The Parramatta Eels will take on the Brisbane Broncos in the NRL's Anzac round at TIO Stadium on Friday, 23 April 2021.
The game, one of the biggest in the NRL season, was scheduled to take place this year, but had to be cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The fixture is part of the NT Government's partnership with the Parramatta Eels, which has been extended to 2022.
The partnership sees Parramatta Eels players undertake community engagement initiatives in the Territory, and host events for aspiring junior players as part of pathway programs to the NRL.
The fixture will be broadcast on live free-to-air television through Channel 9 to audiences across the country. Like many major sporting events, including Supercars and AFL games, the Territory will welcome fans from interstate to enjoy the game in the Top End peak season and spend time in the Territory.
Tickets for the 2021 game will go on sale next year.
As stated by Minister for Major Events, Natasha Fyles:
"This is huge news not just for NRL fans - but for Territory sports fans in general – and is likely to be one of the biggest rugby league matches ever played in the Territory.
"Securing this game for 2021 comes off the back of a quiet events year due to COVID-19 and follows the cancellation of this year's Anzac Day Eve clash.
"The Territory knows how to host and support big ticket games – look at the support we saw for the AFL Dreamtime game in August this year – and we have the capacity to make them a success."
As stated by Parramatta Eels Chief Executive, Jim Sarantinos:
"We are pleased to celebrate the extension of our great partnership with such a blockbuster fixture.
"The NRL's ANZAC round is a special part of the NRL calendar, and it will be a great opportunity to showcase the NT and Darwin to a national primetime audience on such an important weekend for all Australians.
"There are so many communities across the NT where Rugby League plays a strong role and a contribution to the everyday lives of Territorians, and the Eels feel very privileged to continue to play a part.
"The Eels now have one of the longest-standing partnerships with the NT Government of any professional sporting Club and we look forward to growing this partnership even further in the years to come.
"I'd also like to thank the NRL, the Nine Network and Fox Sports for supporting us in bringing this important game to Darwin."
