Former NRL and Narwan Eels player Dean Widders will play a central role in the broadcast of this year’s Koori Knockout from Tamworth, with NITV confirming the Armidale hero and proud Anaiwan man will join the commentary team for the iconic tournament.
The Koori Knockout 2025 will be broadcast live and exclusive this October long weekend, with full day coverage of the finals direct from the Riverside Sporting Complex in Tamworth on Sunday 5 and Monday 6 October. Coverage begins from 9am AEST on both NITV and SBS On Demand.
Widders, now host of NITV’s Over the Black Dot, said the scale of this year’s Knockout will make it unmissable.
“The Koori Knockout 2025 is already locked in as the biggest Knockout in history with the most team nominations ever.”
“With so many amazing teams, and some of rugby league’s greatest players representing their families and communities, it is an event you can’t miss.”
“I’m so proud of our team at NITV who do an amazing job of bringing it all to life on the television screen. I can’t wait!” said Widders.
Now in its 53rd year, the Knockout is one of the largest Indigenous sporting events in the world, with a record 170 teams taking part in KKO 2025. Hosted by reigning champions and eight-time winners Walgett Aboriginal Connection (WAC) – equalled only by the eight-time winning Redfern All Blacks – the tournament promises intense competition across men’s, women’s, and junior divisions, as well as a vibrant cultural program that showcases the passion within communities and honours First Nations peoples in Australia.
The Knockout has long been a launchpad for Indigenous players, with Latrell Mitchell, Cody Walker, Josh Addo-Carr, and Greg Inglis all featuring in the competition before entering the NRL.
Joining Widders in the commentary team are Ngemba-Muruwari journalist Dan Conifer, Bidjigal man Brad Cooke, dual International Timana Tahu, Gudjula and Erubian descendant Bo de la Cruz, and former NRL player and Dunghutti man Beau Champion.
NITV’s Head of Indigenous Commissions and Production, Dena Curtis, said NITV is proud to bring the Koori Knockout to audiences across the country for another year.
“This iconic tournament is more than a game – it’s a celebration of culture, community, and the incredible talent within First Nations rugby league.”
“For 53 years, the Knockout has united generations and showcased NSW Rugby League talent. This year marks our 16th broadcast as the biggest competition in its history reaches new heights with a record 170 teams playing in this year’s event.”
“We’re excited to share every moment of the Finals action and the stories that make this event one of the most significant Indigenous sporting and cultural gatherings in Australia.”
The Knockout will be staged at the Riverside Sporting Complex in Tamworth, on Kamilaroi Country.
In the lead-up, Over the Black Dot will air a special Knockout preview on Tuesday, 30 September, profiling teams and players. NITV News’ Nula will also broadcast live from Tamworth on Friday, 3 October. Match highlights, results, and community stories will be shared across NITV’s digital and social platforms over the weekend.
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