Koori Knockout hosts Newcastle All Blacks held their latest stakeholders meeting on the NSW Central Coast this week, putting the finer details adjacent to football together.

Local council, emergency services, Darkinjung Aboriginal Land Council, community services and the NRL have all put their hands up ahead of the 51st Knockout over the October long weekend.

When thousands upon thousands attend one of Australia's largest community sport events, having many hands on deck is crucial.

While most will be concerned about the rugby league being played, NAB president Uncle Edward Smith has had plenty to think about for the best part of a year - from footy to traffic control.

The 2023 carnival will convene on the Central Coast Regional Sporting and Recreation Complex in Tuggerah, housing the required space and grounds needed, albeit an hour south of home.

Getting the Knockout up and going each year is a mighty effort for a volunteer operation.

Uncle Ed told National Indigenous Times the work started almost immediately after NAB won last year on Yuin Country.

The previous year's winner has hosting rights for the next carnival. Also champions in 2018, NAB are in familiar territory.

"You gotta start as soon as you win the competition…as soon as you come home you're into it the next day," he said.

Uncle Ed said the team carries some of the weight organising their push to go back-to-back with many hands being dug into pockets everywhere to support the effort.

"People just want to get involved and help because it's a big cultural event. It's not just sport, it's a cultural event as well. And people love it," he said.

"Players, they come to the meetings and they want to find out what's going on. Because when they're finished playing, they're going to take over (NAB).

NSW Police had asked to set up a stand encouraging Indigenous recruitment on Wednesday.

Still weeks away from locking in the draw, Uncle Ed told teams around the state to get a wriggle on themselves.

The juniors and womens draw is capped at eight sides, with applications closing September 15.

The quote for men's teams cuts off at 64.

Uncle Ed said each side looks at around $40'000 to play between the $1'500 entry fee, travel, accommodations and administrative costs.

Even so, competition is fierce.

"Hurry up and get in…there's only a number of teams we're taking..otherwise we'll go long than four days," Uncle Ed said with a laugh.

The Koori Knockout is set for September 29 to October 2.

Amateurs to NRL stars participate year on year.