The 2025 NSW Koori Knockout isn’t just one of the most anticipated rugby league tournaments in Australia — it’s a full-blown cultural celebration. With hundreds of teams, thousands of fans, and a strong heartbeat of Indigenous pride, the Knockout has become an institution.
From how to watch it live on TV to the teams, schedule, and cultural power behind it, here’s your complete guide to the Koori Knockout 2025.
NSW Koori Knockout 2025 Events info
| Event | 53rd NSW Koori knockout |
| Dates | October 3-6, 2025 |
| Start Day | Friday to Monday, October , 2025. |
| Venue | Riverside Sporting Complex, Tamworth NSW. |
What Is the Koori Knockout?
The NSW Aboriginal Rugby League Knockout — known simply as the Koori Knockout — began in 1971 as a way to give Aboriginal players a stage when mainstream rugby league left them behind. Since then, it’s become a yearly pilgrimage of sport, culture, and family.
Each year, the winning team hosts the next edition, bringing the Knockout to communities across New South Wales.
How to Watch Koori Knockout 2025 Live on TV
TV Channel:
📺 NITV (National Indigenous Television) will be the primary broadcaster, showcasing selected matches including finals.
Streaming Options:
- SBS On Demand – Free streaming of all NITV broadcasts.
- Team Facebook pages / YouTube – Many clubs stream their games, especially during the early rounds.
- Kayo Sports or Fox League – May show replays or selected games (TBC).
Start Time:
🕒 The tournament traditionally kicks off on the October long weekend, likely from Friday, October 3 to Monday, October 6, 2025. Match times begin early each day (around 8:00 AM AEST).
🏉 Participating Teams
Expect 130+ teams across men’s, women’s, and junior divisions. Some of the regular contenders:
- Redfern All Blacks
- Walgett Aboriginal Connection
- Newcastle Yowies
- La Perouse Panthers
- South Coast Black Cockatoos
- Kempsey Warriors
- Wellington Wedgetails
Plus dozens of regional and community teams from across NSW, QLD, and beyond. The Knockout brings everyone — from NRL stars to rising kids — onto one stage.
📅 Schedule of Events (Expected)
Friday, Oct 3:
- Opening Ceremony
- First Round Matches (Men’s, Women’s, Juniors)
Saturday, Oct 4:
- Knockout Rounds Continue
- Cultural Performances, Community Stalls
Sunday, Oct 5:
- Quarterfinals & Semifinals
- Kids’ Activities, Elders’ Tent, Live Music
Monday, Oct 6:
- Grand Finals
- Trophy Presentation
- Handover to 2026 Host Team
📝 Exact schedule will be announced closer to the event — keep an eye on the official Facebook pages and local coverage.
🎟 Ticketing Information
- Entry Fee: Usually a daily pass or weekend pass applies (approx. $10–$20/day for adults; kids often free).
- Where to Buy: At the gate or via online ticketing (TBA).
- Camping/Accommodation: Many fans camp on-site. Nearby accommodation books out early — reserve ahead.
🎭 Cultural Significance
The Knockout is more than a sports carnival. It’s a gathering of Nations, where families reunite, culture is honoured, and identity is front and centre.
- Teams represent Country and Mob, not just clubs.
- Jerseys feature artwork, totems, and language.
- Events around the Knockout often include Welcome to Country, smoking ceremonies, and traditional dance.
This is Aboriginal excellence on full display — tough, proud, and rooted in community.
🤝 Community Engagement & Support
Local communities play a major role in hosting:
- Local councils and Aboriginal Land Councils provide facilities and support.
- Volunteers manage carparks, stalls, security, and clean-up.
- Health orgs, Elders groups, and youth services run stalls, education tents, and community programs during the tournament.
It’s a grassroots movement — funded and run largely by community for community.
📚 Koori Knockout Stories from the Past
The Knockout has produced legends and stories that go beyond the scoreboard:
- Latrell Mitchell once played barefoot in junior Knockout games.
- Josh Addo-Carr, Cody Walker, and James Roberts all shone in Koori teams before their NRL careers.
- In 2019, South Coast Black Cockatoos dedicated their win to the late Steve “Bear” Hall, a beloved figure in Aboriginal rugby league.
It’s also where kids learn pride, Elders pass on wisdom, and players wear their heritage on their backs.
🔮 Predictions for Koori Knockout 2025
It’s wide open. But here’s what to watch:
- Redfern All Blacks – Always dangerous.
- Walgett Aboriginal Connection – Defending champions? Big target on their backs.
- Newcastle teams – Fast, physical, and deep.
- Dark Horse: Smaller regional teams have pulled off upsets in past years. Keep an eye on the North Coast and Central West entries.
The beauty of Knockout? Anyone can win. It’s raw, real footy.
📺 How to Watch Online: Koori Knockout 2025
- NITV: Tune in via free-to-air or Foxtel channel 34.
- SBS On Demand: Free streaming platform with live games and replays.
- Facebook Live: Many teams stream games live. Check the event page and team pages.
- YouTube: Community-run broadcasts may appear here — search early during the tournament.
- Radio: Some Indigenous stations provide live commentary and interviews.
🧠 FAQs
Q: Who is hosting the 2025 Koori Knockout?
👉 The host is the winning team from 2024 — official location TBA soon.
Q: Can non-Indigenous players participate?
👉 Generally, no. Teams are made up of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander players, with a focus on cultural representation.
Q: Will all matches be televised?
👉 No — only selected matches, especially finals, will be televised. Most early-round games are streamed by teams independently.
Q: Is it family-friendly?
👉 100%. It’s a safe, welcoming environment with activities for kids, food stalls, and community support services.
🏁 Conclusion
The 2025 NSW Koori Knockout is more than a sporting event — it’s a declaration of identity, a family reunion, and a stage for Indigenous talent to shine. Whether you’re heading to the field or tuning in from home, make sure you support, stream, and celebrate one of the most important weekends in the Aboriginal calendar.
