Deadly Cup Carnival to shine light on Aboriginal culture

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander sporting skills and culture will be on display at the Deadly Cup Rugby League Carnival, adding another high quality sporting event to our events calendar and helping celebrate a unique part of our lifestyle.

Kicking off NAIDOC Week celebrations in the Top End on Sunday, 2 July 2023, around 3000 competitors, fans and volunteers are expected to flood Territory Rugby League Stadium at Marrara for the event.

The carnival promotes healthy living and wellbeing with 25 sponsors and exhibitors to provide information on positive lifestyles and services. There will also be information on education and training opportunities, and pathways into health careers.

The free event will see Indigenous All Stars teams playing Territory All Stars across U14B, U15G, U16B, U17G, U18B, Men’s and Women’s divisions with over 250  players expected to take to the field.

Deadly Vision Centre Director and Deadly Cup Rugby League Carnival Convenor Shaun Tatipata said the Carnival showcased the talent and deadly-ness in our community.

“From our deadly rugby league players who carve it up on the field, to our deadly elders who keep us connected to culture and are the backbone of our communities, to the deadly programs and services that care for our mob. It all comes together at the Deadly Cup,” he said.

“Come down and celebrate NAIDOC Week with us, learn about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture, and the watch some deadly rugby league.”

Culture will be celebrated throughout the event and includes an opening ceremony, didgeridoo playing, art/painting, string making, fire making, Kup-murri cooking demonstration and taste test, and a Deadly Cooking demonstration. The popular Deadly-est Blachung competition will return alongside the Deadly Sprints, Spot the Deadly Bus, Deadly-est Dance Moves and Deadly Vision competition.

The carnival is organised by the Deadly Vision Centre in partnership with NRL NT, Indigenous Allied Health Australia (IAHA) and Danila Dilba Health Services.

Gates open at 11.30am, with a welcome ceremony at 12pm, and the first game at 1.30pm.