Dolphins will play an annual home game at Darwin’s TIO Stadium from 2026 to 2028. The goal is, according to the team's press release, to boost tourism in the region.
“The Dolphins locking in a home game in Darwin for the next three years is a huge win for sport and tourism in the Territory,” said NT Department of Tourism and Hospitality CEO Suzana Bishop.
“It will attract fans from across Australia, boost local businesses, and give visitors even more reason to stay longer and discover everything the NT has to offer.”
Why the Dolphins, why Darwin?
The Dolphins are familiar with the Territory crowd: “The Dolphins know the Northern Territory well after playing a game there last year and have also been involved in several community engagement tours there with existing partners over the past two years," said Dolphins NRL Chief Executive Officer Terry Reader.
In 2024, the Dolphins defeated the Parramatta Eels 44-16 in that very stadium to make for a successful Top End debut for the team in the area.
On top of that, Dolphins forward Oryn Keeley said “When we are all young kids, getting our hats signed by a couple of NRL players is always touching and you remember it for a long time.
“Us coming up here and doing it for the kids is awesome.”
Who brought NRL to NT before Dolphins
From 2014 to 2025, the Parramatta Eels maintained a partnership with the Northern Territory Government, playing annual home games in Darwin. Their final match under this agreement was against the Canberra Raiders at TIO Stadium on April 12, 2025.
Over the 12 years period, the Eels’ games significantly assisted the Northern Territory economics and sporting community by bringing fans to games. In 2023 alone, a sell-out game brought almost 12,500 fans to the seats to watch Eels and Broncos battle it out during the NRL Anzac Round.
Beyond the matches, the Eels' presence in the Northern Territory included community engagement initiatives such as school clinics, coaching courses, and support for local rugby league development.
What’s there to visit
A trip to the Northern Territory can offer much more in addition to footy in Darwin – though catching an NRL clash at Darwin’s TIO Stadium is a highlight in itself.
It’s also a chance to explore some of Australia’s most iconic natural landmarks. Fans heading North can make a trip out of it with a detour to Uluru-Kata Tjuta, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where the red desert meets ancient Aboriginal culture. Kakadu National Park delivers croc-filled wetlands and rock art dating back tens of thousands of years.
Off the field, thrill-seekers can also ride camels through the outback, meet saltwater crocs up close, and catch free-flight bird shows at wildlife parks.