Parramatta won't have to wait for Pirtek Stadium to be refurbished to be playing out of a brand new home ground.
The Northern Territory government is spending $20 million on the Eels' new home away from home, Richardson Park, in a move that could lead to the club taking more games to the Top End.
Northern lights: Parramatta's Luke Kelly in action during the round 22 NRL match between the Parramatta Eels and the Penrith Panthers in Darwin in August. Photo: Getty Images
Parramatta are midway through a four-year partnership with the NT government that secures the region an annual first-grade fixture for the duration. The blue and golds have won both their contracted matches, against Canberra and Penrith, at TIO Stadium.
There is a chance the revamped Richardson Park could be ready for the Eels' next Darwin fixture in the new year, ensuring the region has a multi-purpose arena of NRL standard.
"We're delighted, we envisage this being a long-term partnership and the fact the Northern Territory government have helped sustain this with a purpose-built ground will ensure it gives us an appropriate rugby league atmosphere," said Eels chief executive John Boulous. "This will help to grow our fan base while also improving the experience of those coming to the game.
Artist's impression: The revamped Richardson Park.
"We're looking forward to continuing the benefits that have come so far from our experiences in the Northern Territory. It's a credit to their vision in undertaking the partnership with us. They want to grow and develop the game in conjunction with the Parramatta Eels brand."
The Eels will be without a home for up to two seasons while construction work is undertaken to revamp Pirtek Stadium. While the majority of home games are likely to be played at nearby ANZ Stadium, the period could be an opportunity to take more games on the road. Asked about the prospect of Richardson Park hosting additional games during that time, Boulous said: "It hasn't been discussed but we have a good partnership with the Northern Territory so all opportunities are on the table.
"We also have a strong fan base in Parramatta too, so we also need to take that into account while we don't have a stadium."
Northern Territory's Sport and Recreation Minister Gary Higgins said: "The government is serious about delivering an alternate venue which will meet the needs of the community. We are also determined Richardson Park will not go to waste."
Adrian Proszenko article
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Giles quote - "It's probably a very good time for us to have a look at how that deal is performing. It's not to say we're looking to cancel it but we'll have a look at the performance levels and the level of value we're getting out of that."
Every organisation does a review of whatever agreements (usual annual) they have, especially if they are long term ones like the 4 year deal we were on.
It was proszenko beat up that they were looking to tear up the agreement.
so it John Boulos the new CEO. For a while there they kept referring to him as Acting CEO.
Any news on the New CEO?
Players are only allowed four beers per night after training but each one is 44 gallons.