27 September 2022

Gomeroi Roos ready to test themselves at the 50th Koori Knockout

Local rugby league side, the Gomeroi Roos, will soon be travelling south to play teams from Aboriginal communities across the country at the 50th NSW Aboriginal Rugby League Knockout Carnival.

The tournament – commonly known as the Koori Knockout – was established in 1970 by a group of Aboriginal men seeking to create a grassroots competition run by the community, for the community.

This year’s event is expected to attract up to 50,000 players and spectators, representing one of the largest gatherings of Aboriginal people in the world. The Koori Knockout is also the largest rugby league knockout competition in the world, and the largest sporting event involving Aboriginal people in Australia.

As winners of the previous competition in 2019, the South Coast Black Cockatoos have the honour of hosting the 2022 edition, which will take place at Shoalhaven’s Rugby Park and Bomaderry Sporting Complex from 30 September – 3 October.

The Koori Knockout has proven to be a hub for future NRL talent in the past and it always attracts a big crowd – both at the event and on TV. This year’s tournament will be broadcast by National Indigenous Television (NITV) around Australia and the world, with overseas markets including Europe, the United States, New Zealand and the Pacific Islands.

Gomeroi Roos co-coach, Michael Long, said the team cannot wait to be involved in the milestone event and they’ve been training hard to prepare for the tournament.

“The boys are very excited to get down there for such a special occasion. We’ve been working hard as a team over the last few months so that we’re ready to hit the ground running and represent our community with pride.”

“The football is hard and fast and there are usually many current and past Aboriginal NRL players in attendance. It should be a great occasion for the Gomeroi Roos to show off our talents and test ourselves against the best Aboriginal players in the country.”

Whitehaven has been a proud sponsor of the Gomeroi Roos for the last seven years, keenly watching the boys from Gunnedah develop their game as they strive to be the next generation of rugby league superstars.

Whitehaven Aboriginal Community Relations Manager Bob Sutherland highlighted the important role this event, and sport more generally, plays for Aboriginal communities.

“The Koori Knockout is well known across Australia, not just for the on-field action but for its ability to bring Aboriginal communities of NSW together. We’re delighted to be supporting the Gomeroi Roos once again and wish them all the very best for the tournament.”

“Supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander sport is an important part of Whitehaven’s Stretch Reconciliation Action Plan and we’re proud to provide sponsorships and donations to a range of sports clubs and organisations across North West NSW.”

“Our ongoing commitment to supporting local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities not only includes providing long-term training and employment opportunities but also focuses on empowering people, and we know sport plays a big role in doing that.”

Gomeroi Roos co-coach Brian Draper thanked Whitehaven for their support and praised the positive impact it’s had on the community.

“We’re extremely grateful for Whitehaven’s sponsorship of the Gomeroi Roos over the last seven years. It provides a great opportunity for young Aboriginal men to come together as a group and enjoy this important rugby league event.

“Whitehaven’s ongoing support has meant so much to not only the players, but the community as a whole, and we look forward to representing everyone with pride.”

Pictured: 2022 Gomeroi Roos at the Walgett Rugby League Knockout

 

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