Final fours confirmed ahead of grand final day at Koori Knockout, WAC survive golden point while chasing three-peat

Jarred Cross Published October 6, 2025 at 4.30am (AWST)

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The pointy end players are locked in after a bumper day of footy on Gomeroi Country. Image: Joseph Guenzler.

Two-time defending men's Koori Knockout champions Walgett Aboriginal Connection have survived a pair of scares to progress into the final day of the 2025 tournament and keep the three-peat dream alive on Gomeroi Country.

Four teams remain in the hunt for the title in the men's and women's draws at Riverside Sporting Complex in Tamworth.

For the third year running, WAC, featuring the likes of Dally M medallist Ben Barba, other former NRL stars and Rabbitohs new signing Latrell Siegwalt in the halves, ended fellow heavyweights Wiradjuri Aboriginal Rivers' long weekend in nailbiting end to Sunday's play.

*Latrell Siegwalt kicks at goal for WAC. (Image: Joseph Guenzler)*

WAR, with Brent Naden and Tyrell Sloan among their setup, had their noses in front at half time before two errors under the high ball of Barba's boot gave WAC the lead mid-way through the second half.

A late try brought things back to a two point difference, WAR unable to convert and handing WAC a spot in the semis when a desperate offload when attacking close to the line went to ground.

A third-straight and ninth Koori Knockout title remains in sight with the 24-22 win.

Earlier in the day, WAC captain Joel Thompson was the hero crossing over in golden point and saved his side from bundling out early when Josh Addo-Carr's Sydney All Black's forced them into extra time.

Things went WAR's way against WAC in the women's draw 18-0 in their Sunday afternoon game with a final four.

WAR's side features Jillaroos Shaylee Bent and Taliah Fuimaono.

*Shaylee Bent beats multiple WAC defenders to cross over for Wiradjuri Aboriginal Rivers on their way to a top four berth. (Image: Joseph Guenzler)*

Newcastle Yowies booked their spot in the final four with a thrilling 14-12 win in a local matchup with 2022 winners Newcastle All Blacks.

Yowies had the better of Tweed Connexions and Boomerang Sports Club earlier in the day.

They'll face Baryulgil Descendants for a place in the men's grand final - who've posted 34-6, 22-nil, 40-6 and 22-6 wins in their campaign so far.

WAC face no easy task with Bourke Warriors on Monday morning.

Bourke started their knockout with an 82-nil win on Friday and got past Toomelah Tigers 18-6 to move into the pointy end.

Earlier in the draw, 2024 grand finalists Nanima Common Connection went down to WAR to end their chances of chasing retribution.

They'd earlier knockout out perennial top four side Blacktown Red Belly Warriors in an early major matchup.

What might be the biggest shock, Redfern All Blacks bowed out at the top when they were fixtured against WAR in the opening round.

Returning champions in the women's draw, Redfern All Blacks meet Newcastle Yowies in a rematch of the 2023 grand final for a spot in this year's decider.

WAR come up against Bourke Warriors in the other semi final.