‘There’s always a good buzz’ fans ready for Territory’s NRL block buster

Territory Eels and Broncos fans will be screaming at the top of their lungs tonight, doing what they can to edge their team over the line in the annual Darwin NRL clash.

TERRITORY Eels and Broncos fans will be screaming at the top of their lungs tonight, doing what they can to edge their team over the line in the annual Darwin NRL clash.

Eels diehard Dallas Smith said while the Eels had a good record in Darwin, he thought the third-last Broncos would bring their all for a quality game.

“The Eels tend to play well up here (but) I think they’ll bring it to us, I don’t think it’ll be as easy as people are making it out to be,” he said.

“I normally go with my young fella and the family, it’s good for the sport and the local league to have them up here.”

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Mr Smith said the teams had made their impact in the community felt, visiting local clubs throughout the week.

“There’s always a good buzz around our local clubs when the boys do come out, the Broncos were at training on Wednesday and the Eels (last night),” he said. “It’s all about the kids, they love it and some of those diehard parents too.”

Broncos fan Stephen Cardona will also be in the grandstands with his five-month-old daughter Eliyang for her first ever game, flying the flag for the Queensland-based side.

“There’s so much support in the NT for the Broncos, I think the crowd will help them get across the line,” Mr Cardona said.

Dallas Smith barracks for the Parramatta Eels while Stephen Cardona is a mad keen Broncos fan. They're both excited to watch their teams clash in Darwin on Friday night. Photograph: Che Chorley

“I was out there watching their training yesterday and there was a lot of people watching them train, it just shows how much support they have up here.”

Mr Cardona said it was great for the club to come to the NT and bring the highest level to the fore.

“It’s great to see them come up and play on our home soil,” he said. “I’ve been a loyal supporter from ’88.”

Parramatta v Brisbane kicks off at 7.25pm at TIO Stadium tonight