If you want to think rugby league outposts, look no further than Darwin – a city that will host a competitive first grade rugby league match for the first time in what seems an eternity this coming weekend.
Rugby league itself has had its ups and downs, but rugby league in Darwin has been a hell ride.
The first rugby league competition in Darwin was played in 1941, because of all things, World War II. Australian servicemen based in the area took it upon themselves to create their own league. Through the struggles of war came rugby league in Darwin.
Teams included the Royal Australian Air Force, Navy, Army and an Indigenous side. But when the Japanese bombed the city in 1942, the competition was naturally suspended.
With servicemen leaving the city after the war, the game was left in limbo until the Northern Territory Rugby League Association was created in 1950.
A quarter of a century later came Cyclone Tracey and the long lasting effects that it left. Devastation was city-wide.
Many of the players and officials left Darwin after the cyclone. Rugby league in the city was once again on its knees.
A civil war has broken out in recent years with ongoing issues hindering the game’s growth in the area. The Australian Rugby League disbanded the Darwin Rugby League due to these problems. The competition returned under the Northern Territory Rugby League banner.
But its been 17 long years since Darwin hosted a top-flight rugby league match. On that occasion it was the mighty Western Suburbs Magpies flogging Eastern Suburbs 44-16.
The Roosters return on Saturday night to play the North Queensland Cowboys.
In a likely State of Origin preview, Roosters’ playmaker Mitchell Pearce goes head-to-head with Queensland maestro Johnathan Thurston.
Pearce told The Daily Telegraph that he is ready for Thurston. “He’s one of the greats. It’s always good to play those sort of players to obviously, one, learn off them and two, try to get one over them,” Pearce said.
“Right across the board they’re a great side led by one of the greatest ever in Thurston so it’s going to be a big challenge for us. His move to five-eighth was a little bit of an adjustment but he showed last week what a class player he is.
“I really think he can become one of the greats in the five-eighth position. He’s right up there as one of the best I’ve played against. You never underestimate the Cowboys when Johnathan Thurston is playing.”
There wont be no war in Darwin on Saturday night. But you can be rest assured that the players will put on a show for the locals at Tio Stadium, especially with the headline act being Pearce versus Thurston.
The starving fans will show up. After all, it might be another 17 years before they see the big show again.
qld supporter 4eva
Guest
Even though Darwin is small, providing good reason to doubt the quality of a created NRL team, it is clear from the enthusiastic crowds present at the cowboys vs roosters that the Northern Territory is keen on league. The population is much smaller than that of the eastern states but that does not mean they can't produce quality players. Like every other team in league they have the option of recruiting existing star players or players in general from other states. imo we should expand league wherever we can to take the spotlight off that horrible sport AFL
PLANKO
Guest
Darwin Drunks !!!!
PLANKO
Guest
No Problem guys you are welcome to play in our comp ! But it was and still is ours ! That is why there are so many Sydney teams ! Yeah the Manly side is full of players from either NSW or players that were rejected by other clubs. DCE could not get a contract... Glenn Stewart could not get a contract he is pretty hand with the ball in hand comes from mmm I believe NSW ... Had pretty good game in LAST YEARS grand final. Brisbane did they make it no .....
Boris the Mudcrab
Guest
Darwin is a split community sports wise and the NRL has left it to AFL over the years. The NT is full of NSW & QLD expats and with a bit of effort could really challenge the 60/40 split in favour of the AFL
Queensland's Game is Rugby League
Guest
The Cowboys should take a couple of their home games to Darwin, each year. I'm sure they could develop a decent following in the Northern Territory if they marketed themselves properly. They've dome some pretty good work promoting rugby league in NT over the last 3 years.
Queensland's Game is Rugby League
Guest
The NRL is the amalgamation of the ARL and Super League. The ARL was an extention of the NSWRL Premiership. But to sit there and say that NSW should run the show, just because the current competition hold its roots in the older Sydney suburban competition, is stupid. NSW cannot produce enough quality players to keep 1 club team competitve. All of their top 8 sides rely on superstars from Queensland, New Zealand and England. NSw hasn't produced a ball-player that can handle himself at first-grade in over a decade. It makes more sense to reduce the amount of NSW clubs to two than it does to add another one. Accept it, Queensland is the home of rugby league. The QRL is head and shoulders the most professional rugby league governing body in Australia. It has successfully produced the best second-tier competition that this country has ever seen, and, is largely responsible for producing the superstars that make our game so great.
bjt
Guest
My apologies and thank you for introducing the game of rugby league to QLD and letting us play in your competition. My mistake for thinking it was a National competition now...
bjt
Guest
Is 11 enough?
Paul Arandale
Roar Pro
Good to see a game that wouldn't draw many in Sydney be moved to an area that will draw solid crowd along with curious on lookers. AFL have been visiting up there for a number of years now. Why does it take Rugby League so long long to tap in to fringe areas such as Darwin.
PLANKO
Guest
bjt lets get it straight the NRL did not appear from outer space it was the started from the NSWRL ! Not the QRL !
Curtis Woodward
Expert
Darwin Astros ?
Curtis Woodward
Expert
Yes
Crosscoder
Roar Guru
Darwin is not ready for an NRL team, for many a long year.That does not mean a couple of premiership matches, should not be played there annually.The game is poplaur in the city and surrounds.Quite a few players from that area have played or are playing in the NRL.McManus is but one off my head. I note a cutain raiser involving NT locals as per Alicenow. http://alicenow.com.au/news/article/league-locals-selected. Spread the game, spread the love.Perth will be next and either Brisbane/CC.The NT can enjoy regular slices of the action.
Jaceman
Guest
Well spotted...
Go warriors
Guest
It is fantastic new areas are getting to see NRL games. First Hobart and now Darwin. I think they should take a game to Port Moresby, they love their RL.
Jaceman
Guest
The thursday night footy show in darwin is the NRL one...despite the AFL having a bigger profile..
Epiquin
Guest
Every single expansion debate has focussed on central coast bears, brisbane clippers, perth, central queensland, PNG and occassionally Adelaide and NZ 2. Now since 1 game is being taken to Darwin for the first time in a billion years everyone believes they're the next big thing in rugby league....
Epiquin
Guest
Darwin Dingos seems to roll off the tongue... or the Darwin Flamin' Galahs
bjt
Guest
For league to grow, we have to move into new territories. Not doing so, is the equivalent giving up on the international game and just be happy with Australia, England and NZ and no need for a world cup. League should always be looking to grow. Although, I hear league is pretty popular in NT, so it could already be a bit of a heart land. But as you say, getting top players to live there would be tough, but incentives would fix that. I've never been there myself, but other than the heat, people generally love the place. Of course it’d be night games only in the NT! Like Townsville! Toughest part is coming up with a mascot…
bjt
Guest
So QLD stays at 3 (Brisbane 1) and NSW gets 11 (Sydney 10)?