The Parramatta Eels Club is excited to announce that we are returning to the Northern Territory on Anzac Day eve for a clash against Brisbane Broncos in Round 7 at TIO Stadium.
In what is expected to be the biggest rugby league match to ever be played in Darwin, featuring two of the NRL’s major Clubs, the game will be broadcast live nationally on Channel 9’s Friday night Football.
Anzac Day holds special significance for Darwin which was bombed in 1942 in the largest ever foreign attack on mainland Australia. The Parramatta Eels Club will continue to honour the rugby league tradition of celebrating Anzac Day with a special ceremony at the game.
The following morning, Eels officials and up to 6000 people are expected at the Darwin Dawn Service at the cenotaph on cliffs overlooking Darwin Harbour and the Timor Sea.
Parramatta Eels Club acting CEO Jim Sarantinos said, “the significance of Anzac Day is important to our Club and we are privileged to commemorate the occasion in Darwin.
“We’re really looking forward to this clash with the Broncos, at our second home. We have an incredibly loyal fan base in the NT, and we hope to see many of our Members and supporters make the trip from interstate to cheer us on.”
Northern Territory Minister for Tourism, Sport and Culture Lauren Moss said, “we are thrilled to be able to host the Parramatta Eels and the Brisbane Broncos as part of the ANZAC Day Round in Darwin next year.
“Sport is a way of life for Territorians, and we look forward to bringing this game to Darwin, which is expected to be the most significant rugby league match ever to be played in the Northern Territory.”
In the lead-up to the fixture, the Eels will host a number of activities and events for the local community to showcase rugby league and provide an opportunity to engage with the team.
The Parramatta Eels players will make their annual pilgrimage to Alice Springs in November this year to visit local schools, host rugby league coaching clinics and engage with the community.
The Eels have unveiled details of a special Membership package for local NT Eels fans. Membership options include exclusive Membership benefits as well as reserved tickets to the match at TIO Stadium for the Anzac Day eve blockbuster.
Further details about the 2020 Parramatta Eels Membership package for NT can be found here
