Major sponsorship for 51st NSW Aboriginal Rugby League Knockout

The largest annual Indigenous sporting event for NSW will be held at the Central Coast Regional Sporting and Recreation Complex (CCRSRC) at Tuggerah over the October long weekend 2023, from 29th September to 2nd October and will be hosted by the Newcastle All Blacks (NAB) Aboriginal Rugby League team.

The 51st NSW Aboriginal Rugby League Knockout - a mass participation sporting event  also referred to as the ‘Koori Knockout’ - will bring together amateur players through to NRL stars across men’s, women’s and junior competitions - and holds a highly regarded and significant place on the Indigenous calendar.

The NSW Government, with an unprecedented 11 NSW government agencies, is supporting the 2023 NSW Aboriginal Rugby League Koori Knockout through a major sponsorship package.

This sponsorship, which follows the gold sponsorship of the women’s competition last year, will boost the Knockout and provide opportunities for participating agencies to engage with Aboriginal communities on relevant programs and services.

NSW Government Ministers, including David Harris and Kate Washington, will attend the event.

The Koori Knockout dates back to 1971 when the first tournament was held at St Peters, bringing Aboriginal players together to highlight their abilities for potential talent scouts.

Over the past 52 years the Knockout has grown into a highly professional event attracting amateur through to NRL players and drawing Aboriginal people from all over NSW in an annual celebration of football, family and community.

This year, more than 30,000 people are expected to attend the carnival, supporting more than 130 teams and providing a major boost for Central Coast businesses.

NSW Minister for Sport Steve Kamper noted “The Koori Knockout is a major Australian sporting and cultural event combining the best of rugby league with a community celebration of Aboriginal kinship.

“Government backing of the Knockout is part of the ongoing strategy to better serve NSW Aboriginal communities and advance their collective aspirations through meaningful and ongoing relationships.”

NSW Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Treaty and Minister for the Central Coast David Harris added “I’m so proud that this year’s Knockout is being held on the beautiful Central Coast. The estimated 200,000 spectators will get to enjoy time with mob in our wonderful community while bringing a welcome boost to the local economy to the tune of $6 million.

“I’m looking forward to taking part in what is affectionately known as NSW’s modern-day corroboree.

“We welcome all the visitors from across the State which will inject significant economic benefit to our community.” 

Minister for Families and Communities Kate Washington shared “The Knockout is so much more than a rugby league competition - it's a celebration of culture, connections and community.

“I can't wait to see the children, young people and families at the Knockout, being inspired by the largest rugby league knockout carnival anywhere in the world.”