From Redcliffe to Darwin, Dolphins dive into new deal to play a game in NT

Dolphins players and staff run a drills session for NT students. All photos: NT Major Events Company: Verity Griffin

The Redcliffe-based Dolphins are to play a home NRL game in Darwin for three years starting from 2026.

The NT Government announced the deal will run from 2026-28 at TIO Stadium; they played there last year when they beat Parramatta 44–16.

The decision also marks the end of the Northern Territory’s 12-year deal with the Eels.

Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro travelled to Redcliffe in northern Brisbane to meet with Dolphins players and officials to announce the news.

“The Dolphins are already part of the Territory community; they’ve run clinics in Darwin and Katherine. We know they’ll keep investing in our grassroots game and our people,” she says.

NT Major Events and Tourism Minister Marie-Clare Boothby says the deal will deliver strong returns for the local economy.

“Hosting a Dolphins home game each year brings more than elite footy; it attracts visitors, drives tourism spending, and promotes Darwin as a destination.”

She says the 2024 Dolphins-Eels match generated more than $5 million in spending and 12,688 visitor nights.

“Now, we’ll see that economic benefit continue through until 2028,” she says.

NRL NT General Manager Tony Crowe says the Dolphins are a club that walks the talk when it comes to community.

“Over the past two years, we’ve seen their commitment first-hand through their work with us on grassroots game development programs,” he said.

Dolphins NRL Chief Executive Officer Terry Reader says they “know the Territory well”.

“We are excited about locking in three NRL matches in Darwin over the next three years,” he says.

“The Dolphins were impressed with the number of supporters we had when we played there last year. We are determined to grow both our number of fans and the game of rugby league in general across the Northern Territory.”