A total of 28 teams from across New South Wales and south-east Queensland – 21 men’s and seven ladies – will run on to Boughton Oval when Moree Boars Rugby League Club host the ABCARE Greater Western Challenge on Saturday.

Moree Boars club president Todd Mitchell said the response to the February 22 knock-out carnival has been incredible.

“We’ll have teams and players from all across the state and the ACT, as well as some from over the border,” Mitchell said.

“There will be more than 30 games of rugby league played on the day, with some former NRL stars running on as well as a current NRL ladies player making the trip to Moree.”

Mitchell expects a large crowd, following the huge success of the inaugural knock-out carnival last year, when spectators came from across two states to watch country rugby league at its best.

“We estimate around 3000 people attended last year and we’re pretty sure most of the motels and available accommodation in town was booked out,” Mitchell said.

“A lot of businesses in town benefited from the knock-out last year one way or another, and we anticipate this year to be the same.

“Our first knock-out of this type was a great event. There wasn’t one ounce of trouble and police were very impressed with the way it was run.

“We didn’t have to eject anyone from the grounds. There was one sin-binning all day on the field and no trouble off the field.

“It was a great success, and this year we anticipate it being bigger and better,” he said.

Moree Boars club president Todd Mitchell at Boughton Oval this week. The new clubhouse in the background will be opened this season.

Mitchell is confident the ABCARE Greater Western Challenge will showcase what Moree is capable of achieving – not only on the footy field, but on the sidelines as well.

“Last year we came off a few crime-related issues, a bit like what’s happening now, and we’re hoping the knock-out will put a positive effect on Moree,” Mitchell said.

“We’ve copped a lot of flak and a lot of negativity recently, and some of it is probably justified, but we need people to know Moree is still a good town to visit and a good place to come and enjoy some good games of rugby league.

“Moree has got plenty to offer. There’s great shopping and great food outlets and coffee shops, and there are plenty of reasons to visit our town,” Mitchell said.

The ABCARE Greater Western Challenge is an alcohol-free event, with plenty of activity off the paddock as well.

“There will be a kids’ corner set up near the PCYC, with plenty to do for the kids,” Mitchell said.

He said Moree Junior Rugby League will operate two canteens on the grounds.

“This will help the junior club purchase much-needed equipment and a new scoreboard,” Mitchell said.

“There will be other food vendors and stall-holders as well, including Brax Clothing.”

In January, ABCARE was announced as the 2025 Greater Western Challenge Moree Knockout Carnival’s major sponsor, and joins co-sponsor Quit B Fit, a health program specifically designed to tackle Indigenous smoking rates in New South Wales and part of the Closing the Gap initiative.

The knock-out is also supported by the NSW Government Tackling Domestic Violence Campaign.

“The Moree Boars club is excited to announce ABCARE as the official Gold Sponsor for the knock-out,” Mitchell said.

ABCARE, an incorporated non-government, Aboriginal community-based organisation, has for more than 35 years been dedicated to providing essential services to Aboriginal individuals and families within local communities.

“We are incredibly grateful for this partnership and thrilled to have ABCARE and Quit B Fit on board for this year’s Greater Western Challenge,” Mitchell said.

People arriving to watch all-day rugby league action are advised there will be only one entrance.

“This will be through the Thomson Avenue entrance,” Mitchell said.

“We’ll have security in place, as well as a Police presence to ensure the day runs smoothly. We remind everyone to be on best behaviour and to please limit swearing.

“Any abusive behaviour towards officials, players or spectators could result in a person or persons being ejected from the event,” he said.

With such a big crowd expected, Mitchell said a medic tent will be set up on the grounds for the duration of the knock-out.

“This will be available just in case anyone feels unwell,” Mitchell said.

“The tent will managed by three trained nurses who regularly attend these types of events.

“At this stage, the weather looks to be very favourable for this time of year, with a sunny day and 33 degrees predicted,” he said.

Mitchelle said plans to livestream the main field through Bar TV will be confirmed this week.

ABCARE Greater Western Challenge

When: Saturday, February 22

Where: Boughton Oval Moree

Time: Gates open at 7am with first game at 8am.

Cost: Adults $15; aged pensioners $5; and children 16 years and under free with a paying adult