Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander sporting skills and culture will be on display at the Deadly Cup Rugby League Carnival, adding another high quality sporting event to our events calendar and helping celebrate a unique part of our lifestyle.
Kicking off NAIDOC Week celebrations in the Top End on Sunday, 2 July 2023, around 3000 competitors, fans and volunteers are expected to flood Territory Rugby League Stadium at Marrara for the event.
The carnival promotes healthy living and wellbeing with 25 sponsors and exhibitors to provide information on positive lifestyles and services. There will also be information on education and training opportunities, and pathways into health careers.
The free event will see Indigenous All Stars teams playing Territory All Stars across U14B, U15G, U16B, U17G, U18B, Men’s and Women’s divisions with over 250 players expected to take to the field.
Culture will be celebrated throughout the event and includes an opening ceremony, didgeridoo playing, art/painting, string making, fire making, Kup-murri cooking demonstration and taste test, and a Deadly Cooking demonstration. The popular Deadly-est Blachung competition will return alongside the Deadly Sprints, Spot the Deadly Bus, Deadly-est Dance Moves and Deadly Vision competition.
The carnival is organised by the Deadly Vision Centre in partnership with NRL NT, Indigenous Allied Health Australia (IAHA) and Danila Dilba Health Services and is proudly supported by Northern Territory Government through Northern Territory Major Events Company.
Gates open at 11.30am, with a welcome ceremony at 12pm, and the first game at 1.30pm.
Quotes from Minister for Major Events, Paul Kirby:
“The Deadly Cup Rugby League Carnival is a great way to begin NAIDOC Week, bringing together people of all backgrounds to celebrate the rich and vibrant culture of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people through sport.
“The event is also an opportunity for rugby league fans to see some great games featuring some of our up-and-coming stars.”
Quotes from Director Deadly Vision Centre and Convenor of the Deadly Cup Rugby League Carnival Shaun Tatipata:
“The Carnival showcases the talent and deadly-ness in our community in so many ways. From our deadly rugby league players who carve it up on the field, to our deadly elders who keep us connected to culture and are the backbone of our communities, to the deadly programs and services that care for our mob. It all comes together at the Deadly Cup.
“Come down and celebrate NAIDOC Week with us, learn about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture, and the watch some deadly rugby league.”
Northern Territory Government
