Darwin tragedy: No more slave! Ryles Eels has finally taken heed’ to there fans as 12-years end partnership call officially came to live after fans left fuming over ‘dumbest decision’ that has brought down tears for many years” this could be the big step for serious progress in NRL for the Parramatta Eels team” here is the full 12 years tragic story….
Following a lackluster performance on the field in recent years during the NRL club’s annual Darwin home game, the Eels have terminated their agreement with the Northern Territory government.
In an effort to increase tourism and rugby league fans up north, Parramatta gave up one home game per season to bring rugby league to TIO Stadium, making the ‘Territory Eels’ the team to cheer for in the NT for the past 12 years.
The team’s 2021 match against the Broncos in Darwin, which drew a sell-out crowd of over 12,000, was a highlight of their Territory stint. A total of $4.2 million in expenditure stimulus was generated by the game, of which $3 million was new funding for the Territory.
Parramatta had more defeats in the ensuing years due to the intense heat, and that was the final occasion they triumphed in Darwin. A second-string Dolphins team most recently swept the Eels off the field in 2024, defeating them 44–16 in the second half. Before giving up eight tries in a terrible second-half performance in which the Parramatta players appeared to be stuck to the ground, the blue and gold had an 8–4 lead at the half.
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.
Loss to Dolphins left Parramatta fans calling for change
“It was a dumb decision to play in Darwin at this time of year when it’s so hot and humid, plus playing a QLD team,” one Parramatta supporter wrote on the club’s Facebook page after the team’s defeat to the Dolphins this year. We might as well give up this game each year. A foolish choice. “We’re only there for the money,” another person wrote. Winning games comes second because it’s a business.
However, Eels players frequently gushed about the journey up north; Clint Gutherson even declared that Darwin is “one of our favourite trips of the year” following the Dolphins’ lacklustre performance. “The Territory has always felt like another home for us,” described Gutherson. “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.
