Organisers make difficult decision to cancel popular league carnival
Knockout blow: Organisers reveal reason behind decision to cancel popular country rugby league carnival. Details here.
A favourite on Queensland’s rugby league calendar, the Border Knockout, has been shelved for 2026 after new compliance demands — yet the Goondiwindi Boars say the carnival is far from finished.
One of Queensland rugby league’s premier country carnivals, the Border Knockout, will not go ahead in 2026.
Held in early February, the knockout, which is organised and hosted by Goondiwindi Boars Rugby League Club, traditionally kicks off a jam packed pre-season carnival schedule.
Toowoomba Rugby League has been awash with rumours as to why the knockout has been cancelled but Boars club president Dana Pearce said the reason is a simple one.
“Queensland Rugby League has recently introduced a more formal process when it comes to applying to run carnivals like ours,” Pearce said.
“We as a committee made the decision that we didn’t have enough time to go through that process and meet all the requirements.
“Being so early in the season it can be hard to organise.
“It is a huge committment and lots of work to run the Knockout. Honestly though we do love that work, we love hosting it, it’s great for the club, community and rugby league.
“It wasn’t an easy decision but that time frame was just a little too tight.”
Pearce however said the Knockout will not be down and out forever.
The 2026 event will not go ahead but like a heavyweight prize-fighter determined to win a title belt, the Knockout will rise off the canvas and run again in 2027.
“QRL have been absolutely fantastic throughout the whole process,” Pearce said.
“We’re already planning for 2027 and they (QRL) are helping us with advice and other support.
“We have a lot of teams from across Queensland and New South Wales travelling for the Knockout every year and we want to make sure we produce the best possible event for them and the community.
“QRL are helping us with the initial planning and application and we will do the rest.
“We will be back in 2027 there is no doubt about that.”
Originally published as Organisers make difficult decision to cancel popular league carnival
