MOREE Boomerangs men’s seconds, coached by Brian Saunders, will play Yuin Connections at 9.50am today in the 2025 Koori Rugby League Knockout at Tamworth’s Riverside Sporting Complex.

The Moree club’s men’s firsts, coached by Chris Binge, drew the bye in the opening round of the Pool A draw and will play either Griffith 3 Ways or Newcastle All Blacks at 9.10am on Sunday.

Griffith 3 Ways and Newcastle All Blacks play at 9am today.

In the men’s Pool D draw, Toomelah Tigers play Tamworth Crows Waagaan at 4pm today and the Mungindi Grasshoppers play Brewarrina’s Barwon United Swans at 5.40pm, also today.

Yesterday, Moree Boomerangs under-15s, coached by Moree Giants club president Stephen Cory, were beaten 10-nil by Newcastle All-Blacks and Moree’s under-13s boys were beaten 40-6 by Cabbage Tree Island.

“The Moree boys under-15s went down, but I can definitely say the best team lost. We look forward to next year,” Cory said.

Moree Boomerangs under-15s girls were beaten 26-6 by Darkinjung Waters.

Mungindi Grasshoppers under-15s beat Koori Warriors 24-6 and Toomelah Tigers under-15s were beaten 46-nil by Wiradjuri Aboriginal Rivers.

More than 30,000 people are expected to come together and celebrate the Koori Knockout over four days – October 3 to October 6 – and support communities and teams.

The 53rd knock-out celebration is hosted by last year’s winners, Walgett Aboriginal Connection, and is the biggest competition in the event’s 52-year history, with more than 170 teams competing.

Moree Boomerangs under-15s, coached by Moree Giants club president Stephen Cory, were beaten 10-nil by Newcastle All-Blacks at the Koori Knockout yesterday (Image: James Cory).

Accommodation in Tamworth is completely booked out, with people staying as far away as Armidale to attend.

Moree Boomerangs’ players, supporters and families are staying at Lake Keepit Sport and Recreation Centre.

The Koori Rugby League Knockout, memorialised earlier this year with a blue plaque in Sydney’s inner west, is a celebration of grassroots competition.

The knock-out also gives small and medium First Nations businesses an opportunity to focus on their products, connect with customers and grow networks.

The Aboriginal Business Precinct at Australia’s largest Indigenous sporting event is running for the second year.

Between matches, players and spectators can explore the precinct where Aboriginal businesses from across New South Wales, including Tamworth, Dubbo, Gunnedah, Thornton and Port Kembla, will offer a range of products and services spanning clothing, art, jewellery and beverages.

The event coincides with Indigenous Business Month and NSW Small Business Month.

Minister for Regional and Western NSW, Tara Moriarty, said Aboriginal entrepreneurs contribute to regional economies and cultural life.

“Whether it’s creating goods, generating jobs, developing skills or delivering services that strengthen community and culture,” Ms Moriarty said.

“Last year’s Aboriginal Business Precinct was an incredible success, giving participating businesses the exposure and confidence to grow, while offering Knockout crowds something unique to experience or take home between matches.

“This year, the Business Precinct will build on that success, continuing to create opportunities for First Nations businesses to showcase their products and services, connect with new customers and strengthen their networks, without the overhead costs.”

NITV and SBS are providing a live coverage of the knock-out, with details at 2025 Koori Rugby League Knockout Live Broadcast Details.