Thousands upon thousands of rugby league players and fans are heading to Worimi Country this weekend for what's often celebrated as a 'modern corroboree' — the annual Koori Knockout.
After fairytale success at last year's carnival, Newcastle Yowies take the long weekend of footy to Raymond Terrace.
Well over 150 sides will run out across the men's, women's, junior boys and girls draws vying for bragging rights across the four days of competition with future, past and current NRL and NRLW stars amongst the lineups.
As always, hosting rights are handed to the men's champions from the previous year.
The Yowies snapped a run of consecutive triumphs by powerhouse Walgett Aboriginal Connection in 2025, getting over Bourke Warriors 25-24 in a thriller.
All five Yowies sides entered in the draw featured in the final four of their respective competitions, producing a dominant showing as their senior women's team, U17s girls and U15s girls were also crowned champions.
It came just six weeks after the passing of co-founder and club matriarch, Aunty Gwen Wright.
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The club locked in Kings Park Sporting Complex in Raymond Terrace as the hosting venue earlier this year.
"The Koori Knockout is one of Australia's premier Aboriginal sporting events, bringing communities together through sport, culture and connection while inspiring the next generation," Yowies president Warren Schillings said earlier this month.
"It's a chance for people to reconnect, celebrate culture and share stories and traditions with family and community."
Aboriginal Affairs NSW, Awabakal LALC, TAFE NSW, Aboriginal Languages Trust are among the sponsors of the 2026 Knockout.
Competition kicks off Friday, with finals scheduled for the Monday public holiday.
Yowies will be without former players such as Bradman Best, Fletcher Hunt and Jermaine McEwan, who are preparing for the NRL grand final with the Newcastle Knights on Sunday night.
"We want to make the event a success, not only for the Newcastle Yowies and participants, but also for our local businesses and the Port Stephens community," Port Stephens mayor Leah Anderson said.
"This event will be more than a sporting competition, helping local families experience a significant cultural event right here at home.
"It will inspire young people by showcasing our region's capacity to host major events, and celebrate the strength and leadership of Aboriginal communities."
More than 40,000 people are expected to go through the gates to witness four days of rugby league competition.
The Knockout continues to be one of the largest annual gatherings of First Nations people across the country — and from humble beginnings.
Over half a century ago, Koorie United, Redfern All Blacks, Kempsey, La Perouse, Walgett, Cowra and a Mt Druitt-South Coast combined side competed in the first carnival then known as the NSW Aboriginal Rugby League Knockout.
Its founders; Victor Wright, Bob Smith, Bob Morgan, Bill Kennedy, Danny Rose and the late George Jackson had earlier conceived the idea at Redfern's Clifton Hotel.
"It's a time when we come together. When we decided that it wasn't just about football. It was about community, Country and kin. We wanted to ensure that our people came together and celebrated the fact that we are the oldest surviving culture on this planet," Uncle Bob said when the original site was honoured with NSW heritage recognition last year.
"We wanted to incorporate all of that into what has eventually become the largest gathering of Indigenous people in the Southern Hemisphere."
In February, when Worimi Country was secured as the mulit-ground host for 2026, Mr Schillings reiterated the continuing significance of the gathering.
"The Koori Knockout is fast, tough and exciting. It's played over four days. I'm expecting around 190 to 200 teams to take part," he said.
"The Knockout is more than just a sporting event. It is a celebration of community, culture, pride, connection and bringing our people together to showcase our region, support local businesses and create lasting memories for families and visitors.
"We look forward to welcoming teams from across the state in 2026."
