NITV and SBS to 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

National Indigenous Television (NITV), SBS and SBS On Demand will be at the heart of the Koori Knockout carnival this 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 broadcast full day live match coverage on Sunday 6 October and Monday 7 October, with supporting multiplatform coverage across the long weekend.  This year marks NITV’s 15^th broadcast of the historic Knockout, with the event now in its 52^nd 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.

Hosting from the grounds are journalists Dan Conifer, a Ngemba-Muruwari man, Bidjigal man, Brad Cooke, and Kamilaroi man Djuro Sen. They’ll be joined by Over the Black Dot 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.

Rugby League great, Dean Widders, said: “The Knockout brings together Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples every year. 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.”

NITV’s Acting Head of Indigenous Commissions and Production, Adam Manovic, said: “We are excited to once again share the thrilling action from the annual Koori Knockout with fans across Australia. 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 SBS On Demand after broadcast.

NITV News’ Nulawill broadcast live from the Koori Knockout on Friday, 4 October at 3pm on SBS and 5.30pm on NITV.

Koori Knockout coverage overview:

• Thursday 3 October at 7.30pm: The men’s team draw will be broadcast live from Bathurst, available on SBS On Demand and NITV’s Facebook Live.
• Friday 4 and Saturday 5 October: Results from the day will be published on NITV online.
• Sunday 6 October from 9am: Watch Koori Knockout matches live on NITV and SBS On Demand.
• Monday 7 October from 9am: Watch the finals live on NITV, SBS and SBS On Demand.

Select individual match replays and highlights will be available to stream for free on SBS On Demand and NITV’s YouTube page after broadcast.

Join the conversation on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok using #KKO #KooriKnockout

For a pdf copy of this media release, click here.