DEADLY CUP

DEADLY CUP CARNIVAL

NAIDOC WEEK

Sunday 5 July 2026

Richardson Park, Ludmilla

The Deadly Cup Rugby League Carnival is a community health promotion event that celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and our culture, whilst showcasing the Deadly Rugby League talent in our community.

About The Deadly Cup Rugby League Carnival

The inaugural Deadly Cup Rugby League Carnival (Deadly Cup) was held in November 2020 to celebrate NAIDOC Week, promote health and wellbeing, and raise awareness and support for the Deadly Vision Centre. With over 2,000 spectators, 17 exhibitors, 28 sponsors and 240 players, the event was a huge success. The day showcased and celebrated Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture and paid tribute to the Traditional Owners of the land on which our Community calls home.

We have built on this success and now deliver one of the largest NAIDOC Week celebrations in the Northern territory. The Deadly Cup links Deadly players and spectators to Health and Community Services; promotes health checks and pathways to care within our Community; celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples and their culture whilst showcasing the Northern Territory’s Rugby League talent.

rugby girls

A free community event

The Deadly Cup is a free Community-led Health Promotion event and one of the largest NAIDOC Week celebrations in the Northern Territory. Each year, the Deadly Cup brings together more than 3,000 community members to celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, culture and connection through sport. Delivered by Deadly Vision Centre and our partners, the Deadly Cup uses Rugby League as a platform to connect community with health and community services, promote wellbeing programs and strengthen pathways to care in a culturally safe environment. Across the day, eight modified Rugby League games are played featuring junior Indigenous All Stars and NT All Stars teams, creating a powerful opportunity for young people to represent their culture, showcase their skills and bring their Deadly-ness to the field.

The Deadly Cup is more than a sporting carnival. It is a trusted, community driven event that brings people together, strengthens pride and connection, and supports better health and wellbeing outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Through strong partnerships with Sponsors, Supporters and Volunteers, the Deadly Cup remains free and accessible while delivering lasting cultural, social and health impact for community during NAIDOC Week and beyond.

Deadly Cup Organisers Contact Details

Shaun Tatipata

Deadly Cup Convenor

Deadly Vision Centre
shaun@deadly.health

How You can get involved........

Become a Sponsor! 

Sponsorship Opportunities close 12 June (Deadly closes 17 April)

 

Apply to be a Volunteer!

Volunteer Opportunities close 5 June 2026

 
Coach a Team!

 

Be a Deadly Player!

Player Applications close 24 May 2026

Proudly Supported BY: