Canberra Raiders ready for Darwin challenge against Parramatta Eels
The Parramatta Eels are aiming to send off their Territory partnership on a high as they run as they prepare for their final home match at TIO Stadium against the Canberra Raiders.
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The Parramatta Eels want to send their 12-year Northern Territory partnership off on a high as they gear up to take on the Canberra Raiders at TIO Stadium Saturday night.
Parramatta has been making appearances as the Territory Eels since 2013, but it was announced last year the 2025 match would be the side’s last in the long-running partnership.
The relationship originally bore fruit for both the Top End in getting to watch matches and the Eels, who enjoyed strong results playing at TIO Stadium.
Though results have gone wayward in recent years with the Cowboys, Broncos and Dolphins coming out the winners in the past three encounters.
The Eels landed in town on Thursday off their first win of the season, a 23-22 defeat of the Dragons, and have a view of carrying that momentum onward.
But lock J’maine Hopgood said the club was also eager to give their Territory fans a deserved send off to ensure they had something to remember the club by.
“It’s been awesome, this is my third time here and it’s been great, the community engages really well and it’s always good putting smiles on kid’s faces,” Hopgood said.
“We haven’t really had the results the past couple of years here, I’m not sure how that factors into things but we’re looking to hopefully send it out on a high.
“Both sides have to play in the heat and that’s something we’ve spoken about so hopefully the footy goes out way and we get the win.
“Last week’s win helps, in weeks gone by we’ve put ourselves in the fight but missed on execution at the end of games, but it was good to be rewarded and hopefully we can build some momentum.”
Eels centre Will Penisini was also eager to get back into Darwin and see fans, many of whom he recognised by sight after stepping off the plane.
“We’ve formed a good relationship with the fans here and have a big supporter base so it’s sad this is our last year,” Penisini said.
“There’s a great support from everybody, there’s a couple of people I’ve seen a few years in a row waiting for us to land and sign their jerseys.
“It just shows how passionate they are for us and for the community as well.”
Gates open at 5.30pm.
Canberra Raiders touch down for Darwin clash with Parramatta
The Parramatta Eels will mark the end of their 12-year term as the Northern Territory home team with a face-off with the Canberra Raiders, who touched down in Darwin early.
A series of exciting events have been planned in the lead-up to the game giving fans a last opportunity to celebrate the team ahead of the game at TIO Stadium.
The Raiders were first to touch down on Wednesday eager to adjust to the heat as they aim for back-to-back victories to maintain their spot in the top eight.
Second row Hudson Young said it was his first time coming to the Territory with the team excited to see what the region was all about.
“We know it will be hot but we’re excited to see the Territory community and to be able to bring a game up here for them is really cool,” he said.
“We’re not yet completely sure what’s planned but I want to see the crocodiles and other stuff we don’t get to do in Canberra.
“It’s going to be a great game, the Eels are coming off a win of their own so they’ll be just as excited as we are to get up here, conditions should be good and we can’t wait to get out there.
“Seeing all the kids and putting a smile on the faces of all the people that don’t get to see games and enjoy rugby league each week will be great, it’s a great opportunity.”
The Eels touchdown on Thursday with festivities kicking off at the Mindil Beach Casino Resort from 2pm with fans able to enjoy a pool party from 2pm followed by a player signing at 5pm.
This free, family-friendly event will feature live music, a DJ, and mascot appearances ahead of the highly anticipated Mascot Games on game day.
Fans who pre-purchase their tickets by 6pm Thursday will go into the draw to win a game-day experience, including a night’s stay at Mindil Beach Casino Resort, a luxury limo transfer to the match and prime seats on a couch at the try line with a food and beverage package.
The captain’s run will take place at TIO Stadium on April 11 from 10.15am with limited tickets available at Ticketek Australia.
NRL Wheelchair Rugby League will be holding a Wheelchair Rugby League come and try event on Friday with some Raiders players attending with more information available here: https://events.humanitix.com/come-n-try-wheelchair-rugby-league-darwin
Saturday will also be packed with entertainment in the lead up to the match with the inaugural Mascot Games featuring challenges such as BASS Beats, a kicking comp, trivia and the famous halftime race.
Local artist Caleb Dude will create a special thankyou mural dedicated to the Eels, inviting spectators to sign the artwork as a tribute to the team’s legacy in the Territory.
Additional entertainment will feature Eels-themed lighting installations, a pop-up Deadly Hair Dude experience, and DJ Emily Wilson spinning the perfect match-day playlist.
NT Major Events Company Interim chief executive Trevor Cox said the Territory Eels have played a key role in bringing rugby league to the NT for more than a decade.
“Get down to TIO Stadium and be part of the celebration as we farewell the Parramatta Eels and mark over a decade of NRL in the NT,” he said.
“These Territory Eels games have given locals the chance to experience elite-level rugby league live in the Top End while also showcasing Darwin on the national stage through broadcasts on Kayo and Foxtel.”
NRL NT General Manager Tony Crowe said the Parramatta Eels have played a vital role in growing rugby league in the Northern Territory.
“They’ve delivered valuable game development programs, school participation initiatives, coaching courses, mentoring clinics, and player scholarship opportunities,” he said.
“We encourage everyone to get to their final Darwin game, cheer them on against the Canberra Raiders, and show their support for NRL in the NT.
“This is our chance to demonstrate how passionate the Top End is for rugby league to the rest of Australia highlighting our strong appetite to host elite level men’s and women’s games in the future.”
Tickets for the final match can be purchased at: https://premier.ticketek.com.au/Shows/Show.aspx?sh=EEL0625
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