NITV’s Brad Cooke discusses importance of Koori Knockout in highlighting Indigenous league talent

With NRL stars on show, a return after a three-year hiatus and 50th anniversary celebrations, NITV’s Brad Cooke believes this year’s Koori Knockout is one of the most anticipated in the carnival’s history.

RUGBY LEAGUE: We’re just days away from the most anticipated Koori Knockout in recent memory.

The two-year Covid-imposed hiatus is officially over, with the South Coast preparing for an influx of visitors in one of the country’s biggest carnivals.

Brad Cooke is one of the voices of the Koori Knockout for NITV, and can’t contain his excitement to return after two years on the sidelines.

“I don’t think there’s ever been a greater anticipation for an Aboriginal community event,” Cooke said.

“It’s the 50th knockout, and the poor hosts the South Coast Black Cockatoos have been waiting three years for it to be cleared.

“This is the best type of rugby league played anywhere in the world. It’s community focused and involves a lot of people playing for their mob and community.

“Each has a different style they bring to the knockout.”

The open men aren’t the only feature, with the women, and junior boys and girls set to light up the south coast.

Cooke said these divisions play an important role in the fostering of Indigenous talent in aiming to get to the top.

“The growth of the kids divisions and the growth into the girls and womens comps has been very rapid,” he said.

“Women have been playing knockouts for decades, and we feel quite passionately about the effort going into that.

“It has given more confidence to pursue open women’s competition at that elite level.

“With the kids divisions we’re now seeing regular pathways. The knockout was created 50 years ago by six mazing Aboriginal men because our young stars weren’t getting an opportunity in NSW league competitions.

“It was created so our men could showcase what they could do, and now to see young kids doing that in front of scouts is great.”

Latrell Mitchell of the Rabbitohs could play for Taree this weekend. Photo: Matt King/Getty Images

The Koori Knockout has played host to a wealth of NRL talent over the years, with the likes of Latrell Mitchell, Andrew Fifita, Josh Addo-Carr and Greg Inglis to name a few that have returned to their roots.

This year is no different, with a host of stars potentially lining up in the feature weekend.

“Nobody is ever confirmed to play, but with South Sydney out of the running there’s a few players that will likely suit up,” he said.

“Blake Taaffe is playing for La Perouse, Cody Walker will most likely play for Bundjalung Baygal Warriors and Latrell (Mitchell) could play for Taree.

“Connor Watson always turns out. We’ve seen GI (Greg Inglis) play for his mob in Macksville.”

The likes of Josh Addo-Carr, Tyrell Fuimaono and Daine Laurie are also chances of playing on the south coast.

Brad Cooke. Photo: Simon Chillingworth

Cooke will form part of the commentary team, and said from his position, the importance of getting communities backs together bears the most importance this weekend.

“I’m in a privileged position having commentated on the men’s grand final and many of the games since 2008,” he said.

“For me, apart from the fact I get to call footy, it’s a bigger event than rugby league.

“Very rarely do our mobs all get together for positive business, often it’s to mourn someone’s passing.

“It’s moments like this that provide a place for many people all over the state to catch up, see mob they haven’t for a long time, mourn those we’ve lost, and have a fun time.

“It brings us together.”

The Koori Knockout gets underway on Friday, with coverage on NITV Online on Friday and Saturday, and NITV on Sunday and Monday.

WELLINGTON’S HONOUR DRIVING BLACK COCKATOOS

James Wellington (right) inspired the formation of the South Coast Black Cockatoos. Picture: Contributed

WARNING: THIS ARTICLE CONTAINS IMAGES OF A DECEASED INDIGENOUS PERSON

RUGBY LEAGUE: It was the late James Wellington’s vision to see the south coast represented in the Koori Knockout.

In 2019 his family turned that into a reality and the Black Cockatoos were formed.

Not only did they excel in their first year, they took out the whole competition, and now have earned the right to host this year’s edition, to be played over the long weekend.

“James designed the colours and jumpers,” cousin and team manager Greg Wellington said.

“It was his vision to get all of the brothers together and to represent our mob.

“We’re pretty proud to be able to host it here at our local grounds, and bringing his vision to life is pretty special.”

The side is led by James’ brother Ben, who brings previous NRL experience with the Sydney Roosters to the fold.

Greg said it was a way to honour their family member through their shared passion of rugby league, and words couldn’t describe the joy of being able to claim the title.

“It was started as a memorial team in 2019 when James passed away,” Greg said.

“The family got together and started a side. All the guys that played are from the south coast and we were captain-coached by James’ younger brother Ben.

“On the jumper is a picture of him on the sleeve. It was a way to pay tribute to him. He loved his football and loved the south coast.

“It was a pretty proud moment for all involved. A lot of work goes into getting a side up there, and there was plenty of emotion. It was a massive high.”

After Covid forced the cancellation of the Knockout in 2020 and 2021, anticipation levels are at an highest for the carnival to return to its rightful place on the NSW sporting calendar.

This year serves as the 50th running of the Koori Knockout, and with a bumper crowd expected, the region is in for a massive economic boost as well.

“It’s about playing with your mob and representing your family,” he said.

“Indigenous culture is pretty strong with your family, and where you’re from means a lot.

“It will be a big economic boost to the Shoalhaven and south coast. There’s no accommodation from Bateman’s Bay to Wollongong.

“I don’t think Nowra will know what’s hit it.”

The Koori Knockout runs from Friday September 30 through to the finals on Monday October 3 at the Bomaderry Sports Complex and Rugby Park.