NITV and SBS will broadcast live from the Koori Knockout, one of the largest annual gatherings of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
Experience rugby league live and up close on Sunday 6 and Monday 7 October.
Dedicated to league-loving viewers, the Koori Knockout is rugby league at its best, with more than 100 teams across the men’s, women’s and junior tournaments competing for the top prize.
NITV will live broadcast all day match coverage on Sunday 6 October and Monday 7 October, with supporting multiplatform coverage across the long weekend.
This year marks NITV’s 15th broadcast of the historic Knockout, with the event now in its 52nd year.
The Koori Knockout is a staple in the calendar of many First Nations peoples in Australia and is a popular way for NRL scouts to identify up-and-coming sporting talent.
Koori Knockout coverage overview
- Thursday 3 October, 7.30pm: The men’s team draw will be broadcast live from Bathurst, available on and NITV’s Facebook Live.
- Friday 4 and Saturday 5 October: Results from the day will be published on .
- Sunday 6 October from 9am: Watch Koori Knockout matches live on NITV and .
- Monday 7 October from 9am: Watch the finals live on NITV, SBS and .
Hosting from the grounds
Dean Widders, host of Over The Black Dot
They’ll be joined by presenters, proud Anaiwan man Dean Widders, Dual International Timana Tahu, and Bo de la Cruz, a proud descendant of the Gudjula and Erubian people and a multi-award-winning Touch, Rugby Union and Rugby League player, for special commentary.
“The Knockout brings together Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples every year," said NRL great Dean Widders.
"With a focus on family, community and local culture, it’s an unmissable event.
"From playing in the Knockout with family, to working on the sidelines for NITV, there’s nowhere I’d rather be than with mob on the October long weekend.”
“We are excited to once again share the thrilling action from the annual Koori Knockout with fans across Australia," NITV’s Acting Head of Indigenous Commissions and Production, Adam Manovic said.
"Our coverage will showcase all tiers of rugby league, live and in high definition on NITV, SBS and SBS On Demand.
"We continue our commitment to celebrating the achievements of our First Nations peoples onscreen, and the iconic Koori Knockout is one of the many ways that all Australians can see blak excellence on TV and online.”
The Koori Knockout will be hosted at Hereford Street Sporting Precinct, live from Bathurst on Wiradjuri Land, in 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 1 October at 9.30pm on NITV, previewing 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 after broadcast.
NITV News’ Nula will broadcast live from the Koori Knockout on Friday, 4 October at 3pm on SBS and 5.30pm on NITV.
Select individual match replays and highlights will be available to stream for free on and after the broadcast.
