Catch your Parramatta Eels heroes at the game tomorrow

Footy fever has reached Darwin with the Parramatta Eels set to take on the League’s rookie club, the Dolphins at TIO Stadium on Friday, 19 April.

The annual Eels Darwin match is usually a sell-out, with almost 12,500 fans packed into TIO Stadium last year to watch the battle between the Eels and Brisbane Broncos.
The Captain’s Run for each team was on today and fans can get their gear signed when players from both teams take part in a player signing at NRL NT on Saturday, 20 April from 10am.

Northern Territory Major Events CEO Suzana Bishop said Territorians love their NRL. “It’s exciting to see the Parramatta Eels embrace their home away from home in the Northern Territory. It’s also a fantastic opportunity for sport enthusiasts to see elite competition without having to travel interstate.

“Independent research showed last year’s ANZAC Round match was responsible for generating a total expenditure stimulus in the territory of $4.8 million, including a whopping 81 per cent ($3.9 million) of which was new money to the Territory.

“More than 18 per cent of visitors to the match in Darwin were from interstate, and along with intrastate fans and a few from overseas, they generated 9,145 visitor nights across the Territory. This is such an important boost for our local businesses and tour operators.

Parramatta Eels Captain Clinton Gutherson said they had a great win over the weekend against the Cowboys and are looking to bring that form to Darwin on Friday night.

“We’re also looking forward to getting up close and personal with the fans at the signing session on Saturday morning after the match, hoping to see as many Eels fans as possible.”

Fans can enjoy some pre-match colour ahead of Friday’s game, including roving performers, face painting, merchandise stalls, local displays, kids lawn games, food trucks, a chill out zone brought to you by BASSINTHEGRASS ReFresh and beats from DJ booths both in and outside the stadium gates.

You can get yourself a deadly hair cut with the Deadly Hair Dude, there’s prizes and giveaways at the Danila Dilba health promotion giveaway, and at half time there will be a mascot run and mini mods which is an NRL version of Auskickers. In addition, there will be the chance to upgrade your tickets to the best seats in the house, with food and drink included, thanks to a partnership with Mix 104.9 FM. The draw will take place at 6.15pm, so get in early for your chance to win!

Gates open at 4.30pm, with the U18 Eels Cup Men’s showdown kicking off at 4.35pm and the U18 Eels Cup Women’s showdown at 5.40pm. Kick off for the Eels v Dolphins is at 7.30pm.

People who don’t want to miss a moment of the action are encouraged to get there early before the rush. Free public transport will be available for ticket holders. Simply show your ticket to get on the bus.

The game is part of a long-running partnership between the Northern Territory Government and Parramatta Eels, delivered through Northern Territory Major Events Company (NTMEC). The partnership delivers a range of benefits for the Territory, bringing world-class sport to Darwin, and promoting Territory tourism at interstate Eels games and through their digital channels.

NRL NT General Manager Tony Crowe said with club registrations growing at 11 per cent overall and female participation at 15 per cent YTD compared to 2023, the Eels Dolphins game comes at a great time. “It reinforces the Northern Territory’s passion for rugby league at community and elite NRL level,” he said.

Make sure you grab a ticket online before the showdown on Friday as there’s only a limited number of tickets still available. Tickets will also cost $5 more at the box office on the day. Tickets start from $30 for adults and $10 for children. Visit https://www.ticketmaster.com.au/