Advertisement

Parramatta Eels end 12-year partnership after fans left fuming over 'dumbest decision'

The Eels haven't won a game in Darwin since 2021.

ben talintyre
Sports Reporter
·5-min read

The Eels have pulled the pin on their deal with the Northern Territory government after the NRL club's yearly Darwin home game brought about little success on the pitch in recent years. The 'Territory Eels' have been the NT's side to support for the past 12 years, with Parramatta giving up one home game a season to bring rugby league to TIO Stadium, in a bid to boost tourism and bolster rugby league supporters up north.

A highlight in the club's Territory tenure was their 2021 game against the Broncos in Darwin, which drew a sell-out crowd of more than 12,000. The game was responsible for generating a total expenditure stimulus of $4.2m, of which $3m was new money to the Territory.

Pictured Eels player huddle together after try left and right Dylan Brown
The Parramatta Eels have pulled the pin on their deal with the Northern Territory government. Image: Getty

However, that was the last time Parramatta won in Darwin, with a slew of losses in the sweltering heat in the years that followed. Most recently in 2024, the Eels were run off the pitch by a second-string Dolphins outfit 44-16 as they melted in the second half. The blue and gold led that game 8-4 at the break before conceding eight tries in a woeful second-half display where the Parramatta players looked like they were glued to the ground.

Angry and frustrated Eels fans swamped social media after the game calling for the side to stop giving away a home game each year to travel to the Top End. The Eels' three recent defeats were all games in April when Darwin's average temperature is 29 degrees and humidity is upwards of 70 per cent, with players regularly seen gasping for air, their jerseys soaked in sweat and legs struggling to lift off of the ground.

DARWIN, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 19: Tesi Niu of the Dolphins scores a try during the round seven NRL match between Parramatta Eels and Dolphins at TIO Stadium on April 19, 2024, in Darwin, Australia. (Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images)
The Eels have not won in Darwin since 2021. Image: Getty

And the loss to the Dolphins this year was the final straw for many Parramatta fans, with one fan writing on the club's Facebook page: "Dumbest decision to play in Darwin at this time of year when it's so hot and humid, plus playing a QLD team. Might as well just forfeit this game every year. Stupid decision". While another wrote: "We're only there for the money. It’s a business so winning games comes second."

But Eels players often raved about the trip up north, with Clint Gutherson even saying after the pitiful performance against the Dolphins that Darwin is "one of our favourite trips of the year". "The Territory has always felt like another home for us," Gutherson said. "We love connecting with the fans, there are so many familiar faces who have shown up to support us over the years and we really appreciate them."

The Eels also played a role off the field in the Top End with their presence fostering growth for junior rugby league and increasing players and fans across the NT. However, on Monday Parramatta confirmed 2025 will mark the conclusion of their 12-year partnership with the NT Government. And the decision went down well with the Eels faithful.

RELATED:

Parramatta Eels CEO Jim Sarantinos said the trip to Darwin had created memorable experiences for players, fans, and the people of the Territory but it was time "to explore new avenues to serve our members and fans". "On behalf of everyone at the Parramatta Eels, I want to thank the Northern Territory Government and the people of the Territory for their incredible warmth and hospitality over the years. The NT truly has been our home away from home, and we will forever appreciate the connection we’ve built with the local communities," Sarantinos said.

DARWIN, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 19: Clint Gutherson of the Eels runs the ball during the round seven NRL match between Parramatta Eels and Dolphins at TIO Stadium on April 19, 2024, in Darwin, Australia. (Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images)
In 2024 the Eels were demolished in Darwin 44-16 by the Dolphins. Image: GEtty

"We’re proud to have brought programs to thousands of children across Darwin, Katherine, Northeast Arnhem Land, Alice Springs, and various remote areas throughout the NT helping grow the game and supporting the region’s youth through community and school visits, coaching clinics, and skill development initiatives.

"It’s been rewarding to see rugby league’s reach expand throughout these communities, and we’re grateful for every opportunity to make an impact,” Sarantinos added. 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.

"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. To our friends, fans, and partners in the NT, thank you. Let’s make 2025 a season to remember, and may our ties with the Territory remain strong well into the future."