The Koori Knockout has returned for 2025, promising four days of thrilling rugby league action and cultural celebration in the heart of country New South Wales.
One of the marquee events on the rugby league calendar, the Knockout is more than a tournament. It's a gathering of Indigenous excellence, both sporting and cultural.
This year's festival runs from Friday, October 3 to Monday, October 6, bringing players, families, and fans together for what has become the biggest celebration in grassroots rugby league.
MORE: Which NRL players will play in the 2025 Koori Knockout?
Where is the 2025 Koori Knockout?
As tradition dictates, the winner of the previous year earns the right to host. In 2024, Walgett Aboriginal Connection (WAC) lifted the trophy.
That victory means Tamworth's Riverside Sporting Complex will welcome thousands of players and supporters this long weekend, transforming the town into a hub of sport and culture.
Hosting rights are highly prized. They provide communities with opportunities to showcase their spirit, generate income, and strengthen the ties that rugby league builds across Indigenous Australia.
What's the atmosphere like in Tamworth?
"There's a lot of excitement up here," said proud Anaiwan man Dean Widders, host of NITV's Over the Black Dot and former NRL star.
"People are so proud it's come to Tamworth and the opportunity to host.
"Tamworth is generous, welcoming, and goes out of its way to make it a great event. The town's really embraced it."
The impact is both emotional and financial. The investment in the event stays local, creating a direct benefit for Tamworth businesses and the wider community.
"It brings a lot of money - adding over $10 million to the economy in just a few days," he said.
"It's a festival. You'll see stalls, Indigenous businesses, cultural showcases, and opportunities for employment and higher education.
Who are the favourites in the men's competition?
As always, the men's competition is stacked with elite talent, from ex-NRL stars to hungry young prospects hoping to catch the eye of scouts.
"I think Wiradjuri Aboriginal Rivers (WAR) and WAC sit on a level by themselves," Widders explained.
"They'll be the real favourites heading into this year's Knockout."
But according to Widders, the challengers are ready with their own stocks of high-profile talent ready to make a dent in the tournament.
"Nanima Connection and Bourke Warriors will be strong," he said.
"Bourke are rumoured to have Braydon Trindall and Jesse Ramien, which makes them very dangerous.
"La Perouse are another contender. Then you've got the Newcastle teams - the All Blacks and the Yeowees - who are always tough to beat.
"And don't forget about the Blacktown Red Belly Warriors. They've made multiple semi-finals in a row, and I expect them to be pushing again."
For Widders, the winner is likely going to come from that group, setting up a weekend of must-see clashes between several proud sides.
Who are the contenders in the women's competition?
Women's rugby league has grown enormously in recent years, and the Knockout is no different.
This year's tournament promises to be one of the toughest and most tightly contested yet.
"I think this will be the most hotly contested women's competition," said Widders.
"The level of preparation and talent is outstanding.
"WAR and WAC should come through one side of the draw. The Yeowees and Redfern will contest the other.
"They're four really strong teams. I honestly can't split them. It will come down to how they perform on the day."
That unpredictability makes the women's Knockout absolutely box office. Fans can expect a showcase of the game's fastest-growing sector.
What opportunities come with hosting the knockout?
For the host community, the Knockout is about more than football. It's an enormous chance to grow, develop skills, and strengthen cultural pride.
"It's a big job, a big challenge," Widders said reflecting on the 2009 Knockout hosted by his Narwan Eels.
"The Knockout wasn't even half the size as it is now, it's grown massively."
He points to WAC and the Rose family, who used the Knockout as a testing ground to hold bigger sporting events, namely their No Limit Boxing promotion.
"They went from hosting Knockouts to running world boxing events with No Limit," he said.
"You can set your club up financially, improve facilities, and create momentum that lasts beyond the tournament."
For Indigenous communities, the Knockout has become a training ground in event management, business, and leadership - all while celebrating rugby league.
Will NRL scouts be in attendance?
The Knockout has long been a breeding ground for rugby league greats. Greg Inglis and Preston Campbell are just two of the players who have shone through at carnivals like this.
"These [NRL] clubs have got to get here," Widders insisted.
"This is where the talent, the x-factor players are. You'll see a different style of footy.
"Clubs just need to give them a chance to realise their potential and take the next step."
How to watch the 2025 Koori Knockout
Watch the record-breaking Koori Knockout 2025 Live and Exclusive from 9am on Sunday October 5 and Monday October 6 on NITV and SBS On Demand.
- 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 and women’s matches 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.