NRL IRL

Being a die-hard sports fan isn’t always easy in the Territory, with national matches generally held interstate – it costs a pretty penny to see our sporting heroes in the flesh. Luckily, the crew at NT Major Events Company (NTMEC) have sports fans covered, with a series of NRL and AFL games set to roll out in 2024.

^{By Tierney Seccull}

THIS MONTH, NEW South Wales’ mighty Parramatta Eels take on the Dolphins from Queensland, and it looks as though Top End fans are in for an almighty clash. 

The Eels took out the premiership in 2022 but have their work cut out for them, the League’s newest club beating five of the eight teams that finished top of the ladder in their debut season last year. 

The Parramatta Eels have enjoyed a 10-year partnership with the NT Government, and first played back in 2014. Parramatta Eels Captain Clint Gutherson says the team’s keen to return to the Top End. 

“When the draw release comes out, we always mark the NT game in our calendar, it’s one of our favourite trips of the year,” he says. 

“The Territory has always felt like another home for us. We love connecting with the fans, there are so many familiar faces who have shown up to support us over the years and we really appreciate them.” 

It’s a sentiment echoed by 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 … .” 

Aimee Luxton is Head of Events and Operations at NTMEC and says having access to national sporting matches is important.

“There’s such a huge rugby community and following here, and being able to bring that national, top-flight match to Darwin – that people don’t have to fly anywhere else to see – is fantastic for the local community,” she says. 

“It provides such great inspiration for younger players coming through, being able to witness that level of sport here. Being able to see your team – or any elite sport up here – it’s fantastic.” 

In addition to the match itself, the Eels partake in a swag of community engagement activities, giving fans, young and old, the chance to see their heroes up close. 

“It’s not just the game itself … you can see [the players] out and about in their gear, and it’s important in that it provides access to the team while they’re here, through signings and those sorts of things,” Luxton says. 

If you’re keen to see what’s sure to be one heck of a game, book those seats – each clash sold-out last year and this one’s shaping up the same.

NRL - Eels vs. The Dolphins
WHEN FRI 19 APR | 7:30PM 
AT TIO STADIUM 
COST $30 ADULTS | $50 BEST SEATS 
INFO ntmajorevents.com.au

_{Photos: supplied by Northern Territory Major Events Company}