It’s now less than two weeks before Central Coast Council hosts one of the largest annual Indigenous sporting events at Tuggerah in partnership with the Newcastle All Blacks – the 2023 NSW Aboriginal Rugby League Knockout.

Also referred to as the ‘Koori Knockout’, this mass participation sporting event will showcase some of the best rugby league talent in the country and holds a highly regarded and significant place on the Indigenous calendar.

The Knockout will kick off on Friday 29 September at the Central Coast Regional Sport and Recreation Complex (CCRSRC) and will be played over the October long weekend.

Council’s Director Community and Recreation Services, Melanie Smith, said up to 150 teams are expected to participate across the four-day event, attracting thousands of people to the Coast.

“With so many people expected to attend the Knockout, we have put in place a Traffic Management Plan to help cater for the extra visitors and traffic,” Ms Smith said.

“With limited parking in the area for so many event goers, we’re encouraging people to take advantage of public transport - as our facility has been built in such a perfect location it’s only a short walk from the already existing train and bus services at Tuggerah Station!

“To complement the public service, we will also be providing a free shuttle bus service to the complex from EDSACC Oval North, Bateau Bay and Tuggerah Dog Park that will run until 7pm every day of the Knockout.

“We want everyone who’s competing or watching the Knockout to get there hassle free and enjoy some great footy at our amazing facility.”

Council’s Administrator, Rik Hart, said Council hosted the event in 2019 with the Newcastle All Blacks and is excited to be doing it all again.

“With so many more teams participating this year, Tuggerah has proven it’s the best complex to cater for the extra games and hosting such a major sporting event will deliver significant benefits to our local community,” Mr Hart said.

“This event will be attracting thousands of spectators and will boost our local tourist economy by an estimated $6 million, providing a direct benefit to our region’s small businesses and local employment.

“The Koori Knockout is one event not to be missed with some of the country’s best talent on display – you may even catch a close up of an NRL/NRLW star in action too!”

The 51st NSW Aboriginal Rugby League Knockout will be held at CCRSRC Tuggerah from Friday 29 September to Monday 2 October 2023. The event is being hosted by Newcastle All Blacks and proudly supported by Central Coast Council.

To help make the Koori Knockout another success, Council will be placing the CCRSRC into a lockdown (no public access) from 6am Monday 25 September through to 6am Tuesday 3 October. This is to help event organisers set up and prepare for the huge four-day event.

Find out more about the best way to travel to Tuggerah and watch the Koori Knockout by visiting centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/knockout  

ENDS