After two postponements, due to COVID-19, Shoalhaven City Council are excited to announce The NSW Aboriginal Rugby League Knockout will be hosted in the Shoalhaven in 2022.
The event will run from 30 September to 3 October 2022, across two locations; Rugby Park and Bomaderry Sporting Complex in Nowra.
This year marks the 50th Annual Aboriginal Rugby League (ARL) Knockout (the Knockout), which is the largest gathering of Aboriginal people in Australia. The 2022 Knockout will bring together over 150 ARL teams in a celebration of Aboriginal culture through connection to rugby league.
To host the event, Council invested in bringing five playing fields up to NRL playing standards and a third field will be added to Rugby Park. Upgrades will leave a legacy for sporting groups across the Shoalhaven.
Mayor Amanda Findley said, she is looking forward to the 4-day event coming to the Shoalhaven this year.
"The Knockout will attract over 50,000 people across 4 days and boost our local economy to the tune of around $5.9Million."
"This significant event will also bring great benefit to our region, through uniting our community and creating jobs. I would like to congratulate South Coast Black Cockatoos on winning the rights to host the event in the Shoalhaven."
"I encourage everyone to get behind the South Coast Black Cockatoos for this event which will leave a lasting legacy in the Shoalhaven." Mayor Findley said.
CEO of The South Coast Black Cockatoos, Melissa Wellington said, "The Koori Knockout has earned the right to be known as an Elite Rugby League Carnival at a National Level. For the first time in the history of the event, we (SCBC Limited) are proud to host this in our hometown Nowra, on the South Coast"
"Many teams who have played at pervious Koori Knockouts know it's an honour to represent your community, your blood lines and being part of the biggest gathering celebrating Aboriginal Culture through Rugby League." Ms Wellington said.
Council are excited to see this event, which will be broadcast both nationally and internationally through NITV, showcasing Bomaderry Oval and Rugby Park.
