The Parramatta Eels confirm that 2025 will mark the conclusion of our 12-year partnership with the Northern Territory Government. This collaboration has been integral to bringing rugby league to the heart of the Northern Territory, creating memorable experiences for our players, fans, and the people of the Territory.
Parramatta Eels CEO Jim Sarantinos expressed the Club’s gratitude for the Territory’s unwavering support.
“On behalf of everyone at the Parramatta Eels, I want to thank the Northern Territory Government and the people of the Territory for their incredible warmth and hospitality over the years. The NT truly has been our home away from home, and we will forever appreciate the connection we’ve built with the local communities.
“We’re proud to have brought programs to thousands of children across Darwin, Katherine, Northeast Arnhem Land, Alice Springs, and various remote areas throughout the NT helping grow the game and supporting the region’s youth through community and school visits, coaching clinics, and skill development initiatives.
“It’s been rewarding to see rugby league’s reach expand throughout these communities, and we’re grateful for every opportunity to make an impact,” Sarantinos added.
“While this partnership has been a defining chapter for our Club, it’s time to explore new avenues to serve our Members and fans starting in 2026. However, the Eels are excited to visit the NT once again for the 2025 season and to close out this partnership in a fitting way, celebrating the special bond we share with the Territory.
“To our friends, fans, and partners in the NT, thank you. Let’s make 2025 a season to remember, and may our ties with the Territory remain strong well into the future,” Sarantinos concluded.
Northern Territory Major Events Company Acting CEO Trevor Cox echoed these sentiments, emphasising the benefits the partnership has brought to the Territory, including boosting tourism and delivering world-class sporting events.
The Parramatta Eels have brought Territorians more than a decade of NRL action. They’ve also worked with the community to build up the sport and fanbase right across the NT. I’d like to thank the Club and former and current players for making the NT their second home.
Trevor Cox Northern Territory Major Events Company Acting CEO
“Matches like these allow locals to see elite-level rugby league action in their own backyard, and for Darwin and its surrounds to be beamed onto TV screens around the country.
“Territorians love sport, especially live, opportunities for a new Territory NRL team with the right fit, in terms of values, is being explored beyond 2025,” added Cox.
Looking forward, the Club will be exploring options for its 12th home game for 2026 and beyond and will keep Members and fans informed on developments.
Parramatta Eels and NT Government partnership milestones:
- Annual fan events and signing sessions
- Annual player visits to the Don Dale Youth Detention Centre
- Developed the Eels Academy Training Camp for young male and female NT rugby league players to help develop their rugby league skills.
- Launched The Eels Cup - a 6-week Rugby League competition for Under 16s Secondary Schools in the NT
- NRL players taking part in Darwin Primary School Touch Competition and coaching clinics
- Facilitated Primary Schools Gala Days at Palmerston Raiders
- Introduced League Tag Carnival event in Alice Springs
- Facilitated Wheelchair Come and Try events
- Collaboration with the Clontarf Academy
- Introduced Parra Eels Play clinic with appx 50 students and educators at Yirrkala Community bilingual School, a small Aboriginal community in Northeast Arnhem Land.
- Delivered one of the largest annual sporting events in the Territory across the last 11 years, including a number of sold-out fixtures
If you would like to attend our final Eels in Darwin trip for 2025, please register your interest here.
