Dedicated to league-loving viewers from the beginning, the Koori Knockout was NITV’s first ever outside broadcast. 2018 marks NITV’s 11th consecutive year of broadcasting the Knockout, with the channel once again as the official media partner.
This grand final long weekend, NITV and SBS will be at the heart of the 48th NSW Aboriginal Rugby League Knockout, otherwise known as the Koori Knockout.
Dubbo’s Apex Oval will host a force of regional and metropolitan NSW teams as they battle it out for rugby league glory.
When and Where
This year, NITV will bring full day live match coverage of the semi-final clashes on Sunday 30 September, and on Monday 1 October, both NITV (Ch. 34) and SBS will air full day live match coverage of the grand final clashes from 9am – 5.30pm. League fans are in for a treat as the Knockout is broadcast in HD on SBS for the first time.
NITV will also host 16 hours of Field One coverage on on Friday 28 September and Saturday 29 September, presented by comedian, Ian Zaro.
Known as one of the largest gatherings of Indigenous peoples in the world, 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.
Newcastle Yowies crowned champions of the Koori Knockout 2017. Source: Barbara McGrady
Exclusive KO Coverage
Commentating from the Oval are presenters Brad Cooke, Djuro Sen and Daniel Conifer, bringing viewers exclusive interviews and news, with commentary from Owen Craigie, Bo De La Cruz and Jodan Perry.
The men’s draw, broadcast on Facebook Live on Wednesday night, can be viewed , presented by Brad Cooke, Over The Black Dot host George Rose and Caitlin Moran.
Over the Black Dot returns for 2018 (L-R) Owen Craigie, Djuro Sen and George Rose Source: Ryan Stuart
NITV Head of Sport, Mark Ella said that NITV is dedicated to showcasing all tiers of rugby league and bringing viewers all the action and excitement from 2018’s Koori Knockout.
“Although the Knockout is a celebration of football, it is also a modern day corroboree with a focus on family, community and local Aboriginal culture.”
SBS Director of Sport, Ken Shipp said SBS is excited to be broadcasting the Koori Knockout and covering the full day of live grand finals, the first time it will be seen in HD on SBS. It’s fantastic more Australians will have the opportunity to enjoy and connect with this fantastic competition.”
The Koori Knockout will be live on NITV (Ch. 34) on Sunday 30 September from 9am-5.30pm and live on both NITV and SBS Monday 1 October from 9am - 5.30pm
Join the conversation on Facebook and Twitter using #KooriKnockout. Replays will be available via SBS On Demand after broadcast.
