The Dolphins are trekking to the Top End once again in 2026, clashing with the Panthers on Friday the 17th of April at 7:30pm ACST (8:00pm AEST) at TIO Stadium, Darwin.
As part of a three-year agreement with the Northern Territory government, the Dolphins will make the pilgrimage to Australia’s only tropical capital city for three home games between 2026 and 2028.
This partnership will not only be limited to NRL matches, but also include community engagement, elite sports development and participation initiatives, further underlining the commitment the Dolphins have to growing the game of rugby league at a grassroots level.
Dolphins NRL Chief Executive Officer Terry Reader is thrilled to be ‘locking in’ Darwin for three more years, and looks forward to the opportunities this partnership will provide for the Dolphins.
“The Dolphins were impressed with the number of supporters we had when we played there last, and we are determined to grow both our number of fans and the game of rugby league in general across the Northern Territory,”
Dolphins CEO Terry Reader
NRL NT General Manager Tony Crowe said he is ‘excited to continue growing this partnership’ with the Dolphins.
“Over the past two years, we’ve seen their commitment firsthand through their work with us on grassroots game development programs.
“We’re excited to continue growing this partnership - the Dolphins bring energy, opportunity, and genuine connection, and we look forward to what the next three years will deliver for rugby league across the Territory,” Crowe said.
For fans who would like to do their part in creating a lasting legacy for rugby league in the Top End, tickets for the clash against the Panthers in Darwin can still be purchased via Ticketek.
Allocations for grandstand tickets for the match have now been exhausted, but tickets in the General Admission section are still available and start from just $10 each for Juniors, whereas a family of four can witness the action firsthand for only $80, and all under the age of four can be admitted for free.
NT Executive Leader of Major Events Aimee Luxton is delighted to be delivering ‘premium NRL action back’ to the Northern Territory, and hopes fans will embrace the diversity of the region during the weekend.
"We are excited to welcome interstate fans to Darwin and encourage them to make the most of this prime-time event by extending their stay and taking the opportunity to explore the Top End’s renowned natural landscapes, cultural experiences and vibrant tropical lifestyle"
NT Executive Leader of Major Events Aimee Luxton
For those who can’t attend the match on Friday night, but would still like to be a part of the Dolphin’s Darwin appearance, free tickets to the Captain’s Run on Thursday the 16th of April at 8:30am ACST (9:00am AEST), at TIO Stadium can be secured via Ticketek.
So do not miss out on your opportunity to be a part of leaving a lasting Dolphins legacy in the Darwin region, secure your tickets via Ticketek now.
