Watch the Record-breaking Koori Knockout 2025 LIVE and EXCLUSIVE on NITV and SBS On Demand
4 September, 2025
Experience the biggest annual First Nations sporting event live and direct from Kamilaroi Country on October 5 & 6
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National Indigenous Television (NITV) will broadcast the Koori Knockout 2025 live and exclusive this October Long Weekend, with full day match coverage of the finals LIVE and direct from the Riverside Sporting Complex in Tamworth NSW on Sunday October 5 and Monday October 6 from 9:00am AEST on NITV and SBS On Demand.
With supporting multiplatform coverage across the entire weekend, this will be NITV’s 16th broadcast of this iconic rugby league tournament, a staple in the calendar of many First Nations peoples, with the event now in its 53rd year. This year also sees the biggest competition in the event’s history with a record 170 teams lining up to compete in 2025.
NSW Aboriginal Rugby League Knockout is one of the biggest Indigenous gatherings in Australia and has grown to be one of the largest Indigenous sporting events in the world. Hosted by reigning champions and eight-time winners Walgett Aboriginal Connection (WAC) – equalled only by the eight-time winning Redfern All Blacks – the tournament promises intense competition across men’s, women’s, and junior divisions, as well as a vibrant cultural program that showcases the passion within communities and honours First Nations peoples in Australia.
The Knockout has traditionally attracted NRL and NSW Cup scouts after developing a huge reputation for highlighting the immense talent and resilience of Indigenous rugby league players. Big name stars including Latrell Mitchell, Cody Walker, Josh Addo-Carr and Greg Inglis were all Knockout players before playing NRL.
NITV’s commentary team this year includes journalists Dan Conifer, a Ngemba-Muruwari man, and Bidjigal man Brad Cooke. They’ll be joined by NITV’s Over the Black Dot host and proud Anaiwan man Dean Widders, dual International Timana Tahu, Bo de la Cruz, a proud descendant of the Gudjula and Erubian people and multi award-winning touch, rugby union and rugby league player, as well as former NRL player and Dunghutti man, Beau Champion.
NITV’s comprehensive live coverage of the finals will deliver all the excitement of the games, showcasing the skill, passion, and spirit that define the Koori Knockout. As the event continues to grow, this broadcast ensures that audiences nationwide stay connected to one of Australia’s most significant Indigenous sporting and cultural festivals. Not just showcasing world-class rugby league action, it also highlights culture, community, and pride, fostering understanding and respect for Indigenous history and traditions.
Rugby League great, Dean Widders, said: “The Koori Knockout 2025 is already locked in as the biggest Knockout in history with the most team nominations ever. With so many amazing teams, and some of rugby league’s greatest players representing their families and communities, it is an event you can’t miss. I’m so proud of our team at NITV who do an amazing job of bringing it all to life on the television screen. I can’t wait!”.
NITV’s Head of Indigenous Commissions and Production, Dena Curtis, said : “NITV is proud to bring the Koori Knockout to audiences across the country for another year. This iconic tournament is more than a game – it’s a celebration of culture, community, and the incredible talent within First Nations rugby league. For 53 years, the Knockout has united generations and showcased NSW Rugby League talent. This year marks our 16th broadcast as the biggest competition in its history reaches new heights with a record 170 teams playing in this year’s event. We’re excited to share every moment of the Finals action and the stories that make this event one of the most significant Indigenous sporting and cultural gatherings in Australia.”
The Koori Knockout will be hosted at Riverside Sporting Complex, live from Tamworth in Kamilaroi Country, in New South Wales. The event is also known as the 2025 Aboriginal Affairs NSW Aboriginal Rugby League Knockout.
In supporting coverage, Over the Black Dot’s episode on Tuesday, September 30 at 9:30pm on NITV will preview the Knockout. The episode will detail the teams and big-name players in the lead up to the weekend and will be available to stream for free on SBS On Demand after broadcast.
NITV News’ Nulawill broadcast live from the Koori Knockout on Friday, October 3 at 3pm on SBS and 5.30pm on NITV.
KOORI KNOCKOUT 2025 coverage overview:
- Thursday 2 October at 7:30pm: Koori Knockout 2025 Men’s Draw from Tamworth Capitol Theatre available on NITV FACEBOOK LIVE and SBS On Demand..
- Friday 3 and Saturday 4 October: Results from the day will be published on NITV online.
- Sunday 5 October from 9am: Koori Knockout 2025 men’s, women’s and juniorsmatches live from Tamworth Riverside Sporting Complex on NITV and SBS On Demand.
- Monday 6 October from 9am: Koori Knockout 2025 men’s, women’s and junior’s finals live from Tamworth Riverside Sporting Complex on NITV and SBS On Demand.
- SBS On Demand will replay match highlights on Sunday and Monday.
- Highlights packages across all NITV digital and social platforms across the entire weekend
- Bespoke community coverage and stories across all NITV digital and social platforms across the entire weekend
- Select individual match replays and highlights will be available to stream for free on SBS On Demand and NITV’s YouTube page after broadcast.
Join the conversation on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok using #KKO2025 #KooriKnockout
For a PDF of this media release, click here.