Parramatta Eels to play final Darwin NRL game as home side in 2025

The Parramatta Eels and NT Government have made a huge call on their time as the Northern Territory home side post 2025, with the hunt under way for a replacement team. Read the latest.

The Parramatta Eels will return one last time as the Darwin home team next year as their relationship with the NT government draws to a close.

The Territory Eels have been the NT’s NRL side for the past 12 years, bringing annual matches to TIO Stadium, and in doing so have played a part in boosting tourism and drawing fans to Darwin.

A highlight in the club’s Territory tenure was their 2021 game against the Broncos in Darwin, which attracted a sell-out crowd of more than 12,000.

The game was responsible for generating a total expenditure stimulus of $4.2m, of which $3m was new money to the Territory.

Fans swarmed to TIO Stadium for the blockbuster NRL match between Parramatta Eels and Brisbane Broncos in 2023. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

However, 2025 will be their final home game in the north following a slew of losses for the side including their most recent 44-16 defeat to the Dolphins.

The Eels have played a role off the field too with their presence fostering growth for clubs, players and fans across the NT.

Their community programs have inspired the next generation of Territory league stars through player and school clinics and training academies.

Elsewhere, they’ve integrated the fans massively into their tours with player signings, open training sessions and community engagement programs.

The Parramatta Eels got around the Darwin community.

Parramatta Eels chief executive Jim Sarantinos said the club thanked the NT for its hospitality across the past 12 years.

“The NT truly has been our home away from home, and we will forever appreciate the connection we’ve built with the local communities,” he said.

“We’re proud to have brought programs to thousands of children across Darwin, Katherine, Northeast Arnhem Land, Alice Springs, and various remote areas throughout the NT.

“It’s been rewarding to see rugby league’s reach expand throughout these communities, and we’re grateful for every opportunity to make an impact.”

NRL NT General Manager Tony Crowe said the Eels had made a significant impact on the Top End league community through their delivery of development initiatives and school programs.

“It’s been fantastic to see the Eels build strong connections with their fans, as well as with rugby league supporters more broadly,” he said.

“Having a Territory game is a great boost for the sport, benefiting both local league fans and showcasing the huge appetite for rugby league in the NT.”

The Parramatta Eels playing at TIO Stadium in 2021. Picture: Mark Kolbe/Getty Images

Meanwhile, the NT Government has started the search for a new partner to continue bringing games to the Top End.

NT Major Events Company Acting chief executive Trevor Cox thanked the Parramatta Eels for their dedication over more than a decade.

“They’ve worked with the community to build up the sport and fanbase right across the NT. I’d like to thank the Club and former and current players for making the NT their second home,” he said.

“Matches like these allow locals to see elite-level rugby league action in their own backyard, and for Darwin and its surrounds to be beamed onto TV screens around the country.

“Territorians love sport – especially live – opportunities for a new Territory NRL team with the right fit, in terms of values, is being explored beyond 2025.”

Opposition leader Selena Uibo levelled the blame for the partnership coming to a close at the CLP, saying it was disappointing the “government has cancelled the iconic partnership”.

“Territory Labor invested in these top-flight matches to ensure thousands of Territorians could gain access to the country’s top sportsmen and women each year,” she said.

“Visiting fans and teams provides a welcome injection into the economy.

“The least Lia Finocchairo could have done is front up to Territorians and tell them the bad news herself rather than handballing it to the department (Major Events).

Ms Uibo said Territory Labor now held “grave concerns” for the future of other top level sporting agreements, including with the Gold Coast Suns, whose current contract will cease in 2026.

Tickets for the Eels final Darwin game will be available at the end of November with the draw to be announced in the coming weeks.