Minister for Tourism and Culture, Lauren Moss said the agreement with the NRL will ensure the Eels remain the NT’s home club.

“We know that Territorians want to experience NRL games at home – it helps make the NT a great place to live and keeps people here,” Ms Moss said.

“Bringing national sporting fixtures to the NT provides great benefits to Territorians and showcases our ability to host national sporting events with Telstra NRL Premiership matches broadcast across Australia.”

In addition to playing premiership matches in the NT, the Eels will undertake community engagement activities including coaching clinics, junior league club visits, opportunities for local NTRL players and coaches to participate in NT Eels Academy sessions in Sydney, indigenous youth summits and local hospital, school and remote community visits and signing sessions. 

Parramatta Eels CEO Bernie Gurr said the Club values the relationship it has with the NT.

“We’re delighted to extend our relationship with the NT Government,” Mr Gurr said.

“Our Club is excited to continue to bring NRL premiership matches to the NT; our team thoroughly enjoys playing in the NT and our Players particularly enjoy working closely with the local community.

“We are strengthening our commitment by hiring, for the first time, an Eels staff person to be based in Darwin and will be totally dedicated to growing our partnership with the NT.”

NRL Telstra Premiership action will return to TIO Stadium for a Round 14 NRL clash on June 9 with the Eels playing against the North Queensland Cowboys.

Last year’s match in Darwin saw the Cowboys superstar Jonathan Thurston led the North Queensland Cowboys win with the final score 32-6.

“Last year’s match was one of the most popular tickets in town, so I encourage everyone to plan ahead and secure their ticket for this year,” Ms Moss said.

With the recently announced $103 million Turbocharging Tourism stimulus package to help boost tourism in the NT, the game will be promoted locally to encourage Alice Springs and the Katherine based fans to travel to Darwin, watch the game and enjoy a fantastic holiday or weekend away.

Tickets are available at the Darwin Entertainment Centre and online at www.ntix.com.au