NRMA supports up and comers at the 2025 Koori Knockout
In 1991, Rhondelle Ryan’s grandmother started the Blacktown Red Belly Warriors to showcase blak excellence and bring the community together with a beloved pastime – rugby league. Rhondelle grew up in the club and became its president in 2006.
In 1991, The Red Belly Warriors had one team. Today, they have seven.
This year, the NRMA is proud to be supporting the under-15s girls' team as they – and the rest of the Red Belly Warriors – head to the Koori Knockout in Tamworth this long weekend (Oct 4-6).
The NSW Koori Knockout
The knockout is held every October long weekend and is one of Australia’s largest First Nations gatherings. The knockout was first played in 1971 and celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2022.
Giving back to grassroots footy, the weekend will see amateur and professional players alike fight it out for the championship and a chance to host next year’s knockout.
The tournament is not just a rugby league competition but also a cultural event that showcases Indigenous communities, culture, language and business.
This year, over 170 teams will be competing in the knockout, which will be held in Tamworth at the Riverside Sporting Complex. But if you can’t get to Tamworth, you can catch all the action on NITV and SBS on Demand.
Best of mob and best of luck
On Tuesday night, the Blacktown Red Belly Warriors held a cultural event at Kareela Reserve in Doonside to see off their teams and wish them luck for the weekend ahead.
While the players trained, Coach Jason Folomu noted that with try-outs for the Koori Knockout teams open to all, unifying the teams in a short period of time is a big hurdle. The first time they have all played together is tonight, just four days before the tournament.
After training, the teams, supporters, and wider community came together for Cultural protocols. Ensuring respect for Country as they travel but also asking for protection on the roads and fields. Opening the ceremony with a heartfelt Welcome to Country and a powerful Smoking Ceremony, the community was then treated to storytelling through dance by the Garabara Dance Group.
