Deadly Cup Carnival to spotlight Aboriginal sporting skills and culture

Kicking off NAIDOC Week celebrations in Northern Territory on 2nd July 2023, the Deadly Cup Rugby League Carnival will spotlight Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander sporting skills and culture.

Around 3000 competitors, fans and volunteers are expected to flood Territory Rugby League Stadium at Marrara for the event.

The carnival promotes healthy living and wellbeing with 25 sponsors and exhibitors to provide information on positive lifestyles and services. There will also be information on education and training opportunities, and pathways into health careers.

Director Deadly Vision Centre and Convenor of the Deadly Cup Rugby League Carnival Shaun Tatipata shared “The Carnival showcases the talent and deadly-ness in our community in so many ways. From our deadly rugby league players who carve it up on the field, to our deadly elders who keep us connected to culture and are the backbone of our communities, to the deadly programs and services that care for our mob. It all comes together at the Deadly Cup.”

The free event will see Indigenous All Stars teams playing Territory All Stars across U14B, U15G, U16B, U17G, U18B, Men’s and Women’s divisions with over 250 players expected to take to the field.

Culture will be celebrated throughout the event and includes an opening ceremony, didgeridoo playing, art/painting, string making, fire making, Kup-murri cooking demonstration and taste test, and a Deadly Cooking demonstration. The popular Deadly-est Blachung competition will return alongside the Deadly Sprints, Spot the Deadly Bus, Deadly-est Dance Moves and Deadly Vision competition.

The carnival is organised by the Deadly Vision Centre in partnership with NRL NT, Indigenous Allied Health Australia (IAHA) and Danila Dilba Health Services and is proudly supported by Northern Territory Government through Northern Territory Major Events Company.

Gates open at 11.30am, with a welcome ceremony at 12pm, and the first game at 1.30pm.

Image. Deadly Cup Carnival 2021 Credit: NRL