Fans swarm TIO Stadium for NRL blockbuster between Parramatta Eels and Brisbane Eels

Everything from tries to birthdays were celebrated at a sellout night of NRL action between Parramatta Eels and Brisbane Broncos at TIO Stadium. See our gallery of photos here.

Everything from tries to birthdays were celebrated at another sell-out Friday night rugby league match between Parramatta Eels and the Brisbane Broncos in Darwin.

Two years after their last meeting in the Top End, 11,864 league fans descended on TIO Stadium for the Round 8 match for another full house.

And there were plenty of special stories within the crowd, with first-timers and diehard league fans in abundance.

Standing behind the goals by the Michael Long Learning and Leadership Centre, Palmerston resident Troy Thurlow, who has supported the Broncos since their inception in 1987, was enjoying his first NRL game at TIO.

Troy Thurlow was supporting the Brisbane Broncos against Parramatta Eels at TIO Stadium. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

He was proudly wearing a maroon wig to represent his late mother Joy who died around the time of the last league game in the Top End last year, when the North Queensland Cowboys upset the Eels 35-4 on April 30.

“I was meant to bring my mum to a match but sadly last year when it was on she passed away,” Mr Thurlow said.

“I’m here to represent her.

“She was a Queensland supporter, through and through.

“It’s awesome (being here), I’ve forgotten what the atmosphere is like when you come and see it live.

“You need this to make Darwin flourish.”

It was a very special occasion for Parramatta-born Kay Veitch who had celebrated her 80th birthday the day before.

Ms Veitch now lives in Katherine, and with her whole family in town for her big day, they “wouldn’t miss” the Eels game, a club she holds life membership with.

“It’s been very good, my whole family are here with me,” Ms Veitch said.

“We come up for the NRL (game) every year.

“We always go for Parramatta, it’s very special for them to be the home team, and we wouldn’t miss watching them.”

Meanwhile, young Razorbacks player Monrel Jones said it was his first NRL game and he was enjoying the buzz from a sell-out crowd.

“I really love it, a lot of people here. Hopefully it’ll be a great experience,” Jones said.

GALLERY

Emily and Luka Prsa supporting the Eels at the 2023 NRL match at TIO Stadium. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Victor, Joe and Dre Sigakloe wearing Broncos colours at the 2023 NRL match at TIO Stadium. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Tahu Hiko, Thomas Simon, Kacen Haynes and Tremaine pulling for the Broncos at the 2023 NRL match at TIO Stadium. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Lifelong Parramatta fan Kay Veitch celebrated her 80th birthday the day before the Eels took on the Broncos at TIO Stadium. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Randall Goodman, Monrel Jones and Joel Jones at the 2023 NRL match at TIO Stadium. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Mitchell Moses leads out the Eels against the Broncos at TIO Stadium. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Ryden, Rylah and Karlie Archer at the 2023 NRL match at TIO Stadium. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Ellie Pulman and Maddison Pulmanat the 2023 NRL match at TIO Stadium. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Mitch Andrew, Matthew Williams, Aiden Harkness and Jai Shearsby at the 2023 NRL match between Parramatta Eels and Brisbane Brocnos at TIO Stadium. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Billy Baker wearing Eels colours at the 2023 NRL match at TIO Stadium. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Eels fans Sue and Stewie, Syd and Buttons, Jazz and Kenny at the 2023 NRL match at TIO Stadium. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Nate Burke flying the flag for Parramatta at the 2023 NRL match at TIO Stadium. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Chris Vouthivong, Lina Rojas, and VB with Carmen and John Zamattia sitting behind at the 2023 NRL match at TIO Stadium. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Leonard Coombs and John Coombs wearing opposite colours at the 2023 NRL match at TIO Stadium. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Damien Gillett with his mullett on show at the 2023 NRL match at TIO Stadium. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Young Broncos supporters were crying for their club at the 2023 NRL match at TIO Stadium. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Edward White, Maxina Espie and Shaneille White at the 2023 NRL match at TIO Stadium. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Edward White & Edward White Jr at the 2023 NRL match at TIO Stadium. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Natasha Nichols and Vincent Nichols at the 2023 NRL match at TIO Stadium. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Nigel Browne and Tineale Browne at the 2023 NRL match at TIO Stadium. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Elle Webster, Gavin McHugh and Kylee webster at the 2023 NRL match at TIO Stadium. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Fans swarmed to TIO Stadium for the blockbuster NRL match between Parramatta Eels and Brisbane Broncos. Pic: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Brisbane Broncos had plenty to celebrate during the first half at TIO Stadium. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Fans swarmed to TIO Stadium for the blockbuster NRL match between Parramatta Eels and Brisbane Broncos. Pic: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Fans swarmed to TIO Stadium for the blockbuster NRL match between Parramatta Eels and Brisbane Broncos. Pic: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

A young fan trying to get the boots of Broncos’ Reece Walsh at TIO Stadium. at the 2023 NRL match at TIO Stadium. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Fans swarmed to TIO Stadium for the blockbuster NRL match between Parramatta Eels and Brisbane Broncos. Pic: Pema Tamang Pakhrin