The Parramatta Eels will play a last game in Darwin next season, and while neither the club nor the Finocchiaro Government has explained why the deal between the two will end, NT Major Events has said it is looking for a new NRL team to play from 2026.
No CLP minister issued a statement saying the agreement for Parramatta to play one game per year in Darwin was ending, that task was left to NT Major Events and the club, who both praised the relationship, saying the club would make a “momentous return to Darwin in 2025”, but failed to mention why the relationship was over after that.
The agreement between the club and the government was to end next year.
The government did not respond by the time of publication but the NT Independent asked Sports Minister Jinson Anto Charls whether the two annual Gold Coast AFL games in Darwin, and the one annual Melbourne AFL game in Alice Springs, would continue after those current deals end in 2026.
While Opposition Leader Selena Uibo alleged the the government ended the Paramatta deal and criticised Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro for not announcing what would be bad news for some, herself.
The former Labor Government would never say how much bringing the Eels to play in Darwin cost Territorians, but in a Budget press release in May 2016, then-Chief Minister Adam Giles said the rugby league premiership game, plus a pre-season game in Alice Springs, would cost taxpayers $1 million annually.
To give another indication, while the Labor Government would also never say how much the AFL games cost, last year the AFL itself published an article on its website explaining that the Tasmanian government would pay Hawthorn $13.5 million for three regular games and a pre-season game each year over the coming two years.
That is a cost of $1,687,500 per game.
The press release announcing the mysterious end to the deal said Parramatta’s annual matches in Darwin boosted tourism, with fans exploring the region while supporting their team, and that they also contributed to the liveability of the NT, giving local fans the opportunity to witness top-tier rugby league.
It said the 2021 game against the Broncos generated a total expenditure stimulus of $4.2 million, of which $3 million was new money to the Territory.
It continued, saying that beyond the thrill of the game, the Eels’ presence had been transformative, fostering growth for clubs, players, and fans across the NT.
“Their community programs have inspired the next generation of Territory league stars through player and school clinics and training academies,” the press release said.
“As this chapter closes, the Northern Territory Government is exploring exciting opportunities to ensure the continuation of major partnerships that bring value to the NT community.”
Northern Territory Major Events Company acting chief executive officer Trevor Cox thanked the Eels but said the NT was now looking for a new partner.
“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,” Mr Cox said.
He did not explain if it was a “values” problem that ended the relationship.
Parramatta Eels chief executive officer Jim Sarantinos said in a statement that it had been rewarding to play in the Territory over the last 11 years and it had been a defining chapter for the club.
“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,” Mr Sarantinos said.
“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.”
Ms Uibo said the CLP talked a big game about restoring the Territory’s lifestyle but “fumbled the ball” with the Eels.
“Left to the department to be the bearer of bad news, the new government has canned a 12-year partnership with the Parramatta Eels,” Ms Uibo said.
“Cancelling this partnership also puts a stop to numerous opportunities for young Territory talent to make it professionally and improve their skills, including through the Eels Cup and the Eels academy training camp.
“Territory Labor now holds grave concerns for the future of other top level sporting agreements, including with the Gold Coast Suns, whose current contract with the NTG will cease in 2026.”
The Territory is so broke, the Government Debt is considered intergenerational!
The Government should show they have a spine and cut all these warm inner glow expenses!!!
Arts and Sports expenses should be cut first!