Phin times ahead: Dolphins to play NRL matches in Darwin until at least 2028
The Northern Territory has secured a new partnership with an NRL team to play games in Darwin for at least the next three years, replacing the Parramatta Eels.
Northern Territory
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The Northern Territory has locked in a partnership with a popular NRL team that will play games in the Top End for at least the next three years and commit to growing the sport.
The Dolphins will play a home game in Darwin each year from 2026 to 2028 building on their successful TIO Stadium debut in 2024 where they beat previous home side Parramatta 44-16.
The Eels partnership recently came to an end after 12 years prompting the selection of a new club to bring games for the league mad fans in the north.
Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro marked the occasion meeting with the Redcliffe side at their headquarters north of Brisbane.
“We’re proud to continue delivering on our year of action, certainty and security by locking in our new NRL team for Territorians,” she said.
“Securing this three-year deal with the Dolphins demonstrates our commitment to top-tier sport in the Territory, a legacy the CLP started.”
The Dolphins have already integrated themselves into the NT community by running semi-frequent clinics in Darwin and Katherine and are committed to keep investing in the grassroots game.
North Devils 2024 player of the year Oryn Keeley made his Dolphins debut at TIO Stadium against Parramatta and remembers the great support that almost made it feel like a home game.
“There was a lot of support for us in that match, which was massive and made us want to come back to give more to the community,” Keeley said.
“Our sponsors such as Tamboran make it possible for us to come to different regions to show our love and support.
“It’s awesome for me to come back having played my first game here, it’s like a little home for me so to see the fans who get around us and us around them is something simple but so special.
“Going into communities gives us a good appreciation of what we have and what we can share. Some encouragement can change someone’s life and help them become the next NRL star.
“It’s really nice and refreshing to hear young kids tell you how much they love the game and to put a smile on their face is something they will remember for a long time.
“I remember doing the same as a kid and how much it meant, so to do this and see the game grow up here is massive for us.”
Harrison Graham scored a try in the Dolphins recent 44-8 defeat of top side the Bulldogs and said the side were brimming with confidence upon their visit to see how the game was growing in the NT.
“It’s my first time up here, but seeing it in person you can tell the game is growing and it shows how bringing games up here is spreading awareness for the sport,” he said.
“These clinics and interactions are something we do across Queensland and now branching out to the NT is important.
“Getting out into the community and seeing these juniors and being able to put smiles on their faces is great, hopefully we’re able to make difference this way.
“Everyone’s up and about at the moment off the back of that Bulldogs win and we’ll take a lot of confidence from that match going forward for the rest of the year.”
NRL NT General Manager Tony Crowe said the Dolphins had proven their commitment to the Territory with their work in the grassroots development programs over the past two years.
“We’re excited to continue growing this partnership with the Dolphins who bring energy, opportunity, and genuine connection,” he said.
“We look forward to what the next three years will deliver for rugby league across the Territory.”
Dolphins NRL chief executive Terry Reader said the club had formed a genuine connection already following several community engagement tours since the game last year.
“We are excited about locking in three NRL matches in Darwin over the next three years and the opportunities that will provide us to continually engage with the people of the NT,” he said.
“We were impressed with the number of supporters we had when we played there last year, and we are determined to grow both our number of fans and the game in general across the NT.”
The Darwin NRL matches will be delivered by the Northern Territory Major Events Company on behalf of the CLP Government.
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Originally published as Phin times ahead: Dolphins to play NRL matches in Darwin until at least 2028
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