A rugby ball resting on a green sports field.(File image: W RUGBY / Pexels)
Newy 87.8 FM – The 2026 NSW Koori Knockout runs Friday 2 to Monday 5 October at King Park Sports Complex, Raymond Terrace, on Traditional Worimi Country, the same weekend the Newcastle Knights contest the NRL grand final.
The Knockout is hosted by the Newcastle Yowies, with team nominations closed at capacity across all divisions. Port Stephens Council, a Major Event Sponsor, expects around 10,000 people per day. Established in 1971, the carnival is in its 54th year; in 2025, more than 170 teams took part and over 40,000 people attended across four days.
Transport for NSW is warning of M1 delays near the Richardson Road exit, with southbound Knockout traffic advised to use the Tomago Road interchange and Newcastle-origin traffic to exit the Pacific Highway at Adelaide Street.
The Knights face the Sydney Roosters in the NRL grand final at Accor Stadium on Sunday 4 October at 7.30pm AEDT, with Kalyn Ponga named at fullback.
A free live site at McDonald Jones Stadium, Broadmeadow, is sold out, with a 20,000 crowd expected from 3.30pm. Free shuttle buses will run from Newcastle CBD, Charlestown/Belmont, Glendale, Wallsend and Mayfield, with extra trains, light rail every 10 minutes and ferries extended to midnight.
Maitland City Council hosts a free live site at Maitland Regional Sportsground, with gates from 3.30pm and a 10-metre big screen.
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