Sport and culture combined to create perfect NAIDOC kick-off at Deadly Cup Carnival

Thousands flocked to TRL Stadium for another deadly edition of the Deadly Cup Carnival.

THOUSANDS flocked to TRL Stadium for another legendary edition of the Deadly Cup Carnival to experience a massive day of rugby league, cooking and culture.

For its third iteration, the celebration of culture through rugby league was bigger than ever before with players and fans from across the Territory arriving in to kick off NAIDOC week.

But it wasn’t just a full day of rugby league on the agenda with a massive opening ceremony, a health and wellbeing expo and dance performances.

And for those wanting a taste of culture foodies, there was also a Bluchang competition and a Kup Murri cooking demonstration.

Deadly Cup organiser Shaun Tatipata was proud to see so many people come down for the event, with more than 3000 expected to have come through the doors.

“I’m very proud. The community has turned out, they’ve got up, stood up and showed up for this event,” Tatipata said.

“It’s a fantastic day. There’s some deadly rugby league and some amazing activities allowing for plenty of learning about culture and deep appreciation of Aboriginal culture.”

Sports personality Charlie King joked he “couldn’t find a parking spot” with so many people in attendance.

Deadly Cup

NRL NT player Moses Niki was enjoying the day out calling the Carnival the perfect kick-off to NAIDOC week.

“I think there’s no better way to kick off NAIDOC week, sport is big everywhere, so to kick this important week off with this is great,” Mr Niki said.

“This event is so good, it’s good to showcase the talent we have across the Territory and it just gets bigger and bigger each year.”

Deadly Cup Carnival returns bigger than ever

THE Deadly Cup Carnival is back for a third year and promises to be bigger than ever before with thousands expected through the gates at the rugby league celebration of culture and country.

The Cup, that celebrates culture through the game of rugby league, will return on July 3 promising to kick off NAIDOC celebrations with a bang.

Players from all age groups will compete in a carnival of rugby representing either the Indigenous All Stars or the NT All Stars.

And this year for the first time the Deadly Cup will host an invitational team, the ADF Indigenous All Stars, who will face-off against a select group of local talent.

Founding director of Deadly Enterprises Shaun Tatipata said the third edition of the free community event promised to be the biggest yet.

“It’s going to be bigger and deadlier than ever before,” Mr Tatipata said.

“It’s the biggest NAIDOC celebrations in the Northern Territory, we’re expecting there to be 3000 people in attendance so it’s going to be massive, and just short of 300 players.

“There’s such hype and the energy is electric, everyone is really looking forward to it. It’s an event that the whole community has embraced.

“Those selected in to represent in these teams are all extremely proud and there’s been a huge amount of interest from the players.

“The coaches, the volunteers, everyone has brought their own passion and energy at the chance to showcase their skills as role models and leaders in our community.”

Deadly Cup

Well-known Territory Indigenous artist Trent Lee, from Bundirrik Cultural Services, designed the jerseys for the event.

And as the event is set to be livestreamed across the nation his designs will help young guns and seasoned players stand out to scouts.

“We’ll be livestreaming and also broadcasting on First Nations TV to have it aired throughout NAIDOC week,” Mr Tatipata said.

“That also presents an opportunity not only to showcase how deadly we are in the Top End, but also supports those pathways for our local juniors.

“If we can elevate the exposure for these amazing kids who work tirelessly on their skills and help the pathways NRL NT have in place then that will be pretty amazing.”

But it’s not just sport on show with plenty of other cultural activities for attendees to sink their teeth into.

Those include an opening ceremony, a health and wellbeing expo, dance performances and for foodies there will be a Bluchang competition and a Kup Murri cooking demonstration.

“It’s really trying to bring together and celebrate everything that is so deadly about our community,” Mr Tatipata said.

“We’ve created this unique experience for the rugby league community of the Top End to come together and celebrate NAIDOC week.

“It’s a showcase of the talent we have on the field, but also that deadliness and talent we all have off the field as well.”

Originally published as Sport and culture combined to create perfect NAIDOC kick-off at Deadly Cup Carnival