One of the largest and most significant gatherings of First Nations peoples on the Koori calendar, the Knockout brings together communities from right across NSW for a weekend of fierce competition and Blak excellence.
For mob, the Koori Knockout represents so much more than what happens on the footy field.
It is a chance to reunite with family and friends, connect with community and represent your mob with pride.
For the teams competing, winning the Knockout means more than just taking home the trophy: it also means earning hosting rights for the following year, bringing the event home to their Country and community.
This year's Koori Knockout will be held on Worimi Country in Raymond Terrace from Friday 2 October through to Monday 5 October, with the reigning champions, the Newcastle Yowies, hosting the event at King Park Sporting Complex.
A Knockout tradition spanning more than five decades
The Koori Knockout began back in 1971, founded by Victor Wright, Bob Smith, Bob Morgan, Bill Kennedy, Danny Rose and George Jackson.
At the time, Aboriginal rugby league players were often overlooked by mainstream talent scouts.
The founders of the Knockout wanted to create an opportunity for Aboriginal players to showcase their talent on the footy field while also bringing communities together through our love of rugby league.
The first tournament featured just 7 teams competing from across NSW.
Now more than five decades later, the Knockout has grown significantly, with 180 teams set to compete in 2026, bringing together men's, women's and junior teams alongside families, supporters and some of the biggest names in rugby league in attendance.
The event has also been recognised as a pathway for emerging Indigenous rugby league talent, with NRL stars including Latrell Mitchell, Cody Walker, Josh Addo-Carr, Jack Wighton and Greg Inglis among some the big names who have taken to the field at the Knockout.
The Newcastle Yowies return as champions
This year's event will be hosted by the Newcastle Yowies, who took out four grand final wins across the men, women and juniors competition at last year's Knockout hosted by Walgett Aboriginal Connection in Tamworth, an historic achievement in the tournament's history.
Now the Yowies will welcome teams and communities from across NSW to gather on Worimi Country, with the event expected to bring tens of thousands of people to the region across the weekend.
How to watch the Koori Knockout
NITV is the exclusive broadcaster of the 2026 Koori Knockout, with coverage available across NITV, SBS On Demand and NITV's digital platforms.
The coverage will kick off on Thursday 1 October at 6:30pm AEST bringing you all the nail biting action from the Koori Knockout 2026 Men’s Draw available to view on NITV Facebook Live and SBS On Demand.
NITV digital will also provide coverage across its social platforms to bring viewers daily highlights, results, community stories and behind the scenes coverage throughout the entire weekend.
Sunday 4 October
From 9am AEST, viewers can watch the men's and women's matches live from King Park Sporting Complex on NITV, SBS On Demand and NITV Facebook Live.
Monday 5 October
From 9am AEST, NITV and SBS On Demand will broadcast all the action from the men's, women's and juniors finals live.
The men's and women's grand finals will be broadcast live on NITV HD and SBS On Demand.
SBS On Demand will also replay match highlights across Sunday and Monday, with selected matches and highlights available to stream after broadcast.
A new home for Koori Knockout history
For the first time, fans can also dive into the history of the event through the brand-new 24/7 Koori Knockout FAST Channel on SBS On Demand.
The channel brings together a decade of classic matches, memorable moments and a Koori Knockout documentary, giving viewers the chance to revisit some of the biggest games and stories.
Meet NITV's broadcast team
NITV's commentary team will bring all the action from Worimi Country, featuring Over the Black Dot host and proud Anaiwan man Dean Widders, Bidjigal man Brad Cooke, Ngemba-Muruwari man Dan Conifer, dual international Timana Tahu, proud Gudjula and Erubian woman and multi award-winning touch, rugby union and rugby league player Bo de la Cruz and and NRL player and Dunghutti man Beau Champion.
Widders said the Knockout is a weekend that he looks forward to every year.
“The Koori Knockout is one of those weekends you circle on the calendar every year. The footy is fast, tough and exciting, and there’s always incredible talent on show.”
He said the event continues to provide an important platform for young Indigenous players.
“For generations, the Knockout has been a place where young Indigenous players can put their hand up, get noticed and show they’ve got what it takes to go to the next level.”
But for Widders, the importance of the Knockout extends far beyond rugby league.
“What makes it special is seeing families and communities come together, representing where they’re from and who they’re playing for.”
Whether you're watching from the sideline with all the mob or tuning in from home, the Koori Knockout remains a celebration of footy, family, culture, community and Blak excellence.
