginal history in Kakadu and catching a legendary Darwin sunset, to finding out more about the Territory's rich military history or exploring the capital city's famous street art, there is plenty on offer to turn a footy trip into a memorable holiday.
The Eels vs Dolphins match forms part of the Northern Territory Government's partnership with the Parramatta Eels, delivered through Northern Territory Major Events Company. The partnership began in 2014 and delivers a range of benefits for the Territory.
To find out when tickets for the clash go on sale, follow the Territory Eels on Facebook at here or sign up for event alerts at here
Quotes attributed to Chief Minister and Minister for Major Events, Natasha Fyles:
"The Territory Eels are making their way back to the Top End for what is set to be a great game. The Premiership match puts the Territory on the map with fans travelling to see their beloved team. While here they can explore the Top End and further afield, with Parrtjima taking place in the Red Centre from 12-21 April 2024. What a great excuse for a Territory road trip.
"The game is also an opportunity for locals to see elite-level sport in action right here at home, and for Darwin and its surrounds to be beamed onto TV screens around the country.
"While in the Territory the NRL teams get involved in the community, providing opportunities for local sports fans and upcoming players to learn skills from the professionals and meet their sporting heroes. There is always plenty of enthusiasm for NRL in the Territory!"
Quotes attributed to Parramatta Eels CEO Jim Sarantinos:
"We've been playing our games in the Territory for over a decade, and it certainly feels like our home away from home. It's one of the trips that our playing squad looks forward to the most each season.
"We have built some great connections and relationships in the NT, among the most special have been with the community and our fans. We're really looking forward to seeing them again next year when we play against the Dolphins in April."
Northern Territory Government
Replies
Don't mind that but would still prefer Canberra.
This is the best outcome, reality is it was only going to be a Qld team travelling, and the Fins are the easiest opposition (and have the most to gain in terms of fanbase growth).
So this makes sense for both teams, and is the highest chance of an Eels win.
I still really hope we don't renew the NT partnership.
Though as a club we make alright money on the deal. Not saying i agree with staying in NT but i understand why they would.
Yeah I know it's worth a bit of coin, but I'm not sure if the partnership is really working. Whenever we play up there it looks like the jerseys are fairly evenly split between us and the competition.
Heck I'd be more onboard with us trying to partner to one of the untapped states that have more than 100 people living there - head out to Perth or Adelaide and try and drum up some interest.
Darwin may be in the top end but it's the arse of Australia.
I think more so NRL being big in Darwin as oppose to Parramatta. Though maybe the NRL should have us go somewhere else as you said like Perth or Adelaide or even Hobart hahahaha, have another team take the Darwin torch.
Darwins bigger for AFL than NRL. I just don't get why we go there other than money. Considering we missed out on playing semi finals football by a single win this year , let's asume we'd have won at home , how much did we actually make compared to if we'd gone deep into the semis ? We probaly lost money when all things are considered.
I mean OK, though they would be used to the heat. Though rather them then Brisbane if it was to be a Queensland team.
How ridiculous seriously!
Though to be fair, the NRL are going to try and get a well supported team up there to play us, to get crowd and TV ratings. Dolphins with Wayne Bennett, Hammer and Phins up??? It is a no brainer to get crowds in.
Compared to sending St. George or Canberra up there?
As long as we don't play the Cowboys up there. Darwin weather is just as big a shock to a SEQLD team as it is for one out of Sydney
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