NITV to broadcast live from the Koori Knockout, one of the largest annual gatherings of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples

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National Indigenous Television (NITV) and SBS will be at the heart of the Koori Knockout carnival from Saturday 30 September to Monday 2 October. Dedicated to league-loving viewers, the Koori Knockout is rugby league at its best, with approximately 150 teams across the men’s, women’s and junior tournaments competing for the top prize.

NITV and SBS will simulcast full day live match coverage on Sunday 1 October and Monday 2 October, and NITV will host a full day of coverage on Facebook Live on Saturday 30 September.

This year marks NITV’s 14th broadcast of the Knockout, with the channel once again the official broadcaster for the event. The Koori Knockout is a staple in the calendar of many First Nations peoples in Australia and it is a popular way for NRL scouts to identify up-and-coming sporting talent.

Hosting from the grounds are journalist and Ngemba-Muruwari man, Dan Conifer, and journalist and Bidjigal man Brad Cooke. They’ll be joined by Over the Black Dot presenters and ex-NRL players, proud Anaiwan man Dean Widders, and Dual International Timana Tahu, alongside proud descendant of the Gudjula and Erubian people and a multi-award-winning Touch, Rugby Union and Rugby League player, Bo de la Cruz.

NITV’s Head of Events, Entertainment and Sport, Adam Manovic, said: “The Koori Knockout is an eagerly anticipated annual sporting event for mob, and we are thrilled it’s back again with NITV. We are proud to bring the action and excitement of the carnival to our keen viewers across the country, and in a year when our people are at times divided, it’s important to celebrate our achievements and showcase blak excellence on screens.

“The Koori Knockout not only brings together Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples at a sporting carnival, it’s a modern-day corroboree centred on family, community and local Aboriginal culture.”

Koori Knockout will be hosted at the Central Coast Regional Sporting and Recreation Complex on Darkinjung Country, New South Wales. The event is also known as the NSW Aboriginal Rugby League Knockout.

In supporting coverage, Over the Black Dot will premiere a special episode on Tuesday 24 October at 8.30pm, featuring standout guest interviews and feature stories from the year. The episode will be available on SBS On Demand after broadcast.

Koori Knockout coverage overview:
• Friday 29 September: Results from the day will be published on NITV online.
• Saturday 30 September: Watch the Koori Knockout live on NITV, Facebook Live and SBS On Demand.
• Sunday 1 and Monday 2 October: Watch live on NITV, SBS and SBS On Demand.
Replays will be available via SBS On Demand after broadcast.

For a PDF of the media release, click here.