Arabic version: ويرادجوري أبوريجينال ريفرز يحرزون أول لقب لهم في كوري نوكاوت للرجال

According to ABC News, Wiradjuri Aboriginal Rivers defeated the Bourke Warriors 26-6 to secure their first men’s Koori Knockout title at Raymond Terrace on Worimi Country in the NSW Hunter region. After a close first half in Sunday’s grand final, WAR pulled away in the second half. The victory also gives the club the right to choose where the 2027 Knockout will be played.

WAR player Julian Christian said the result carried significance beyond rugby league for the club. “For this club here, WAR, its more than footy,” he said. Christian said the side had previously come close to winning, including grand-final losses against Walgett Aboriginal Connection. “This is so good, its so worth it. So worth it,” he said.

Newcastle Yowies retained the women’s first grade crown with a 14-6 win over the Redfern All Blacks. The team included younger players and experienced NRLW talent, including two-time premiership winner Caitlin Johnston. Johnston said the back-to-back title was dedicated to members of the community who had recently died, adding that hosting the event and winning made the occasion especially meaningful for Newcastle.

About 40,000 fans spent the long weekend at the tournament, described as the biggest sporting event on the Indigenous calendar. Running since 1971, the Koori Knockout is described as a modern-day corroboree and now brings together nearly 180 men’s, women’s and junior teams from across New South Wales. Bourke Warriors centre Colby Pellow and his wife Alex travelled more than 700 kilometres from Bourke to take part.

Youth competition also featured prominently, with Maddi Ireland winning the under-15s title for Newcastle Yowies. Ireland, a Wiradjuri woman from Dubbo, said playing before the crowd, mob, friends and family felt “surreal.” She said the experience had encouraged her to pursue the goal of playing in the NRLW and making her family and culture proud.