The Palmerston Raiders RLFC are a foundation member of the Darwin Rugby League. We have a long-established relationship with the people of Darwin going back 52 years.
The Raiders began playing out of the Returned Services Leagues club in Darwin 1961 then moved on to be known as the Top End Raiders in 1990 and finally to our current location in 1995 and re-named the Palmerston Raiders RLFC.
We have had much success in past years and have had many players go on to greater heights. We've had a number of players selected into Australian squads and various National Rugby League (NRL) sides such as the Canberra Raiders, Western Suburbs, Canterbury Bulldogs, Brisbane Broncos, Parramatta and more recently ex Raider and NSW State of Origin player James McManus currently playing with the Newcastle Knights.
The club has had many senior representatives in the NT Titan teams that have played interstate and against visiting International sides such as Great Britain, France, Papua New Guinea and NRL sides.
We are seen as a leading junior development club in Darwin with an excess of 300 junior players in all age groups ranging from Under 6's to Under 18's. We also fill three senior teams (A-grade and Reserve Grade in mens, and a Women's side) each season.
The Raiders continually strive to provide the best available coaching in a safe and enjoyable environment for the youth of Palmerston. Our coaches are trained at the highest levels with a number involved in National competitions and many have affiliations with NRL coaches and Players. We provide a safe learning environment, with the best possible equipment and technology supported by an excellent Sports Medicine team.
In 2011 the Raiders celebrated their 50th Anniversary and topped it off with a premiership win, our first one in 18years!
2012 saw the club move into their brand new facilities in Rosebery, Palmerston. The new 7. 5 million dollar complex proved that our members hard work in putting in grants etc had finally paid off!
2013 was also a major success for the Raiders with another premiership win under our belt, named Club Champions again, and successfully having 3 home games for the first time at our new facilities.