Koori Knockout 2026 Returns Home

Worimi Country will host the 54th Koori Knockout on 4–5 October, with every moment available exclusively on NITV and SBS On Demand, plus a new 24/7 FAST channel showcasing a decade of classic matches.

National Indigenous Television (NITV) will deliver the 2026 Koori Knockout as an exclusive broadcast, with full-day live and free coverage of the finals from 9am on Sunday 4 October and Monday 5 October via NITV and SBS On Demand. The tournament will be staged at the King Park Sporting Complex in Raymond Terrace, New South Wales, on Worimi Country.

Fans can also immerse themselves in the brand-new Koori Knockout FAST channel on SBS On Demand, streaming around the clock and featuring the best of the last 10 years alongside a dedicated documentary to chart the event’s evolution.

Founded in 1971, the Koori Knockout has grown into one of Australia’s most enduring and significant Aboriginal sporting and cultural gatherings. Across the October long weekend, NITV will capture the fierce competition and rich community celebrations that make the Knockout a cornerstone of the First Nations calendar.

Reigning champions and four-time winners the Newcastle Yowies will host this year’s event, returning after their record-breaking feat last year when they won four Grand Finals in a single day.

More than 180 teams are set to compete, uniting families, grassroots footballers, and current and former NRL and NRLW stars in a showcase of talent and resilience. This will be NITV’s 18th broadcast of the iconic rugby league festival.

The Knockout is also renowned as a launchpad for elite careers, with scouts from the NRL and NSW Cup traditionally in attendance. Alumni include Latrell Mitchell, Cody Walker, Josh Addo-Carr, Greg Inglis, Jack Wighton and Latrell Siegwalt.

NITV's commentary line-up features Over the Black Dot host and proud Anaiwan man Dean Widders, Bidjigal man Brad Cooke, Ngemba-Muruwari man Dan Conifer, dual international Timana Tahu, Bo de la Cruz (a proud descendant of the Gudjula and Erubian peoples and a multi award-winning touch, rugby union and rugby league player), and NRL player and Dunghutti man Beau Champion.

Rugby League great, Dean Widders, said: "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. 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 what makes it special is seeing families and communities come together, representing where they’re from and who they’re playing for. I can't wait to get back behind the mic with the NITV team and bring all the big moments, great stories and atmosphere of the Knockout to everyone watching at home."