Penrith Panthers to take on the Dolphins in 2026 Darwin NRL game
A heavyweight NRL team has been announced as the first opposition to test Darwin’s new host side, the Dolphins, in the Top End next year. Find out what’s happening.
The Dolphins will host one of the NRL’s heavyweights in their first match as Darwin’s new rugby league team in 2026.
It can be revealed the NT’s new host team will take on the Penrith Panthers in 2026 starting the relationship with a bang.
The match is set to take place at TIO Stadium from 7.30pm on April 17.
The Penrith Panthers have been the benchmark side of the NRL in recent times winning four of the past five premierships, only missing out on the most recent with a preliminary final loss.
The Panthers twice played in Darwin last decade beating the Gold Coast Titans 40-18 in 2013 before falling to the Parramatta Eels 10-4 in 2015.
Meanwhile, the Dolphins were announced as the Darwin side from 2026-28 after the departure of the Parramatta Eels, beginning a new dawn for Territory rugby league fans.
The partnership to play games in Darwin was secured by the CLP government while the Dolphins’ major sponsor had already facilitated semi-frequent clinics in Darwin and Katherine.
The side from Redcliffe proved to have plenty of fans in their first Top End visit in 2024 and made the most of the cheering support as they beat Parramatta 44-16.
The 2024 Dolphins–Eels match generated more than $5 million in visitor spending and 12,688 visitor nights, with even stronger results expected in 2026.
Dolphins NRL chief executive Terry Reader said the club was thrilled to play its first home game in the Northern Territory.
“Now that we have the date and our opposition locked in, we can start planning our trip to the magnificent Top End,” he said.
“We are fully committed to this three-year partnership and the opportunities it provides us to continually engage with the people of the NT.
“The Dolphins were incredibly impressed with the number of supporters we had when we played there last year.
“We are determined to grow both our fan base and the game of rugby league in general across the Northern Territory.”
Major Events and Tourism and Hospitality minister Marie-Clare Boothby said the announcement was a major win for the Territory.
“We can’t wait to see Dolphins and Panthers fans from across Australia filling TIO Stadium next April,” Ms Boothby said.
“Landing a team of this calibre is a major win for local fans and a boost for Territory tourism.
“Events of this scale bring visitors, support local jobs and showcase our unique lifestyle to the nation.
“They inject millions into the visitor economy and give local businesses the confidence to plan and grow.”
“Our three-year deal with the Dolphins gives certainty to fans and supports local jobs.”
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Originally published as Penrith Panthers to take on the Dolphins in 2026 Darwin NRL game
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