Koori Knockout: Dean Widders rates his favourite opponents, teams to watch in 2024 edition

It’s Koori Knockout week and we complete our chat with Dean Widders as the former NRL star rates his favourite opponents and the teams to watch in this year’s edition.

Ewan McGrady during his playing days with Canterbury. Picture: Iain Gillespie

Growing up and playing at the Koori Knockout, Dean Widders witnessed first-hand the magic that could be produced by the players he idolised.

The McGrady family is synonymous with the tournament, and there are no players more respected than Ewan McGrady.

A winner of the Rothmans Medal in 1991, with the Moree-born star still going around today after being spotted playing for Toomelah at the Lismore Knockout.

“I looked up to Ewan McGrady. He was a standout player for me and all his brothers. All the McGrady brothers were outstanding when I grew up,” Widders said.

“Brett Davis played a bit of NRL with Western Suburbs back in the day and Paul Davis were standouts for the Nambucca team. They were two of the great players that I came up against.

“When I think of Koori Knockout players I automatically think of the Davis’ and the McGrady’s.”

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While the playing days of Widders are over, he said he enjoys being able to watch from the sidelines these days.

“With NITV I can watch every game, get out there and don’t feel sore, tired or any pressure,” he said.

“With the Knockout it all comes down to the luck of the draw. If you can get an easier run it makes a big difference.”

Widders and the Over The Black Dot crew will take a look at this year’s Knockout on tonight’s show (NITV 9.30pm), and he gave a few hints as to who he thinks can compete for the men’s crown.

Walgett are strong favourites to feature prominently once again. Picture: Andrea Francolini

“For me, I love watching the Toomelah side play. The next generation of McGrady’s are in that side,” he said.

“Cabbage Tree Island is another team who plays open style footy from the North Coast with Brian Kelly leading that team.

“The WAR team from Wiradjuri Aboriginal Rivers will be strong, Walgett Aboriginal Connection will be strong and I think you’re going to get some great sides from Newcastle and Sydney.

“La Perouse has been really building up, but the Newcastle Yowies and All Blacks will be really strong teams.

“Ronald Griffiths is coaching the Yowies and he’s building a really solid young team.

“The Boomerangs from Moree are building up really strong as well. It’s been a long time since they’ve been up there in contention and they could come through.