Everything you need to know about the 2023 Deadly Cup Carnival

The Deadly Cup Carnival will showcase Indigenous sport skills and culture as it kicks off the 2023 NAIDOC week celebrations.

Indigenous sporting skills and culture will be front and centre when the fourth iteration of the Deadly Cup Rugby League kicks off NAIDOC week celebrations.

About 3000 competitors, fans and volunteers are expected to pile into TRL Stadium on July 2 for the event which has become a staple in recent years.

More than 250 players are expected to take the field with the Indigenous All Stars taking on the Territory All Stars in all divisions from under-14s right through to senior men and women.

And it’s not just sport on show with the event promoting healthy living and wellbeing with 25 exhibitors coming down to provide information on positive lifestyles.

Ivana Schober playing for the Indigenous All Stars in the 2022 Deadly Cup. Picture: (A)manda Parkinson

Beyond that it’s a celebration of culture including didgeridoo playing, painting, string making, fire making, Kup-murri cooking demonstration and taste test and a Deadly Cooking demonstration

The popular Deadly-est Balchung competition returns alongside the Deadly Sprints, Spot the Deadly Bus, Deadly-est Dance Moves and Deadly Vision competition.

Deadly Vision Centre director Shaun Tatipata has organised the carnival alongside NRL NT since its inception and said it was a great way to healthy living and Indigenous culture in one go.

“The Carnival showcases the talent and deadly-ness in our community in so many ways,” he said.

“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.

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

Simaika Salaa breaks through the line at Deadly Cup 2022. Picture: (A)manda Parkinson

Major Events Minister Paul Kirby said the Deadly Cup was a great way to kick start NAIDOC week celebrations.

“Bringing together people of all backgrounds to celebrate the rich and vibrant culture of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people through sport,” Mr Kirby said.

“The event is also an opportunity for rugby league fans to see some great games featuring some of our up-and-coming stars.”

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