Wally Lewis keen to see more NRL matches played in Darwin

One of league’s greatest players said the code appeared to be Territory’s number one sport with the Eels v Broncos match at TIO Stadium heading for another sellout.

If Territory league fans continue to support NRL matches in the Top End in big numbers they could eventually be rewarded with more than just a solitary annual fixture, legend Wally Lewis believes.

Twelfth-placed Parramatta Eels take on table toppers Brisbane Broncos at TIO Stadium on April 21, with their last encounter in Darwin, two years ago, a sellout with more than 12,000 people attending.

The Eels first penned a deal with the NT Government in 2014 to play annual games in the Territory, which was extended late last year to 2025.

This publication understands the Round 8 match is close to another sellout with anticipation high among local fans.

Lewis, known within league circles as The King, believed adding additional games in Darwin each year would be a consideration if fans continued to flock to games.

By contrast, just over 5500 people attended the Gold Coast Suns v North Melbourne at TIO last year while the Suns v Hawthorn clash the following weekend attracted just over 7500 people.

Wally Lewis shared his personal journey with epilepsy at the NT News Club in 2022. Picture: Glenn Campbell

“A lot of it is going to be controlled by the amount of people who turn up,” Lewis said.

“If they keep getting good crowds, there would be no reason why not.

“There’s a lot of expat people from NSW and Queensland (in Darwin).”

He said critics of the concept who focused on the bottomline could not see the bigger picture.

“The number one priority is the promotion of the game,” he said.

“To take it to the people who enjoy watching it.

“The further they spread the game the better.

“That’s exactly the way it was with the VFL when they went interstate years ago.”

Meanwhile, tipping the Broncos by four points, Lewis told this publication he had enjoyed other sports after stepping away from Channel 9 presenting duties earlier this year due to health concerns, including lawn bowls.

“I said to the bloke: ‘Mate, this is making me feel like retirement is just around the corner, so here I go’,” he said with a laugh.

He said stepping down had brought new benefits to his life.

“It offers up a lot more free time to go and get around and enjoy the footy a little bit more,” he said.

“Most of it (in the past) was restricted to where the Broncos were and when.

“While I found it a little unusual stepping away from rugby league to start with, to make appearances at different clubs, it’s been enjoyable.”