The inaugural Deadly Cup will see the Territory’s league stars compete in celebration of Indigenous culture

MANY of the Territory’s top rugby league players will compete in the inaugural Deadly Cup to celebrate Indigenous culture and community

Thomas Clarke from the Indigenous All Stars and Matthew Goodson from the Territory All Stars. Picture Mac Mendoza

MANY of the Territory’s top rugby league players will compete in the inaugural Deadly Cup to celebrate Indigenous culture and community.

The free community event at the Rugby League Stadium at Marrara starts from 2pm today with an opening ceremony set to honour Australia’s first people.

Then the rugby league action starts, with about 250 juniors and seniors featuring in the day’s proceedings, all carrying plenty of pride to be part of either the Indigenous All Stars or the Territory All Stars teams.

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Founding director of Deadly Enterprises, Shaun Tatipata, noted the excitement around all of those taking part, including the Pacific All Stars side playing in the senior men’s division.

“There’s a huge amount of excitement as the event nears with a lot of pride from the players to be playing in this invitational game,” Tatipata told the Sunday Territorian.

“Pride for the Indigenous All Stars in getting to represent their culture and community and for the Territory All Stars players there’s pride in being a part of these celebrations.

“We have also invited a Pacific All Stars side in the senior men’s with our Indigenous community embracing other communities in our region, it’s wonderful to have these guys come along.

“There’s a lot of anticipation leading into NAIDOC week and we’re hoping to showcase our community through a sport we all love.

“The opening ceremony that we have planned is something else with senior Larrakia elders giving the community a chance to celebrate our people.

“Some of the juniors participating have their classes come down to watch them with everyone so excited for the Cup. You can just tell how much of an honour it is for everyone to be participating.”

Brothers young gun Thomas Clarke will lead out the Indigenous All Stars in the senior men’s match, joined by fellow Darwin stars Aidan Singleton, Nick Yarran and Aaron Pollard.

Matthew Goodson will face them in the Territory All Stars team, joined by Litchfield standouts including Luke Mahood, Matt Goodfellow and Sam McAuley.

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The Pacific All Stars will include Cooper Segeyaro from Sharks and a strong Palmerston contingent including Will Smith, Chuck Norris and Stephen Smith.

In the Women’s Indigenous side, skilful tryscorer Latoniya Norris will be joined by Bianca Stokes and Danielle Ponter against a Territory side with Ruti Faatoafe and Simone Garner.