The Parramatta Eels and North Queensland Cowboys will face off at TIO Stadium on Saturday, 30 April 2022, and players and support crews have begun arriving in the Top End ahead of the big clash.
More than 20 players from both teams will take part in a player signing at Mindil Beach Sunset Markets this evening, from 5.30-6.30pm, and NRL NT will hold a Rugby League Pass competition to win tickets to the game.
While in the Top End the Eels will carry out a number of community initiatives as part of their partnership with the Northern Territory Government. They include an NRL NT Academy training session, painting the Litchfield Bears clubhouse, a coaching clinic with Litchfield Bears, a visit to Don Dale Detention Centre, a Primary Schools Gala Day at Palmerston Raiders, and a Wheelchair Come and Try event.
Fans can enjoy some pre-match colour ahead of the game on Saturday, including stilt walkers, gate buskers, hula hoopers and face painting, and they can grab a keepsake photo from the Photo Booth. There will also be the chance to upgrade your tickets to the best seats in the house, with food and drink included, thanks to a partnership with Mix 104.9 FM. The draw will take place at 6pm, so get in early for your chance to win!
Gates open at 4pm, with the Eels Cup U16s Men’s Grand Final kicking off at 4.15pm, and the Women’s at 5pm. Kick off for the Eels V Cowboys is at 7.05pm, and there will be crowd slingshot giveaways, and the chance to kick a conversion on the field.
There are free buses to the event running from Darwin CBD, Stuart Park, Casuarina, Palmerston and Humpty Doo via Coolalinga. Just show your ticket when you board. To view the timetable visit [https://www.ntmajorevents.com.au].
Tickets will be available at the gates, with General Admission $35 for adults, $10 for children, $80 for a family and $25 for concession. Or buy in advance to save money and avoid the queue ($30 adults, $10 children, $70 family, $20 concession) at [https://www.ticketmaster.com.au].
Quotes from Minister for Major Events Natasha Fyles:
“The Northern Territory Government’s partnership with the Eels delivers multiple benefits for Territorians. The most obvious is we get to watch elite sport right here in Darwin. Our tourism and hospitality sectors also benefit from an influx of people, including the teams and their large support crews, as well as interstate fans keen to travel to watch their heroes in action.
“But the benefits reach much further than that, with the Territory beamed across the nation and further afield via Foxtel and Kayo, and Eels players and crew taking part in a number of community initiatives while they are here. These initiatives give up-and-coming players exposure to some of the best in the game, and introduce new audiences to the value of sport, and what it can do for a community.
“Tonight’s player signing is a great opportunity for fans to meet their heroes, and the game on Saturday promises to be a corker, with Eels currently sitting third on the ladder and Cowboys placed fifth. Don’t miss it!”
