Newcastle Yowies Sports PTY LTD

About The Knockout

The Koori Knockout is one of the longest-running and most significant Aboriginal sporting and cultural gatherings in Australia, with a proud history spanning more than five decades.

Established in 1971, the Knockout was created to bring Aboriginal communities together through rugby league — fostering connection, resilience, and cultural pride. What began as a grassroots competition has grown into a major annual event, uniting communities from across NSW and beyond.

Now in its 54th year, the Koori Knockout continues to go from strength to strength.

In 2025, over 170 teams participated, with more than 40,000 people attending across four days — marking one of the most successful events in its history. A record number of exhibitors were also involved, with over 50 agencies, service providers, companies, and small businesses engaging directly with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

With team nominations at capacity, strong crowd attendance, increasing partner involvement, and expanded broadcast coverage across multiple platforms, the Knockout continues to grow in scale, reach, and impact each year.

Welcoming the Knockout to Worimi Country

The 2026 Koori Knockout will be proudly hosted at Kings Park Sporting Complex, Raymond Terrace, on the beautiful lands of the Worimi People.

We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of this Country and pay our respects to Elders past and present. We extend our sincere thanks to the local Worimi community and Port Stephens Council for their support in bringing this year’s event to the region.

Set across the October long weekend, we look forward to welcoming teams, families, and communities from across NSW to experience not only the Knockout, but everything our region has to offer. The Newcastle Yowies are committed to building on the success of previous years and delivering the biggest Koori Knockout in history.

2026 Naming Rights Partners

Department of Aboriginal Affairs – Men’s Competition

Department of Communities and Justice – Women’s Competition

We are proud to acknowledge the continued support of the Department of Aboriginal Affairs as Naming Rights Partner of the 2026 Men’s Competition. We thank them for their ongoing commitment to the Koori Knockout and their continued support of Aboriginal communities across NSW. We are excited to have them on board for the 2026 event.

Department of Communities and Justice – Women’s Competition

We are proud to acknowledge the continued support of the Department of Communities and Justice as Naming Rights Partner of the 2026 Women’s Competition. We thank them for their ongoing commitment to the Koori Knockout and their support of women, families, and communities across NSW. We are excited to welcome them back for the 2026 event.